THE BASSET & HAIR TATTOO CO.

TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

Looking after your new tattoo properly is important for good healing and the best possible result. Please follow these instructions carefully.

1. REMOVE THE COVERING

Leave the covering applied by your artist in place for approximately 1 hour, unless your artist has given you different instructions.

After 1 hour:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.

  • Carefully remove the covering.

  • Gently wash the tattoo using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.

  • Do not scrub the tattoo or use a flannel, sponge or exfoliating product.

2. DRYING YOUR TATTOO

After washing:

  • Gently pat the tattoo dry with clean kitchen roll/paper towel.

  • Do not rub the tattoo.

  • Allow the skin to air dry for a few minutes before applying moisturiser.

Do not use a dirty towel or cloth on a fresh tattoo.

3. MOISTURISING

Once the tattoo is clean and dry, apply a very thin layer of either:

Tattoo Butter OR Cocoa Butter

Apply moisturiser approximately 3 times per day.

A little goes a long way — do not smother the tattoo in cream.

The tattoo should look moisturised but not wet, greasy or shiny.

Always wash your hands before applying cream.

4. DURING THE HEALING PROCESS

For the first couple of weeks:

☐ Keep your tattoo clean and moisturised.

☐ Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing over the tattoo where possible.

☐ Avoid scratching, picking or peeling the tattoo.

☐ Allow any scabs or peeling skin to come away naturally.

☐ Avoid excessive sweating where possible, particularly during the first few days.

☐ Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and baths while the tattoo is healing.

☐ Avoid exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight.

☐ Do not apply fake tan or other cosmetic products to the tattoo while it is healing.

5. SUN & LONG-TERM CARE

Once your tattoo has completely healed, protect it from the sun.

UV exposure can cause tattoo ink to fade over time.

We recommend using a suitable high-SPF sunscreen on healed tattoos when they are exposed to sunlight.

Keeping your skin moisturised can also help your tattoo maintain its appearance.

6. WHAT IS NORMAL?

During the healing process, it is normal for your tattoo to experience some:

  • Redness

  • Mild swelling

  • Tenderness

  • Dryness

  • Itching

  • Peeling

  • Light scabbing

  • Temporary dullness or changes in appearance

Do not pick or scratch the tattoo, even if it becomes itchy.

7. WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE

If you are concerned that your tattoo is not healing normally, seek medical advice.

In particular, seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as:

  • Increasing redness or swelling

  • Severe or worsening pain

  • Significant heat around the tattoo

  • Pus or unusual discharge

  • Red streaks extending away from the tattoo

  • Fever or feeling generally unwell

  • A severe or spreading skin reaction

Do not rely on the studio to diagnose an infection or medical condition. If you are concerned, contact your GP, NHS 111 or seek appropriate medical attention.

8. IMPORTANT

Every person's skin heals differently. Your artist cannot guarantee exactly how your tattoo will heal.

DO NOT:

❌ Pick or scratch your tattoo
❌ Peel away loose skin or scabs
❌ Soak your tattoo in a bath
❌ Swim while your tattoo is healing
❌ Use harsh or fragranced products on the tattoo
❌ Cover the tattoo unnecessarily with cling film
❌ Apply excessive amounts of moisturiser
❌ Expose a fresh tattoo to direct sunlight

YOUR TATTOO IS AN OPEN WOUND — TREAT IT WITH CARE.

Keep it clean. Keep it lightly moisturised. Let it heal naturally.

If you have any concerns about your tattoo during the healing process, please contact the studio.