Leave it on for as long as possible, 3 days is great, any more is even better! Take it off once

• The seal is broken so either when fluid seeps out of the bandage, water has gotten under the bandage or if the edges become loose

If it becomes red and itchy, or if you simply don’t like the feel of the second skin, take it off! When you are ready to remove the bandage, do so in the shower under warm water so that it adhesive comes of easier. Do not worry if there is an imprint of the tattoo on the bandage, this is normal! Using your hand, wash with warm soapy water, then pat dry with a clean towel and apply antiseptic cream as needed.

I supply the Dr Pickles Tattoo Balm which has natural antiseptic properties, but there is a wide range of aftercare products available, it is best to go with what you have successfully used in the past.

I say to leave the tattoo "dry, but moisturised", so if you look down and it looks slightly dry, apply a small amount of balm, enough to moisturise it but not drown it.

Once the tattoo has moved into the "flakey" stage, I normally change back to my usual moisturiser

Once your tattoo is fully healed, maintaining its health involves a few simple steps. First, protect your tattoo from sun exposure by applying a high SPF sunscreen, as UV rays can fade the ink over time. Moisturize regularly with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion to keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness, which can affect the vibrancy of the tattoo