Aftercare Instructions

We take great care and pride in all of our work, and you know all the tattoos we perform will have been made using sterile equipment. We do not re-use needles etc, and each customer has their colours mixed individually, with any leftover disposed of. We only use the highest quality needles and colours. You will be given the best advice available and with conscientious aftercare on YOUR BEHALF problems should not arise.

Whilst we take every precaution possible, the aftercare of a new tattoo is the sole responsibility of the client - we cannot accept any liability after a client has left the studio.

As we have wide experience of tattooing, we offer the following advice.

• A light scab or "top" will form on a new tattoo after about 24 hours. The newly tattooed part should be kept clean and dry at all times. You should bathe the area with a good quality soap and warm water 2-3 times a day, DO NOT soak the area. Pat dry with a clean towel, DO NOT RUB.
• Clients engaged in work of a dirty or dusty nature are advised to keep the newly tattooed area covered with a dry, light bandage for the first 4 days.
• Lightly rub a small amount of Bepanthen Cream (available from either "Boots" or "Tesco") into the new tattoo twice daily for approximately one week. Do not put petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on a new tattoo as this will not allow the skin to breathe and, due to its sticky nature, may make particles of dust or dirt adhere to the tattoo.
• Do not be tempted to pick off the scab. The top will peel away, or flake off, in about 5 - 7 days. If you pick the scab, you risk infection, scarring or removing the colour from the tattoo.
• Sunbathing should be avoided whilst healing, as the sun will not only burn your tattoo, but also cause colours to fade.
• Avoid swimming, saunas, dirt, oil, grease, paint, industrial cleaners, caustic substances, raw meats, creams or ointments (except those already recommended).
• Swimming is not recommended for 10 days.
• An after care leaflet will be given to you before you leave the shop.

It is very unusual for a tattoo not to heal quickly as hygiene methods follow recommended procedures. Should yours not be healing to your entire satisfaction, consult your doctor immediately.

Please note that some body piercings can take up to 12 months to heal - it varies from person to person. If you read, and attend conscientiously to this aftercare, there should be no risk of infection. However, if infection should occur, or you are not entirely satisfied with your piercing, leave your jewellery in and consult either your piercer and/or your doctor.

• Clean your piercing twice per day, removing any dried blood or matter from the jewellery or surrounding skin. Using either Savlon/Dettol Liquid (well diluted), ring the jewellery through the piercing, cleaning it inside and out.
• Care should be taken not to contaminate new piercings, there should be NO oral contact, nor should it be handled with dirty hands.
• New piercings should not be subjected to heavy abuse during the healing period.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing over your piercing. Loose, clean clothing is best, to allow your piercing to "breathe".
• DO NOT remove jewellery from unhealed piercings, as it may not go back in, and will prolong healing time.
• It is normal to feel some discomfort or itchiness for a short time. DO NOT interfere with this, as this may also prolong healing time.

• It is normal for your tongue to swell up to twice its normal size after piercing - you should only feel slight discomfort for a short time. Swelling can be reduced by sucking on ice. This should be done immediately after piercing and at regular intervals over the following 48 hours.
• After consumption of anything other than water, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash is advisable.
• During healing, reduce intake of warm drinks, hot/spicy foods, tobacco and alcohol.
• Avoid deep tongue kissing and oral sex for at least 4 weeks.
• Ideal foods during healing are liquid, soft and easy to chew.