AfterCare

Thank you for choosing to get a tattoo at Township! Although the procedure itself is complete, it is imperative you follow an adequate aftercare regime in order to both minimise the risk of infection and to maximise the ease of the healing process and quality of the final healed tattoo. From here it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to do all you can in respect of healing.

This advice sheet is given as your written reminder of the advised aftercare that your artist will have verbally explained to you, to ensure the best results and most effective healing process. Please be aware it is a guide and although we can offer ongoing advice, if concerns should arise please seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner (GP or pharmacist). Getting a new tattoo involves breaking the skin surface so there is always a potential risk for infection to occur afterwards. Your tattoo should be treated as a wound initially and it is important that this advice is followed so that the infection risk can be minimised.

WHat TO Do Next

Post-Tattoo Wrap Care

Keep the tattoo covered afterwards for at least an hour (cling film wrap). This dressing is only intended to get you home without the treated area catching on clothing, or being exposed to the air. The dressing will also help to stop any bleeding/fluid oozing, but should be removed before it dries on the treated area.

Always keep a new tattoo covered and protected, particularly if working in a dirty/dusty/oily environment.

Washing Your New Tattoo

Always wash and dry your hands before and after handling a new tattoo.

After removal of that dressing, gently wash the tattoo site with lukewarm soapy tap water. It will feel ‘slimy’ for a few seconds. Once the slime subsides the area is clean. Air dry. Do not rub or the skin will become irritated.


Artist Tip: Your tattoo is an open wound—treat it like a healing cut. Less friction = better healing.

Let It Breathe

Let your tattoo air out before applying any balm.
Moisturise only after your skin settles.

Try to wear loose, cotton clothing to minimise rubbing and irritation.

things to Aviod

Avoid unnecessary touching, scratching or picking of the new tattoo site to reduce both the risk of infection and causing imperfections in the healed tattoo.

Avoid baths (submerging the tattoo in water), swimming, sun beds, and sunbathing until your new tattoo is fully healed, as direct sunlight/chlorine can interact with tattoo dye pigments causing skin irritation and inflammation, and damage the final appearance of the healed tattoo.

Apply Balm | Day 2–7

Do not use skin products on the treated area that are not intended for open wound healing. You may apply moisturising cream 2-3 times a day to assist healing and prevent skin cracking.

The recommended aftercare is Whitfields, which we sell in the studio, however, other products such as Bepanthen are available at most pharmacies/supermarkets from the baby care section. Never use perfumed or antibacterial creams such as Savlon.

Healing | Week 2–4

After approximately two weeks, any scabbing should have gone and been replaced with new, intact skin. The area should be completely healed in a further 10-14 days, but continue to moisturise as required as the new skin will remain ‘shiny’ and dry for some time.

Long-Term Love

Protect with SPF 50+ sunscreen once healed and moisturise to maintain colour.

 FAQs

  • Yes—light peeling and some itchiness are part of the normal healing process. Just don’t pick or scratch.

  • No—avoid pools, hot tubs, saunas, and baths until your tattoo is fully healed (about 3–4 weeks).

  • Initial healing takes 2–3 weeks, but full skin recovery can take up to 4–6 weeks depending on placement and aftercare.