Tattoo Aftercare Guide
Professional Tattoo Aftercare by Tom Ogden
Your tattoo is a fresh wound and needs proper care to heal cleanly and maintain its colour and detail. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best results.
Immediately After Your Appointment
Your tattoo will be wrapped by me at your appointment.
Leave the wrap on for 6 hours (or as advised during your appointment).
When removing it, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
First Wash
Gently remove the wrap and wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap (PROVIDED IN THE AFTERCARE BOX). Either do this in the shower or at a sink.
Use your fingers — never a cloth or sponge — to remove any plasma, ink, or residue.
Pat dry gently with clean kitchen roll or towel and let it air dry.
Do not re-wrap unless advised.
Healing Stage (Days 1–14)
Your tattoo will go through several normal stages of healing:
Days 1–3:
Keep it clean and dry.
Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free tattoo aftercare cream (I recommend HUSTLE BUTTER, which I sell in the studio) 2–3 times daily.
Do not over-apply — your skin needs to breathe.
Days 3–7:
You may notice light flaking or scabbing — this is normal.
Don’t pick or scratch the area. Let the skin shed naturally.
Continue gentle cleaning and light moisturising with the aftercare provided.
Days 7–14:
Itching and peeling may increase slightly.
YOU CAN NOW SWITCH TO COCOA BUTTER AS AN AFTERCARE PRODUCT (PROVIDED IN THE AFTERCARE BOX)
Avoid tight clothing that rubs the area.
Things to Avoid (for at least 2 weeks)
No swimming, hot tubs, saunas, or baths.
No sun exposure or tanning beds.
No scratching, scrubbing, or picking scabs.
No gym or heavy sweating for 2–3 days (especially on large tattoos).
Avoid applying thick layers of cream or petroleum-based products (like Vaseline).
Avoid applying anti septic products, such as Germoline and Dettol.
Colour & Blackwork Specific Tips
Colour tattoos: Moisturise regularly during healing, EITHER WITH HUSTLE BUTTER OR COCOA BUTTER — keeping the skin hydrated helps preserve saturation and brightness.
Blackwork tattoos: Avoid over-moisturising; keep it clean and dry to maintain crisp blacks and solid fills.
Fine line tattoos: Be extra gentle during washing to avoid lifting delicate line work.
Long-Term Care
Always use high SPF sunscreen (SPF 30+) on healed tattoos to prevent fading.
Keep skin moisturised to maintain clarity and vibrancy.
If touch-ups are needed, contact myself through the LINK ON THE WEBSITE once your tattoo is fully healed (around 6–8 weeks).
Signs to Watch For
Mild redness and tenderness are normal for the first few days.
However, contact a doctor or pharmacist if you notice:
Excessive swelling, oozing, or yellow discharge
Severe pain, redness spreading around the tattoo
Signs of allergic reaction or infection
Questions or Concerns
If you’re ever unsure about your healing process, please reach out to me on the Get Ink platform, which was used when booking your appointment.
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Tattoo NUMB APPLICATION Guide
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FOR BEST RESULTS, AVOID CONSUMING ALCOHOL WITHIN 24 HOURS OF YOUR APPOINTMENT.
ALWAYS PERFORM A PATCH TEST AT LEAST 24 HOURS BEFORE USE ON A SMALL AREA OF SKIN THAT WILL BE TATTOOED OR TREATED. DO NOT APPLY TO BROKEN, IRRITATED OR INFLAMES SKIN. MILD, TEMPORARY REDNESS AFTER APPLICATION MAY OCCUR AND IS NORMAL.
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STEP ONE
WASH AND EXFOLIATE THE AREA YOU WILL APPLY TATTOO-NUMB X TO.
STEP TWO
APPLY A THICK AMOUNT OF NUMBING CREAM (2MM THICK) TO THE AREA, rub in and clover with cling film.
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STEP Three
leave the cream and cling film in place for 90 minutes before the procedure.
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STEP four
After 90 minutes remove the cling film (i will do this before the tattoo). wipe the cream away with a paper towel and enjoy your tattoo, pain free.
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