Tattoo Aftercare
Getting the tattoo is only the first step, aftercare plays a HUGE role in how sharp and vibrant your tattoo heals.
We work with skin day in/out and understand that not everybody heals the same way. With our combined 20 years of tattoo experience we've put together our best practice for tattoo aftercare.
Consider this the holy grail of aftercare wisdom just hungry to help you heal that tattoo!
Immediate Aftercare
24/48 Hours
Think of this period as an open wound. You wouldn't rub moisturiser into a cut on your knee, so let's not do it with your new tattoo!
THE FIRST 24/48 HOURS AFTER GETTING YOUR NEW TATTOO PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN HOW WELL IT HEALS.
During this time it's important to keep it covered with a protective barrier, such as cling film, puppy pad or second skin. This covering shields the area from bacteria and helps prevent infection and irritation.
Your artist will have wrapped your tattoo and provided an aftercare plan before leaving the studio. This could be using puppy pads, cling film or second skin depending on the tattoo, artist or customer.
Each of these methods work slightly differently so please refer to your advised aftercare method below.
Aftercare Methods
Not every artist or customer uses the same aftercare plan. Your artist will have recommended their preferred method based on their experience and the work you have had done. For more info click below.
Cling Film
The classic. Clingfilm is a trusted go-to for many artists. Suitable for all tattoos, it offers reliable protection straight after your session, lets the skin breathe between changes but needs changing throughout the day.
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Puppy Pad
Now hear us out, this one’s a secret hero! If you’ve had heavy work done or have sensitive skin, puppy pads are a great option for protecting the tattoo—soaking up excess residue and keeping irritation at bay.
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Second Skin
Second skin is the tattoo industry’s favourite hack. Unlike clingfilm, it’s breathable with an adhesive layer that can be applied directly to a fresh tattoo—protecting it without the need for constant changes.
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Cling Film
- If you have left with cling film on, then it is very important to ensure the tattoo is kept very clean and dry under the wrap.
- We recommend washing and changing the cling film approximately every 4 hours. I.e; morning, lunch, late afternoon, evening.
- When cleaning the area, remove the cling film and give the area a good rinse with lukewarm water. For best results, use in conjunction with ‘Ormis Tattoo; Whipped Soap Tattoo Wash’.
- Simply lather a small amount up in your hands before proceeding to gently massage the tattoo in
a circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry with some kitchen roll & allow to air for 10 minutes or so.
- Once the area is completely clean and dry, reapply NEW cling film only. (You do not need to use cream in the initial stages of healing).
- Please continue to wrap the tattoo in cling film for 3 nights in bed, and 2 or 3 days. Making sure you are cleaning, drying, and re wrapping the area every 4-5 hours. We recommend allowing the area to air for about 10 minutes or so each time unless you have been advised otherwise.
- If you can’t allow time to air (for example, you are at work) then feel free to just ensure it is completely dry and re wrap it.
- If you can’t access somewhere to rinse it clean, then please use baby wipes to freshen the area and apply fresh clingfilm until you are able to rinse it properly.
Puppy Pads
- If your artist has wrapped your tattoo in a puppy pad you will either be advised to keep it on until the next morning or you will have been given a second pad for changing it that evening.
- When you take the puppy pad off, use the shower to give the tattoo a good rinse clean, making sure you have successfully removed any build up or residue. For best results, use in conjunction with ‘Ormis Tattoo; Whipped Soap Tattoo Wash’.
- Simply lather a small amount up in your hands before proceeding to gently massage the tattoo in a circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry with some kitchen roll & allow to air for 10 minutes.
- Follow this by applying either a second puppy pad or cling film or second skin (whatever your artist has instructed).
- Please continue to keep your tattoo clean & covered with the advised method for up to 2 days following your appointment.
- Do not apply more than one of these options at the same time.
Second Skin
- Your artist may put on a second skin film on your tattoo.
- Follow your artists' advice on how long to leave this on.
- In some cases your artist may tell you to change this the following morning. Alternatively you may have been told to leave it in for 3-4 days.
REMOVAL:
- To remove, using clean hands find a corner and gently peel from there. Do not pull it like a wax strip.
- Wash the tattoo using warm water, making sure you clean off any gunky residue. You can use a mild unscented soap, we recommend ‘Ormis Tattoo; Whipped Soap Tattoo Wash’.
- Pat the tattoo dry with kitchen roll. Leave to air for 5-10 minutes.
APPLICATION:
- If you’ve been told to put on another layer of second skin, or are applying second skin following a pad, make sure the tattoo is clean and dry.
- With clean hands, peel the paper backing of the second skin.
- Apply to the tattooed area, making sure to leave an inch border around the tattoo. Remove the top layer following the direction of the arrows. This will leave a thin film on the skin.
- For larger tattoos this is easier to apply in smaller sections which can be overlapped.
- Leave this on for 3-4 days. After this don’t apply any more.
- Please note you may get a build up or fluid or an ‘ink sack’ underneath. This is normal, don’t panic.
Healing, Pealing & Scabbing
Week 1
Once you've passed the first 48 hours your tattoo should have settled down past the open wound status. This is when your body begins to heal & your tattoo will dry and start to flake. Don't worry, this is normal & whatever you do, DON'T PICK!
Recovery, Fresh Skin & Itching
Week 2
Congrats, you made it to week 2 with no issues! This is when your tattoo will start to look/feel healed. The dry skin will have flaked off & your almost ready to look upon your new tattoo in all it's glory.
Contact
If you still have a question or wish to enquire about a tattoo or piercing please use the below contact form and we'll get back to you.
Please include ALL of the the following details: Style, Placement, Size (in CM), Colour or Black/Grey.