AFTERCARE

Once you leave the studio, caring for your tattoo is in your hands. A fresh tattoo is essentially an open wound, and proper aftercare is what ensures it heals cleanly, keeps its detail, and stays vibrant for years to come. Even the best tattoo can fade, or risk infection if not cared for properly. Follow these aftercare instructions and the ones our artists give you, keeping it clean, moisturised, and protected as it is just as important as the work that is done in the chair.

DAY 1

Leave the second skin on for the amount of time your artist recommends (usually first 24hours).
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
Gently remove the covering (second skin) and rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Apply a thin layer of tattoo-safe ointment or moisturiser, we recommend Dr. Pickle or bepanthen (found at woolies).
Avoid tight clothing rubbing against the tattoo.

DAYS 2-3

Clean your tattoo using lukewarm water and fragrance free soap.
Apply a thin layer of moisturiser each time after cleaning.
The tattoo may feel tight, red, or slightly swollen, this is normal.
Avoid scratching or picking at any scabs or flakes.

DAYS 4-7

Peeling and light scabbing usually starts. This is normal.
Continue cleaning gently and applying ointment.
Avoid soaking the tattoo in water (baths, pools, spas, saunas).
Keep clothing loose around the area.

WEEK 2

Most scabbing should be gone, but some light peeling may continue.
Itching is common, avoid scratching. Pat or lightly apply moisturiser and ointment.
Continue to avoid direct sunlight and submerging the tattoo in water.