Tattoo etiquette
After Care
On the day your artist will talk you through the specifics of your healing process and apply a protective wrap or second skin to the freshly tattooed area. This is to protect you from any contamination you may encounter post-tattoo. Please make your artist aware of any skin conditions or allergies you may live with.
At BOHObodycult we always recommend tattoo-specific aftercare balms such as BUTTERLUXE but health and budget alternatives do exist, such as coconut oil and coconut butter. In the first instance, your artist will be able to talk you through your individual aftercare needs.
As a general rule of thumb here are our top 6 DO’s and DONT’s of looking after your new tattoo.
DO’s AND dont’S
DO
- Leave your protective wrap or second skin on for a maximum of 4 hours after leaving the studio.
- Remove your wrap or second skin gently and give your new ink a wash with clean warm water, it is important to not use any soaps to wash your tattoo as this can irritate the newly open skin leading to complications. Lightly pat dry with disposable paper towels and apply a thin layer of your chose aftercare balm, if you have chosen BUTTERLUXE you can find their in-depth aftercare advice here.
- Apply your aftercare balm twice to three times a day for two to four weeks.
- Wear light clothing as to not restrict your new tattoo and keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight.
- Let your artist know of any existing medical conditions your may live with as we can alter our processes and advise to suite your needs.
- Eat and drink before your appointment aswell as bring a sugary drink with you for during your tattoo.
DONT
- Don’t submerge your new tattoo.
- Don’t pick at any scabbing or flaking of your new tattoo.
- Don’t use any fragranced, soaps, body washes over your new tattoo. Stick to showers for washing as submerging your tattoo in the bath can lead to complications.
- Don’t expose your new tattoo to direct UV/sunlight, dusty or hazardous environments of any kind, your artist will talk your through any specific aftercare needs if your job gets in the way of following this rule.
- Don’t drink alcohol or take any kind or substances 24hour before or after your tattoo. Substances thin your blood and make our Job harder.
- Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have, body modification of any kind is a journey for clients and practitioners, we are here for you every step of the way.
ON THE DAY
On the day of your tattoo it is important to keep your blood sugars high, eating a healthy meal one hour beforehand and bringing a sugary drink with you will help. your artist will talk you through in detail the aftercare process and any specific needs you may have. we will apply a protective wrap or adhesive second skin to your finished tattoo to protect and start the healing process.
Healing Process
Although sometimes tedious the healing process of a tattoo is the most vital part of keeping the freshly-inked condition of your artwork. Tattoos can take anywhere from two weeks to 6 months to heal depending on the size, placement and complexity of your piece.
FAQ
1. " Can I get my tattoo before I go on holiday? "
The short answer is NO, we don’t recommend getting tattoo work done before any holidays as climate, sun, sea, swimming pools hotel hygiene, airport hygiene etc are all factors we have to take into account when healing our fresh tattoos so at BOHObodycult we recommend our clients to hold off on any jet setting before all healing stages are complete.
2. " Can I go to the gym? "
All skin is different and every person’s healing process is unique to them as a general rule to avoid contamination of an open wound, we advise to avoid the gym or any strenuous activity until all healing stages are complete.
3. " What shall I use for aftercare? "
BUTTERLUXE, or see our aftercare page for a more in-depth look at how to care for your new modification and what aftercare options might be available.