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Tattoo Aftercare Guide
Look after your new tattoo or piercing and it will look after you.
56 Five Star Reviews on GoogleLooking After a New Tattoo
Your artist will give you aftercare instructions on the day, tailored to your tattoo and the dressing used. Always follow their advice first. This page is a reminder of the basics for clients of our Hove studio.
The First Few Days
- Leave the dressing on for as long as your artist tells you to.
- Wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
- Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap, then pat it dry with clean kitchen roll.
- Apply a thin layer of the aftercare product your artist recommends. Less is more.
While It Heals
- Do not pick or scratch any flaking or scabbing. Let it come away on its own.
- Avoid swimming, baths, saunas and long soaks until it has healed.
- Keep it out of direct sun, and use a high factor sunscreen once healed to keep the lines crisp.
- Wear loose, clean clothing over the area.
Looking After a New Piercing
Your piercer will explain exactly how to care for your piercing before you leave the studio. As a general guide:
- Only touch your piercing with freshly washed hands.
- Clean it as your piercer advised, usually with a sterile saline solution.
- Do not twist or move the jewellery, and avoid changing it until it has fully healed.
- Avoid pools, hot tubs and the sea while it heals.
Read more about piercing at Wolf & Dagger.
When to Get in Touch
A little redness and tenderness is normal for the first few days. If you are worried about how your tattoo or piercing is healing, contact the studio on 01273 969940. If you notice signs of infection, such as spreading redness, heat, swelling or a fever, see your GP or call NHS 111.
Got a question before your appointment? Our tattoo FAQs cover booking and visiting the studio, or you can contact us directly.
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