Okey Dokey Tattoo · Edinburgh

Good ink.
Good aftercare.

Your tattoo aftercare guide

Your appointment is finished. Looking after your tattoo starts here. Find your dressing below, then follow the care steps for your skin.

Start with your dressing
Clean hands. Gentle care. Time to heal. Worried about healing? Read this first

Start with your dressing.

Different dressings need different care.

YAYO Guard second skin

YAYO Familia

These instructions apply to YAYO Guard only. If your artist used another brand, follow that product’s instructions.

  1. Check your removal time

    YAYO allows wear for up to 5 days, depending on how much the tattoo weeps. This is a maximum, not a target. Follow your artist’s timing within that limit.

  2. Remove slowly, with your skin at normal temperature

    Do not remove YAYO Guard in the shower or a hot bath. Gently peel each corner towards the centre, keeping the film parallel to your skin. Take your time; never rip it off.

  3. Then clean the tattoo

    Once the film is off, follow the washing and moisturising steps below.

A reaction to the film? Stop using it and consult a doctor. Do not apply YAYO Guard to infected skin.

Read YAYO Familia’s manufacturer instructions

If the dressing leaks or loses its seal

If fluid leaks out, water gets underneath, or the film lifts enough to expose the tattoo, do not leave a compromised dressing in place to reach the maximum wear time. Remove it using its manufacturer’s method, gently clean the tattoo and contact us for advice about further dressing. Do not patch over a leak.

Cling film or another dressing?

Remove it at the time your artist gave you, then start the care routine below. The YAYO wear time does not apply to cling film. If you cannot remember the instructions, contact us. Only re-cover the tattoo if your artist has told you how and when to do so.

Once the dressing is off.

A simple routine, done gently.

Wash

Wash your hands first. Gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm running water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Rinse without scrubbing.

Pat dry

Use a clean disposable paper towel and gently pat the area dry. Do not rub or use a shared towel.

Moisturise lightly

Once dry, use a thin layer of the aftercare product your artist recommended. Avoid a thick, greasy coating.

Follow your artist’s advice on how often to wash and apply aftercare. This routine is for exposed skin after dressing removal, not for underneath an intact film.

Give your skin some time.

Healing follows your skin, not a fixed day-by-day deadline.

A fresh tattoo can feel sore, look mildly red or swollen, and release some clear fluid. Itching, flaking and light scabbing can follow. Do not pick or scratch. Increasing pain, spreading redness or pus need medical advice.

Healing takes several weeks and varies with the tattoo and your skin. The surface can look settled before the deeper skin has finished healing.

Showers, baths & swimming

Follow your dressing’s instructions while it is on. After removal, keep showers brief and wash gently. Avoid baths, swimming pools, the sea and hot tubs until the tattoo has healed.

Being waterproof does not make a dressing permission to soak a healing tattoo. For YAYO Guard removal, use the method above.

Clothes, sleep & exercise

Choose clean, loose clothing that does not rub the tattoo. Keep bedding clean and avoid putting pressure on the area where possible.

Take a break from intense exercise in the first few days. Avoid activities that rub or stretch the healing area, and ask your artist when to return to your usual routine.

Sun protection, now & later

Keep the healing tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid sunbeds. Use shade and loose clothing while the skin heals.

Once healed, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply at least every two hours outdoors and as the product directs.

Fluid under the film or leftover adhesive?

Some fluid can contain plasma, a little blood and excess ink. Do not puncture the film to drain it. If it leaks or the tattoo is exposed, follow the damaged-dressing advice above.

Do not scrub or pick at adhesive left after removal. Ask us for help if it will not come away gently. For a rash, worsening pain or other concerning symptoms, seek medical advice.

What if I need a touch-up?

Let the tattoo fully heal, then send us a clear photo for your artist to assess. Whether a touch-up is included or chargeable depends on the tattoo, artist, placement, healing and aftercare.

Your artist will confirm any charge. Read our touch-up policy for the full terms.

Know when to get help.

Medical concerns should not wait for a studio reply.

Seek prompt medical advice if you notice:

  • Redness spreading or becoming more intense.
  • Pain, heat or swelling that is getting worse.
  • Pus, open sores, fever, chills or feeling unwell.
  • A new rash, blistering or a suspected reaction to the dressing.

Contact your GP. If you need urgent advice and your GP is closed, call NHS 24 on 111. For a life-threatening emergency, call 999.

NHS 24: when to phone 111