
TATTOO AFTERCARE
At Valhalla Studio, we take great pride in creating the perfect tattoo for you. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your tattoo heals well, stays vibrant, and remains free from complications. Our team will guide you through our recommended aftercare process after your session, but following these steps is crucial to prevent irritation, infection, or poor healing.
We stock Savlon, Tattoo Aftercare Balm, and Tattoo Foam Soap in the studio—these products are specially formulated for tattoo healing and are available for purchase to help keep your tattoo in top condition.
IMMEDIATE AFTERCARE
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Keep the dressing we applied on your tattoo for 1-2 hours. If we have used a second skin, you can leave this on for up to 3 days.
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When removing the dressing, ensure your hands are clean and gently wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. We recommend using our Tattoo Foam Soap, available in the studio.
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Pat dry with kitchen roll or allow the tattoo to air dry—do not rub.
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Apply a thin layer of Savlon after the first wash to provide a light protective barrier.
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Avoid over-applying any cream, as too much moisture can slow healing.
ONGOING CARE
(First 7 Days)
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Wash your tattoo 2-3 times daily with warm water and gently pat it dry before reapplying a thin layer of Tattoo Aftercare Balm.
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Allow the tattoo to breathe after washing before applying cream. Avoid over-moisturising.
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Keep the area clean and ensure any clothing or bedding that touches your tattoo is freshly washed.
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If a scab forms, do not pick or scratch—let it fall away naturally.
HOW TO AVOID
REACTIONS & INFECTIONS
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Do not submerge your tattoo in water (baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, open water) during healing.
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Avoid tight clothing that may rub against your tattoo and cause irritation.
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Do not expose your fresh tattoo to direct sunlight—this can cause fading and irritation.
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Do not touch your tattoo with unwashed hands to prevent bacteria from entering the skin.
SIGNS OF A NORMAL
HEALING TATTOO
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Slight redness and swelling for the first few days.
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Mild itching and peeling as the tattoo heals.
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A thin layer of scabbing or flaking skin.
SIGNS OF A
REACTION OR INFECTION
🚨 Excessive Redness & Swelling – If redness spreads beyond the tattoo and worsens instead of improving.
🔥 Severe Pain or Heat – A healing tattoo should not feel hot to the touch after the first few days.
💧 Discharge – A small amount of clear plasma is normal, but thick yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge is a concern.
💥 Bumps or Rashes – This could indicate an allergic reaction to ink or aftercare products.
🌡 Fever or Chills – A sign that an infection may be spreading through your system.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU EXPERIENC
A REACTION OR INFECTION
Mild Reactions (Itching, Redness, or Bumps)
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Stop using any new aftercare products immediately, as you may be reacting to an ingredient.
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Wash the tattoo gently with warm water and our Tattoo Foam Soap to help cleanse the area.
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Avoid scratching or rubbing the tattoo, as this can worsen irritation.
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Apply a cold compress (wrapped in a clean cloth) to help reduce swelling or itching.
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Monitor the area—if it improves within a day or two, continue standard aftercare.
Suspected Infection (Increased Redness, Swelling, Heat, or Discharge)
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Keep the area clean by washing gently with warm water and mild soap.
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Apply a thin layer of Savlon, but do not overuse it, as too much moisture can worsen the infection.
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Do not cover the tattoo too tightly, as it needs air to heal properly.
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Avoid applying excessive ointments, as these can trap bacteria.
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Drink plenty of water and rest—your body heals faster when well-hydrated and well-rested.
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Contact us or a pharmacist for advice on over-the-counter antiseptics if the symptoms are mild.
Severe Infection (Spreading Redness, Pus, Fever, or Chills)
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Seek medical attention immediately—this could indicate a serious infection that requires antibiotics.
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Do not ignore worsening symptoms, as untreated infections can lead to complications.
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Follow your doctor’s advice and let us know if you need any information for their assessment.
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Following the appropriate steps after getting a tattoo is massively important for both your health and the appearance of the tattoo. A tattoo is a piece of art, but also a medical procedure. It is therefore important to look after your skin whilst it heals to reduce the chance of infection and scarring. By following the recommended advice you can keep your tattoo looking its best and ensure that it will look great for years to come. Although we understand the urge to show off your ink immediately, the first few days are the most important when it comes to the longevity of your tattoo. Make sure to follow our aftercare routine to leave your tattoo looking and feeling great.