Let's help you look after your tattoo
Your new tattoo is a precious asset, and we want to help you keep it looking its best.
🪶To ensure a smooth healing journey, please keep your tattoo clean and follow our care tips.
If you have any questions or concerns, we're just a WhatsApp away! Don't rely on Google or friends for advice - we are here to provide personalized support and guidance.
Feel free to share your aftercare progress with us on WhatsApp.
To help you take care of your new addition, we’ve put together a handy checklist just for you!
Please follow these aftercare instructions, by applying any other ointments/creams or home remedies you could have a severe reaction and compromise the healing process and possibly your health. We are only a WhatsApp away if you need any advice.
Follow these instructions for tattoos that are not healing with a wound film/second skin/"wet healing". In simple terms, if your tattoo does not have a plaster on, and we sent you home as is, or with a cling wrap on, these are the instructions to follow.
If you are healing with a plaster, scroll down to follow the "wound film/wet healing" instructions.
Tonight, wash your tattoo using mild soap and lukewarm running water. Use your hand to gently remove any residue; do not use a sponge, loofahs, or washcloths on the tattoo area.
Lightly pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel or paper towel—do not rub it. Or let it air dry.
Do not apply any creams or aftercare products at this time.
If you have white bedding or pajamas, your tattoo will make a perfect duplicate on these. It does not easily wash out. It is completely normal for your tattoo to expel/"leak"/"smudge" extra ink out and clear liquid (plasma) at this stage. This is your immune system doing it's job.
In the morning, gently rewash your tattoo (the same as last night, only with your hand, no sponges etc) and dry it with a clean towel or paper towel. Do not rub your tattoo!
Repeat this process in the evening as well.
Do not apply any creams or aftercare products at this time.
Dryness and scabbing may begin to occur. Along with itchy, tight skin. This is normal, this is your body healing.
Be gentle with your tattoo from now onwards. Carefully wash and dry your tattoo in the morning and at night. Do not scrub, exfoliate or wash your tattoo excessively. Take care not to remove any scabs. Lightly pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel or paper towel—do not rub it. Or let it air dry.
Once the tattoo is completely dry after washing, apply a thin layer of unscented aqueous cream.
During the day, if the area feels dry, itchy, or tight, apply additional thin layers of cream as needed.
Continue this process until all the scabs have naturally fallen off.
Always remember to wash your hands before touching your new tattoo. Don't let others touch your tattoo. Or your dog. Or your cat.
Follow these instructions for tattoos that are healing with a wound film/second skin/"wet healing".
If you followed the top instructions, you do not need to follow these instructions.
Leave the second skin (or wound film) on for up to 3 to 4 days. If the edges start to lift, use micropore tape or breathable non-woven medical tape to secure those areas to your skin.
If the second skin/wound film comes off, please let us know so we can guide you on the next steps.
You can shower as usual.
A build-up may occur during the first couple of days; this is normal. Do not pop the second skin/film, as this will eventually subside, leading to an unclear view.
Remove the film while in the shower, using water to help gently detach it. Do not rip it off.
Wash your tattoo with mild soap using your hand to gently remove any residue; do not use a sponge, loofahs, or washcloths on the tattoo area.
Lightly pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel or paper towel—do not rub it. Or let it air dry.
Dryness and scabbing may begin to occur. Along with itchy, tight skin. This is normal, this is your body healing.
Be gentle with your tattoo from now onwards. Carefully wash and dry your tattoo in the morning and at night. Do not scrub, exfoliate or wash your tattoo excessively. Take care not to remove any scabs (if there are any scabs). Lightly pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel or paper towel—do not rub it. Or let it air dry.
Once the tattoo is completely dry after washing, apply a thin layer of unscented aqueous cream.
During the day, if the area feels dry, itchy, or tight, apply additional thin layers of cream as needed.
Continue this process until all the scabs have naturally fallen off. (If there are scabs)
Always remember to wash your hands before touching your new tattoo. Don't let others touch your tattoo. Or your dog. Or your cat.
ITS NORMAL!
Well at least on the day of the tattoo and the day after. In some cases with colour tattoos, the tattoo will stay "wet" for a few days.
You were stabbed. This is your immune systems response. Its pushing the extra ink out, and sending extra plasma/white blood cells to that open area to heal it.
Please refer to Day 1 (one) of the aftercare instructions.
Your new tattoo is essentially a wound. We did stab you after all. lol!
Your body needs time to heal, and during this time your skin will feel tight, some areas might "flake" or even scab. This is part of a normal healing process,
Please do not exfoliate during this time. Do not apply any other remedies or ointments. Please pop us a WhatsApp with a photo if you are unsure, we would rather guide you carefully.
We strongly advise any exercise at least 48 hours after your tattoo.
If you need to (really need to) please WhatsApp us to check in. (If you have a wound film on - we would've discussed this prior to your tattoo)
This is because sweat and exposure to dirty and unsanitary environments can lead to an infection. Infections are very serious and can lead to very serious health issues.
PLEASE! We encourage good personal care.
Showers are perfectly fine (refer to the aftercare instructions please). Baths, saunas, soaks and swimming is NOT ALLOWED. ALL CAPS!
Soaking your new tattoo will prevent your body from healing the area as it should, keeping that fresh tattooed area "open" and not allowing your body to form the natural scabs. This could lead to potential infections, or your tattoo healing really bad.
Sigh.
See above
Your spray tan will have to wait until your tattoo is fully healed.
The chemicals in spray tan (no matter what they tell you), is the opposite of what needs to be done to your fresh tattoo now.
This is a hard no.
Please don't. (Cries in tattoo artist)
The exposure to UV rays Sunbed or natural sun is a bad choice. UV can affect your bodies ability to heal as it should, the exposure can lead to the ink fading or reacting in ways we do not want it to.
In general UV exposure is incredibly dangerous and should never be taken lightly. If you need SPF advise, pop us a message, we will happily guide you.
Skin is unpredictable – Everyone’s skin heals differently, and some spots may not hold ink as well as others.
Placement matters – Areas that move a lot or experience more friction can experience some fading while healing.
Healing isn’t perfect – Sometimes, scabbing, scratching, or the way your body heals can cause slight patchiness.
It’s part of the process – A touch-up session is the final polish to make sure your tattoo heals beautifully and lasts the way it should.
These sessions are only scheduled from week 4/6 (From your appointment date) onwards. The skin needs to return to the normal state.
Please take note (as per the consent form you signed)
"I understand that I have to come in/WhatsApp a recent photo and show/send the artist between 21 and 28 days how the tattoo(s) healed. If I do not come for my follow-up appointment my opportunity for a touch-up will be in void. Your touch-up appointment date is scheduled for 2 months from your original appointment date. If you fail to make your touch-up appointment without contacting the studio, for a rescheduled date, you will be charged a set fee of minimum R600 to secure a touch-up appointment."
If you have any more questions, or you are just unsure of anything. Please pop us a WhatsApp,
We are happy to help you with this part of your tattoo, its the most important part.
