Pre-Care

Deciding to have a tattoo can be very exciting but before you book your tattoo appointment please be aware of the following:

• A deposit is required to make a booking.
• You must inform me if you have any skin allergies or other medical or skin conditions that may interfere with the application or healing of the tattoo.
• You must inform me if you have hepatitis, HIV, diabetes, epilepsy, haemophilia, a heart condition or if you take blood thinning medication.
• You must inform me if you are pregnant or nursing.
• You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when booking the tattoo or when the tattoo is due to take place.
• You must inform me if you have a mental impairment that may effect your judgement in getting a tattoo.
• You must be happy for me to carry out the tattooing procedure and you understand that a tattoo is a permanent change to your body and comes with a certain amount of discomfort.
• You must be prepared to look after your tattoo once you leave the studio.
• You must avoid skin damage to the area you wish to get tattooed and keep it clean and moisturised.
• You must arrive for your tattoo wearing suitable clothing and have paid adequate attention to your appearance and personal hygiene.
• It's recommended that you eat high sugar foods and drinks before and during the tattoo procedure. This will help you manage the discomfort of getting a tattoo so bring a good supply with you.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before having your tattoo as it can affect the tattooing procedure.
• You must give me a minimum of 48 hours notice to make changes to your design.
• DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE and you must give me a minimum of 48 hours notice to re-schedule if you cannot make the appointment. Failure to do so will result in the loss of your deposit.
• You may only move your appointment twice before losing your deposit.

Standard Aftercare Instructions

• You have been tattooed by a trained professional, using modern sterile techniques - the rest is up to you!
• Your tattoo has been covered with cling film to stop bacteria entering the new wound, keep it on for a minimum of 4 hours. DO NOT remove the film until you are ready to clean it.
• Once the film is removed, wash the tattoo with hot water & clean hands only. Make sure all residue is removed. You may need to use some clean paper towel to help with this then you can pat the area dry with more paper towel. DO NOT USE SOAP, DO NOT USE A BATH/HAND TOWEL TO DRY THE TATTOO.
• Let your tattoo air for 15 mins and re-cover with more clean cling film, do not apply aftercare treatment at this stage.
• You should continue to clean and re-cover your tattoo every 8-12 hours (morning and evening) until it starts to feel dry and tight and no longer appears to look wet (minimum 24 hours).
• To check that your tattoo is ready to stay uncovered (usually 48-72 hours after the tattooing process), wash it with clean hands and hot water and pat dry with a paper towel. If after 15 mins the whole tattoo looks dry and feels a little tight then it no longer needs to be covered. If there are any patches that still look wet or the skin doesn't feel tight then it's advisable to continue to re-cover as you do not want open skin exposed to bacteria.
• You only need to start applying aftercare ointment when the tattoo feels really dry and tight though! Don't confuse this with the skin no longer looking wet from being open. If you uncover your tattoo too early and apply cream too soon, the wounds can re-open. Dry for ointment means 'like a desert' you may find this is another 24 hours later after it's been left uncovered. We recommend you use Vaseline during the first week and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil after all the dead skin has flaked off and there's a new, fresh layer of skin. Do not use other oils, creams or body butters without discussing them with your tattooist first as they may damage the tattoo.
• When Applying the aftercare treatment, use a small amount and rub in completely. Too much ointment can cause the top layer of the skin, over the tattoo, to get wet and re-open which can increase the chances of getting a secondary bacterial infection. Put on just enough to stop it feeling tight and rub any remaining ointment into the skin around the tattoo.
• Wash your tattoo once a day for 2 weeks and apply aftercare ointment when the tattoo feels tight, dry or flakey. Try to let it breathe as much as possible, don't wear tight clothing over the area and don't over clean or moisturise.
• Your tattoo will begin to peel & itch after about 2-4 days. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH IT! Let the peel fall off naturally or wash away when you clean the tattoo. Itching usually occurs when the area is dry so apply more aftercare ointment to help, you can also use an ice pack for extreme cases.
• If after 2-3 days there are any areas of your tattoo that do not seem to be drying out at all, are still sore and possibly look like they are getting wetter, redder, or the skin seems to actually be breaking or cracking, please get in contact. Bacteria may have entered the wound during cleaning at home, your immune system may be struggling or the tattoo is in an area of constant movement or friction - in these instances, it is best for you to come into the studio at your earliest convenience for me to provide additional aftercare and advice.
• NO SWIMMING, SAUNAS, HOT TUBS, DIRECT SUNLIGHT or TANNING BEDS for 2 weeks minimum & DO NOT SHAVE near the tattoo until the peeling has stopped & a new layer of skin has formed over the tattoo. DO NOT USE SUDOCREM or SAVLON instead of the recommended aftercare treatment.
• If possible, keep clothing off your tattoo while it heals.
• Once the tattoo has finished peeling & a new layer of skin has formed over the tattoo (usually 1-2 weeks), you can stop using the aftercare ointment and return to your normal moisturising regime.
• Wear factor 50 on your tattoos when they are exposed to the sun, this will help reduce fading.

Saniderm Instructions - Cutting Edge Tattoo Aftercare

• Your tattoo has been covered with SANIDERM film. It can remain in place for between 8 - 24 hours unless it is completely falling off. It is normal for blood and fluids to collect under the film and it if is leaking a little you can wrap cling film over the top.
• Once the film is removed, wash the tattoo with hot water & clean hands only NO SOAP. Make sure all residue is removed. You can pat the area dry with a clean paper towel.
• If you have been given a second piece of SANIDERM film apply it over your tattoo and leave for up to 5 days to heal - SIMPLE! If not, follow the standard tattoo aftercare instructions above.
• We recommend you remove Saniderm in the shower as it's like removing a large plaster and the water can reduce adhesion as you're pulling it off. Pull it down, away from the tattoo rather than up like you're 'waxing' it off!
• Saniderm is breathable and water resistant so you can get on with most daily activities and treat it just like a second skin.
• NO SWIMMING, SAUNAS, HOT TUBS, DIRECT SUNLIGHT or TANNING BEDS for 2 weeks minimum & DO NOT SHAVE near the tattoo until the peeling has stopped & a new layer of skin has formed over the tattoo. DO NOT USE SUDOCREM or SAVLON instead of the recommended aftercare treatment of Vaseline or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
• If possible, keep clothing off your tattoo while it heals.
• Once the tattoo has finished peeling & a new layer of skin has formed over the tattoo, you can stop using the aftercare treatment and return to your normal moisturising regime.
• Wear factor 50 on your tattoos when they are exposed to the sun, this will help reduce fading. Alternatively, become a vampire and avoid sunlight at all costs!
• If you have any questions or any problems arise, please contact me.

Get in Touch

The Retreat Tattoo, West Sussex, BN15Email: the.retreat.tattoo@gmail.com
Instagram: @the_retreat_tattooFacebook: /theretreattattoo