Inception Body Art

Look After Your Ink

Aftercare Guide

Follow these instructions carefully to promote proper healing and achieve the best possible result.

Your tattoo is an open wound and should be cared for correctly to promote proper healing and achieve the best possible healed result. Please follow these instructions carefully.

Immediately After Your Appointment

  • Leave the dressing in place for a minimum of 2 hours, or as advised by your Studio Artist.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.

  • Remove the dressing and gently wash the tattoo using warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.

  • Using your hand only, gently remove any blood, plasma or excess ink.

  • Pat the tattoo dry using clean paper towel or a clean towel.

  • Allow the tattoo to air dry for approximately 15 minutes.

The First Night

  • If advised by your Studio Artist, re-cover the tattoo with fresh cling film for the first night only.

  • Do not apply aftercare cream before re-covering the tattoo.

  • It is normal for the tattoo to release plasma during the first 24 hours. This forms part of the natural healing process.

Ongoing Aftercare

  • After removing the overnight covering, wash the tattoo twice daily using warm water and mild soap.

  • Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

  • Allow the tattoo to air dry before applying aftercare cream.

  • Apply a very thin layer of recommended aftercare cream two or three times each day.

  • Only apply enough to keep the skin lightly moisturised. Do not over-apply cream.

During Healing

  • Keep the tattoo clean.

  • Wear clean, loose clothing where possible.

  • Allow any flaking or peeling skin to fall away naturally.

  • Drink plenty of water.

  • Follow all advice provided by your Studio Artist.

Avoid

  • Scratching or picking the tattoo.

  • Swimming pools.

  • Hot tubs.

  • Saunas.

  • Long baths.

  • Direct sunlight.

  • Sunbeds.

  • Tight clothing that rubs against the tattoo.

  • Heavy exercise if it causes excessive rubbing or sweating.

Healing

  • Every tattoo heals differently.

  • Most tattoos heal sufficiently within approximately 2–4 weeks, although complete healing beneath the skin may take longer.

  • If you experience excessive redness, swelling, discharge, increasing pain or believe your tattoo may be infected, seek medical advice promptly and inform your Studio Artist.

Official Studio Document

Your Aftercare Sheet

View your aftercare guide below and save it to your phone for easy reference while your tattoo heals.

Inception Body Art official tattoo aftercare guide
Save to Your Phone

Tap and hold on mobile to save the image

Following these aftercare instructions will help your tattoo heal correctly and achieve the best possible result.

If you have any concerns about your healing tattoo, please contact us before seeking advice elsewhere. We're always happy to help.