Every new tattoo needs proper healing and care. To minimise complications, and get the best end-result, you must follow these steps. Every step is important, so be patient and read these instructions carefully.
To minimise the risk, the tattoo should be kept covered afterwards for at least an hour, using the sterile, non-adherent dressing, applied by your practitioner. This dressing is only intended to get you home, without the treated area catching on clothing, or being exposed to airborne bacteria. The dressing will also help to stop any bleeding/fluid oozing, but should be removed before it dries on the treated area.
Step 1
Wash hands thoroughly and remove the bandage [cling wrap & surgical tape]. Gently wash the tattoo site with warm running water and mild soap. Wash away any ointment, dried blood or plasma, ensuring the tattooed area is completely cleansed, to eliminate any dead cells that have been allowed to accumulate on the surface. Be sure that all secretions and soap residue are rinsed off. Lightly pat dry [do not rub] with a clean, sterile hand towel or tissue and let it air dry (10 minutes).e.
Aftercare & FAQ's
If you experience any problems with these after-care instructions or mentioned products, please discontinue use and contact the studio. If you have any problems or queries, contact your tattoo practitioner initially. He / she will refer you onto your GP if there are signs of adverse reaction or infection.
Above all, when it comes to tattoo advice, listen to your professional tattoo artist, rather than your friends. We are experienced and know what is best for your tattoo.
Your tattoo has been created by an expert, under strict, hygienic conditions. Now it’s your turn to keep it clean and looking great!
Minimising Infection Risk Guidance Tips:
Your new tattoo should be treated as a wound initially, as the area will consist of tiny skin breaks, caused by the tattooing needles, so there is always a potential risk for infection to occur afterwards.
- How old do you have to be to have a tattoo?
The legal minimum age in England is 18 years of age. It is irrelevant whether or not you have parental consent. It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18. If someone is willing to tattoo a minor, then you must ask yourself if they are responsible enough to be inserting needles into the skin.
- Can I be tattooed at home?
The simple answer is NO. Tattoo artists are licenced by premises. It is the premises that have been inspected and deemed safe and hygienic by the local Environmental Health authority. If a tattooist is willing to insert needles into the skin in an unsanitary environment, can you trust that the rest of their equipment is sterile.
- How do I book in?
You can book in with us via various means, including: Facebook, Instagram, Email, Telephone or simply popping into the studio. Before we can give a quote or confirm a booking, we will need to know the following information: Size [inch / cm], Placement [neck, arm, leg], Style [traditional, realism. trash-polka], colour, and a selection of potential Dates suitable for you.
- Can I reschedule my appointment?
Of course. We try to be as accommodating as possible. We only ask that client's give us a minimum of 48 hours [2 days] notice, so that we may fill the space. If you simply do not show up on your scheduled appointment, or cancel at the last minute, then you will forfeit any deposit, as we will be unable to fill the space in time. We really are quite flexible, and we understand not everything goes to plan, so just contact us, we're here to help.
- How much deposit do I need?
We take deposits so that a client may secure a spot. These can be paid in person at the studio, or online via our PayPal account: beautifullyinked@hotmail.com. We charge £20 per small tattoo [under £100] and 25% of the overall price, for larger designs [over £100]. So for a £400 tattoo, we will require a £100 deposit, to secure a booking spot. The deposit amount will be deducted from the total amount on the day. Deposits are non-refundable.
- Can I send pictures?
Yes. In fact we encourage clients to supply as many references as possible. It allows us to get a clearer pictures of exactly what a client requires. References can be sent via: Messenger, Facebook, Instagram, Email or simply popping in to see us. We offer a free, no-obligation, consultation, where we can get an idea of the size and scope of canvas we have to work with. It also allows the client to meet the team and get a feel for the studio, or even just have a gossip over a cuppa.
- How much will the tattoo cost?
Unfortunately, until we know what design you want, and where, then we could not possibly say how much it will cost. Also each artist charges different amounts, depending on what stage of their career they are at. We currently have several artists, plus apprentices, each of who are due to move onto skin sooner rather than later, so we often have deals going on. Also we can price for a day sitting, or individual designs.
- Can I purchase a gift card?
The answer is Yes, we do gift certificates. Set in a small presentation card, they are perfect for family and friends, at Birthdays or Christmas. The client must bring them on the day of the tattoo and present at the studio. If you do not present them at the studio, they will not be redeemed. We do not exchange them for cash.
- Can I bring someone with me?
We understand that entering a tattoo studio can be a daunting prospect, and that most clients are nervous, however, we are a working studio, so we do not encourage a crowd due to Health & Safety. Anyone accompanying a client will be asked to take a seat in the waiting area. We will not allow anyone other than the artist and the client to enter the booths.
- Do you accept card payments?
Unfortunately we do not accept card payments, due to not having the facilities in place to do so. We are a cash only business, so please ensure you have the correct monies on the day to save any embarrassment.
For any other questions, please contact the studio.
Step 2
With clean hands, apply a thin layer of cream and gengtly rub in. Rubbing will help stimulate the skin and bring blood flow to the area, thus assisting the healing process. Apply cream 2-3 times a day, for the first week, to assist healing and prevent cracking. [Do not use skin products on the treated area that have not been recommended by your practitioner]. Avoid petroleum based creams as they may affect the colour of the treated area.
Don't's:
NO touching, scratching or picking of the new tattoo site as it could result in pigment loss and infection.
NO swimming, saunas, spas, tubs, pools and water sports - chlorine can interact with tattoo dye pigments causing skin irritation and inflammation.
NO spray-tan lotion, sun bed tanning or sun bathing - direct sunlight can interact with tattoo dye pigments causing skin irritation and inflammation.
NO shaving, waxing or exfoliating of the area until your tattoo is fully healed.
NO Tight clothing - polyesters and nylons can rub, leading to heavier than normal scabbing.
NO participating in activities that will make you sweat.
FAQ's
Step 3
For large tattoos, or if there is a possibility that your fresh tattoo will come into contact with soil, dirt, oil, debris, sand, dust, bacteria, pets and at night to protect bed sheets, you can re-bandage for the first 3 days.
For small tattoos (3 hours or less) it is not necessary to re-bandage.
The area should be completely healed in a further 10-14 days, and any scabbing should have gone and been replaced with new, intact skin.
Important:
Do's & Don't's
Wound
Do's:
Always wash and dry your hands before and after handling a new tattoo site.
Always keep a new tattoo covered and protected if working in a dirty/dusty/oily environment.
Always rub in a thin application apply of cream or gently tap to ease any itching.
Always shower to prevent unnecessary water exposure [don’t let water beat directly onto tattoo].
Always stay out of the sun until your tattoo has healed completely.
Always apply sun block [SPF 30+] whenever under sun exposure, to prevent fading.
Always wear loose, soft and clean cotton clothing, to minimise rubbing and irritation.
Always make sure your tattoo is moist before any physical activity.