Old Time Tattoo  

Tattoo aftercare

 

Products we recommend using:

 

- Kanzo Soap Bar or Kanzo Foaming Soap

- Kanzo Tattoo Balm

- A fresh roll of good-quality kitchen paper

 

Kanzo products are available to purchase from the studio.

 

Please do not use any other creams, balms or antiseptic products unless we have specifically advised you to. Many commonly available creams & ointments are unsuitable for fresh tattoos and may clog the skin, cause irritation or interfere with healing.

 

Removing the Dressing

 

Keep the dressing on your new tattoo for approximately 24 hours, or for as long as your artist has advised. 

When you are at home or somewhere clean:

 

- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.

- Lift a corner of the film and gently pull it horizontally along the surface of the skin. If the dressing is difficult to remove, use a little warm water to help   release the adhesive.

- Using clean hands, gently wash the tattoo with Kanzo Soap and lukewarm water. Carefully remove any blood, plasma or excess ink left on the skin.

- Rinse the tattoo thoroughly, making sure no soap remains.

- Preferably, allow the tattoo to air-dry. Alternatively, if you don’t have time to allow it to air dry. You can gently dab it dry using a clean sheet of good-quality kitchen paper.

 

Do not dry the tattoo with tissue paper, a bath towel or a used hand towel, as these may leave fibres behind or introduce bacteria.

 

If Your Tattoo Is Still Weeping

 

Your tattoo may continue to weep a small amount for the first day or two after the dressing has been removed. This is generally a normal part of the early healing process. It is especially important to keep the tattoo clean during this stage. Do not apply balm while the tattoo is still weeping. Applying balm too soon can trap fluid against the skin and interfere with healing.

 

After washing the tattoo, allow it to air-dry for approximately 15–20 minutes and then check it:

 

- If the tattoo has remained clean and dry, you can begin applying the balm as instructed below.

- If more fluid has appeared on the surface, it is not ready for balm yet.

 

Do not allow the fluid to dry on the tattoo. Gently wash the tattoo again, allow it to air-dry and check it after another 30-40 minutes. Continue keeping it clean in this way until it stops weeping and has dried out a little. For most people, this should stop within 24 hours after removing the dressing.

 

Applying the Balm

 

Once your tattoo has stopped weeping and is completely clean and dry, apply a very small amount of Kanzo Balm. 

Use only enough to leave a very thin layer over the tattoo. The skin should not be covered in a thick coating! It should be enough just to add a little shine to the tattoo.

Applying too much balm can interfere with the healing process, so it is always better to use a small amount more frequently than to apply too much at once.

Repeat the cleaning and aftercare routine approximately 3–5 times each day, or as instructed by your artist. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo or applying balm.

After a few days, the tattoo may begin to look slightly shiny or plastic-like before it starts to peel. A small amount of light scabbing can also be normal. Allow any flakes or scabs to come away naturally. DO NOT PICK THEM!

 

While Your Tattoo Is Healing

 

- DO NOT pick, scratch or peel your tattoo. This can damage the tattoo and remove pigment.

- DO NOT soak the tattoo in water. Avoid baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for at least 2–3 weeks, or until the tattoo has completely healed.

- DO NOT expose the tattoo to strong direct sunlight or use a sun-bed during the first four weeks.Once the tattoo is completely healed, protect it from the sun using a high-SPF sunscreen. This will help prevent fading and keep the tattoo looking its best.

- DO NOT use any other creams, balms, oils or antiseptic products unless your artist has specifically recommended them.

- AVOID tight, dirty or abrasive clothing that may rub against the tattoo.

- DO NOT follow aftercare advice from friends, social media or the internet instead of the instructions given by your artist. Although people usually mean well, different products and healing methods may not be suitable for your tattoo.

 

When to Seek Advice

 

Some redness, tenderness and mild swelling can be normal during the first few days. However, please contact your tattooist if you experience worsening pain, redness that continues to spread, increasing heat or swelling, pus, an unpleasant smell, red lines extending from the tattoo, or if you feel feverish 

or unwell. If you are unsure about how your tattoo is healing, please contact your tattooist. We would always rather you ask than worry or try to treat it yourself.

 

A tattoo is a lifetime commitment and the first couple of weeks are an important part of its healing. 

Taking a little extra care now will help your tattoo heal correctly and look its best for years to come!