Aftercare

1. Day one

   Keep it covered, then clean

   Leave the wrap on for as long as I advise on the day. Then wash it gently with lukewarm water and unscented soap, pat it dry with clean kitchen roll and let it breathe.

2. Days two to four

   Wash, dry, a thin layer

   Wash it two or three times a day and apply a very thin layer of unscented aftercare balm. It should look slightly shiny, never greasy. Some redness and tenderness is normal.

3. The first two weeks

   Let it flake

   It will flake and itch. Leave it alone: no picking, scratching or peeling. Keep it out of baths, pools, the sea and the sun, and wear loose, clean clothes over it.

4. Weeks two to four

   Settling in

   The surface looks healed, but the skin underneath is still settling and the tattoo can look a little cloudy. Keep moisturizing and keep it covered in the sun.

5. Healed

   Sunscreen, always

   Once it has fully healed, a high-factor sunscreen is the best thing you can do for it. If anything needs a touch-up, get in touch.

Spreading redness, heat, swelling that gets worse, or a fever can mean infection. See your GP or call NHS 111.