AfterCarE

Aftercare Instructions

Thank you for choosing Bloodhound to bring your tattoo idea to life!

We hope you had an enjoyable experience with us and, above all, we hope you’re pleased with your brand new permanent art.

This is a full comprehensive aftercare guide to assist you throughout the healing stage. Although the tattoo is now done, this is the most crucial part of the entire process. Good aftercare ensures your tattoo will heal trouble-free, bringing a vibrant result which will last a lifetime and fuel the tattoo addiction we all know and love (sorry!). Happy healing!

*Please note when you leave the studio after your appointment it is entirely your responsibility to look after your tattoo to the best of your ability. We practice our service with the upmost professionalism and cleanliness and therefore it is not our responsibility if a tattoo heals poorly.

What to do after getting your tattoo

Now that your new tattoo is complete, your tattoo should currently be bandaged in a transparent sticky film called ‘second skin’ (unless given an alternative).

We recommend keeping this on for 3-5 full days without taking it off. This creates an airtight seal around your tattoo for a prolonged period of time in which your tattoo is still considered fresh, significantly lowering external risks such as exposure to microbes, friction or contact. You can shower whilst you have second-skin applied and it may get wet, but just try not to get it drenched; consider keeping the tattooed area out of the stream of heavy water. In becoming wet, the second-skin will loosen and water may get trapped underneath. Do not take baths (throughout entire healing process). Keep out of direct sunlight (throughout entire healing process).

These are the following steps after removing the second-skin:

Step 2

Once you’ve removed the second-skin, stay in the shower and use our Bloodhound soap to clean your tattoo. Dispense the soap by squeezing the pipette and aim for the palm of your hand (and yes, it is meant to look jet black!). Rub your hands together to create a soapy foam, and then gently lather the foam onto your tattoo. Gently wash your tattoo in a circular motion, ensuring any ink, plasma or sticky residue is entirely cleaned off. When out of the shower, allow the tattoo to air-dry or gently pat it dry with a clean non- fibrous cloth.

Step 3

Now that your tattoo is completely dry, you can start moisturising. Apply a thin layer of the Bloodhound balm, ensuring the entire tattoo is hydrated, but not drowning. The amount of balm you need to use depends on the size of your tattoo, so trust your eyes and apply accordingly.
Make sure your hands are clean when applying the balm, otherwise you will be potentially rubbing germs into your tattoo! Only moisturise when the tattoo calls for it, for example; if it’s dry, itchy or flakey. Generally speaking, 2-3 times a day does the trick.
It is important to note that the balm isn’t magic. Its main purpose is to prevent your tattoo from drying out and cracking, as well as easing the itch. It should be your priority to keep the tattoo clean at all times and to avoid risks.

Step 4

We advise that a tattoo usually takes 2-3 weeks to fully heal, depending on the size and saturation of your tattoo. Healing time also varies per client as everybody’s skin and general health is different.
During this time, your main objective is to maximise the safety of your tattoo; clean it regularly (using the soap), do not itch your tattoo, do not pick scabs, do not engage in any physical activity etc. A lot of it is common sense.
In theory, a tattoo heals best when it is only touched via being cleaned or moisturised, so keep that in mind.

And that’s it!

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to the gym with my healing tattoo?

Not at least for a few days. It also depends on where the tattoo is on your body. If its located on or near a joint (shoulders, elbow, knee etc) then avoid training your body in the area which corresponds with the tattoo. Flexing those areas is going to interfere with the replenishing of the skin. It could rip open scabs and cause scarring. Also it’s not ideal to invade your tattoo with excessive sweating, especially whilst the second-skin is still on. So overall, no cardio and no squats with a fresh knee tattoo! Be sensible.

How will I know my tattoo is fully healed?

When the skin heals, the top layer will scab/peel away and you will hit what we call the

‘silver skin’ stage. Your tattoo will look shiny and ‘silvery’. This means the fresh layer of skin has healed through, but we don’t consider this to be fully healed yet. Give it another week, and your skin will go back to its normal, smooth and matte texture. That is when your tattoo is fully healed.

When can I go on holiday? (Including any sun/UV exposure)

Not until your tattoo is fully healed. No shortcuts with this one! At least month to be safe. Even when your tattoo is fully healed, please suncream your tattoos. Forever. Preferably factor 50.
Sun exposure is a tattoo’s arch enemy and it will fade if it’s excessively burned or tanned.

When can I get my tattoo wet?

You can get it wet straight away, but just don’t submerge your tattoo underwater. No baths or swimming. If you submerge the tattoo then your pores will open up, increasing risk for infection, blowouts, and general poor healing.