Aftercare

Please feel free to ask any questions at your appointment so you feel confident caring for your new tattoo!
Tattoos will usually be fully healed after three weeks.
Continue following aftercare instructions until the skin no longer feels dry.

Cling wrap and moisturiser

• ALWAYS wash your hands before you touch your fresh tattoo. do not let anyone else touch it.
• keep the cling wrap on for 1-2 hours, or until you’re at a clean sink to wash it. don’t wrap it again - let it get some air.
• wash it twice a day for the first 3 days, with warm water and gentle, fragrance-free soap. wash once daily after that.
• avoid very hot water. avoid harsh cleansers. do not use anything with exfoliating properties.
• pat dry gently with a clean towel, or paper towel.
• moisturise the tattoo 2-3 times a day maximum. use a thin layer of fragrance-free and petroleum-free aftercare product. use sparingly - less is more. smothering the tattoo in creams will prevent it breathing, clog pores, and create scabs and infections.
• RECOMMENDED: Dr Pickles, Hustle Butter, Ink Nurse, shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, unscented QV/Dermaveen lotions. Dr Pickles is affordable and is stocked at Woolworths, it’s the easiest tattoo moisturiser to pick up at a shop.
• DO NOT USE: Anything containing petroleum jelly/petrolatum, fragrance, lanolin, or alcohol. No Vaseline, No Aquaphor (contains petroleum jelly), No Lucas Paw Paw (it’s mostly petroleum jelly), No Bepanthen (contains petroleum and lanolin), No Bepanthen “Tattoo” (same product, more expensive) No Savlon (too harsh, contains fragrance and alcohol).
• avoid submerging the tattoo in water for 2-3 weeks (no baths, oceans, lakes, pools, hot springs, etc). showering is fine.
• avoid scratching / picking / rubbing / friction. leave any scabs alone and let them heal in their own time.
• keep away from pets.
• keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight for 3 weeks. avoid sunscreen for 3 weeks. keep it covered with clothing.
• after 3 weeks, sunscreen is your friend. apply regularly on the tattoo to prevent colours fading long term.
• you can wear clean black clothing over the tattoo for the first night to avoid the tattoo sticking to / staining bedsheets.
• i offer one free touch up - so long as aftercare instructions have been followed!

EXTRA NOTES FOR HAND/FINGER TATTOOS

• i’ll send you home wearing a latex/nitrile glove to keep it protected for the journey. keep it uncovered after that point
• 1-2 hours after the tattoo, wash gently with unscented soap and warm water. pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel, let fully dry, and apply a thin layer of unscented moisturiser (see notes above on moisturisers)
• for 2-3 weeks do not submerge or soak your hands in water - avoid doing dishes or cleaning tasks where possible
• avoid friction on your hands. e.g. having your hands in your pockets, taking gloves on and off, wearing long sleeves that rub
• don’t over-moisturise your hands. 2-3 times a day maximum
• try to keep your hands clean as much as possible, to avoid over-washing the tattoo
• you can wear gloves for dirty tasks, but avoid the gloves getting soggy inside! best to chill and get someone else to do it :)
• healing hand and finger tattoos is just difficult because we use our hands so much. they might need a touch up regardless of how well you care for them.

Second Skin (clear dressing - also called Opsite / Saniderm)

• wear the second skin for 2-6 days
• you can shower with it on, but avoid submerging your tattoo in water
• check it daily to make sure there are no leaks or holes, leave it alone otherwise
• if there’s leaks, holes, or it’s coming loose, take it off early and follow the aftercare instructions above
• some people may be allergic to Second Skin if they are allergic to bandaids or medical adhesive
• if your skin develops redness around the edges of the Second Skin, take it off early and follow the aftercare instructions above

Removing Second Skin:
• i prefer to do it wet, in the shower or over a sink.
• start peeling up the edges so you have something to grab onto. at all times go slow and gentle.
• using fragrance free soap and warm water, lather under the edges and work it underneath to loosen it.
• grab and slowly stretch it across your skin rather than peeling upwards - like taking a 3M Command Strip off a wall
• keep lathering it and stretching it out in all directions until it slowly comes off.
• wash it thoroughly, then continue following the aftercare instructions above

Fixomull (white dressing)

• leave the Fixomull on for 7 days
• you can shower with it on, but avoid submerging your tattoo in water
• check it daily to make sure it’s not peeling up, leave it alone otherwise
• if the Fixomull starts to peel off early, stick it back down with a band-aid or tape
• some people may be allergic to Fixomull, but it seems to be quite rare
• if your skin seems unhappy, take it off within the first 48 hours

Removing Fixomull:

• remove fixomull slowly and gently - in the shower with fragrance free soap is ideal
• start peeling it off slowly and gently
• use fragrance free soap to help lather and loosen the Fixomull
• if you have a spare hand, hold your skin taut while you peel away the Fixomull
• if it’s being stubborn, saturate the entire area with coconut oil and try again in 15 minutes
• if any adhesive remains stuck to the skin, use coconut oil to massage it off.
• wash it thoroughly, then continue following the aftercare instructions above

Infection

Tattoo infection is possible, especially if hygiene measures aren’t followed.
It’s normal for the new tattoo to feel warm to the touch, or red and inflamed and painful on the first day.
This should only get better. If the tattoo starts feeling worse, more painful, more red or inflamed, or if anything smells bad, it’s possible you have an infection. Other side effects can include fever or nausea. If this occurs, please consult a doctor as soon as you can, as it may require antibiotics.

Get in touch if you have any questions or concerns!
tattoos@germ.website