before & after care
below are some tips on how to prepare and care for your new tattoo(s)
if you have questions that aren’t covered here, don’t hesitate to get in touch
eyebrow tattoo care
- BEFORE your session
PLEASE AVOID THE FOLLOWING THINGS BEFORE YOUr tattoo SESSION:
COFFEE, caffeine/tea/energy drink consumption, minimum 4 hours before receiving a tattoo - to prevent excess bleeding, bruising and loss of pigment. Post session consumption is fine.
ALCOHOL consumption 24 hours before receiving a tattoo.
INJECTABLES should be done 4 weeks before or after your appointment (only necessary in the same area as your tattoo).
Facials/Lasers/Tanning/Microdermabrasion 4 weeks before/after receiving Microblading.
Medications that cause thinning of the blood including but not limited to: Aspirin, Advil, Niacin, Fish Oil, Vitamin E, and Ibuprofen. Please consult your GP before stopping any medication.
Do not apply any topical anaesthetic/numbing cream to the area.
GOOD-TO-KNOW INFO :
If you usually wax/thread/tint/dye your eyebrows, please do no sooner than 3 days before your tattoo appointment.
As a point of reference, it is recommended and always helpful to come to your appointment how you may usually fill in your brows and/or bring reference photos of styles or examples that you like.
Hypersensitivity and more discomfort around or during your menstrual cycle is possible.
We cannot tattoo over blemishes, sores or raised moles, though your artist will do their best to camouflage and work around where possible.
Cease using any active skincare, such as Retinol, Tretinoin or vitamin A products on the area for a minimum of 14 days prior to your appointment and 30 days post appointment.
These products can cause premature and extreme colour loss. If you continue use do not apply on the tattooed area and please keep in mind that you may require more frequent touch ups.
We refrain from working on individuals on Accutane and require clients to be off the medication for a minimum of 1 year before being tattooed.
If you experience blemishes, acne, cold sores or other skin irritations in the area of the procedure, please contact your artist via e-mail for consultation. It is up to the discretion of the artist to decide whether there is a workable surface. Failure to share may result in a cancellation or rescheduling of your appointment, all deposits are non-refundable.
- AFTER-CARE instructions
day 1 - 5:
Your brows will look bolder at this stage. This is completely normal.
Keep the area completely dry apart from cleaning, until flaking has naturally finished - usually day 10-14.
Avoid makeup, skincare and SPF near/on tattooed skin until healed.
Each day, morning and night:
1. Lightly dampen clean paper towel with warm water.
2. Gently PRESS over each brow to remove any oil, sweat, or lymph.
3. Pat dry with a fresh, dry paper towel and allow skin to air dry for five minutes.
4. Apply a very small, rice grain amount of the provided balm with clean fingers or cotton tips.
Dry skin: 1-2x daily
Normal or combination: 1x daily
Oily skin: every second day
day 5 - 9:
During this time your brows will begin to flake and peel, similar to a light sunburn. Some itchiness is normal. Avoid touching or picking and allow the skin to shed naturally in its own time, for the best result.
You can use a small, thin layer of balm if they feel tight or dry.
Avoid makeup and skin care near and over tattooed skin.
day 10-14:
Once the flaking has finished, your tattoo may feel softer and less visible or defined. This is completely normal, as the skin will continue to heal for 6-12 weeks into the deeper layers.
Balm is no longer needed, though light moisturising is beneficial.
Sunscreen and sun protection is now your tattoos best friend!
remember:
• No makeup or skincare products near your brows for 14 days.
• Only use the provided balm -
• Be gentle when washing your face or showering, keeping the tattooed skin as dry as possible.
• Let your skin heal naturally and resist the urge to touch them.
avoid the following during the healing process:
• Picking or scratching flaking skin
• Getting brows wet or using cleansers or heavy creams on them
• Sweating, saunas, high intensity exercise for 10 days
• Swimming or soaking in water for 14 days
• Direct sun or tanning for 8 weeks
• Laser or light treatments on or near the area
• Retinol, acids, or exfoliants for 4 weeks
• Facials, massages, or skin treatments near the brows for 4 weeks
- LONG-TERM care advice
Your cosmetic tattoo will soften and fade gradually over time. With good care, it can stay looking beautiful for years.
• Eyebrow tattoos typically last 1-4 years depending on your skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare.
• Active skincare products, such as retinol or chemical exfoliants will cause tattoos to fade faster.
• Sun exposure, UV rays, and tanning beds can lead to premature fading or pigment discolouration. Once healed, apply sunscreen daily to protect your tattoos.
• Makeup can still be applied once healing is complete to create your desired look. The goal is always a natural enhancement, but you can easily add definition with makeup if you prefer something more dramatic.
• Yearly or bi-yearly touch-up appointments with your original artist are recommended to keep your results fresh and defined.
HOT TIP : Use a Q-tip with water or makeup remover to clean around your brows after applying foundation.
lip blush tattoo care
- BEFORE your session
PLEASE AVOID THE FOLLOWING THINGS BEFORE YOUR LIP BLUSH SESSION:
COFFEE, caffeine/tea/energy drink consumption, minimum 4 hours before receiving a tattoo - to prevent excess bleeding, bruising and loss of pigment. Post session consumption is fine.
ALCOHOL consumption 24 hours before receiving a tattoo.
INJECTABLES should be done 4 weeks before or after your appointment (only necessary in the same area as your tattoo).
Facials/Lasers/Tanning/Microdermabrasion 4 weeks before/after receiving Microblading.
Medications that cause thinning of the blood including but not limited to: Aspirin, Advil, Niacin, Fish Oil, Vitamin E, and Ibuprofen. Please consult your GP before stopping any medication.
Do not apply any topical anaesthetic/numbing cream to the area.
Cease using any active skincare, such as Retinol, Tretinoin or vitamin A products on the area for a minimum of 14 days prior to your appointment and 30 days post appointment.
These products can cause premature and extreme colour loss. If you continue use do not apply on the tattooed area and please keep in mind that you may require more frequent touch ups.
We refrain from working on individuals on Accutane and require clients to be off the medication for a minimum of 1 year before being tattooed.
If you experience blemishes, acne, cold sores or other skin irritations in the area of the procedure, please contact your artist via e-mail for consultation. It is up to the discretion of the artist to decide whether there is a workable surface. Failure to share may result in a cancellation or rescheduling of your appointment, all deposits are non-refundable.
GOOD-TO-KNOW INFO:
COLD SORES / HSV (herpes simplex virus)
If you have ever experienced cold sores, even once, you MUST take anti-viral preventive medication on the day or minimum 1 day prior to receiving Lip Blush.
Failure to do so can risk an outbreak that may affect the healed result. Please consult your gp/pharmacist for official info before taking any medication.COLOURS:
Bring your favourite go-to lip makeup and/or example photos of colours that you like to your appointment. This gives us a starting point to build from and helps to ensure your desired results are achieved.Hypersensitivity and discomfort around or during your menstrual cycle is possible.
We will not be able to tattoo over blemishes, sores or moles, though your artist will do their best to camouflage/work around where possible.
- AFTER-CARE instructions
Bold colour, mild swelling and texture are normal in the initial stages of healing.
This intensity will settle within 5 days post session. The vibrancy of your cosmetic tattoo will fade 50-70% from what you initially see, revealing a soft and natural blush once healed.
Initial healing time: 3 - 7 days.
Full healing time when true colour is visible: 6-8 weeks.
The sensation can be similar to a mild sunburn and minimal flaking and peeling will take place while healing. Do not pick at the skin! As you will be removing pigment in the process. Allow the skin to heal in its own time.
It is imperative to keep your lips very hydrated during day 1-5, use only the provided balm with clean hands or cotton tips as regularly as needed. Remember to keep yourself hydrated, too!
No kissing for 5 days minimum post tattoo
Avoid hot/spicy and salty foods for 48 hours post tattoo
Avoid: submerging healing skin under water, direct sun, teeth whitening, rubbing, smoking, kissing and cosmetic products on unhealed lips.
- LONG-TERM care advice :
Keep your lips hydrated and moisturised for best results.
Avoid laser treatments near tattoos.
The skin in the centre of the lips is the thinnest and will usually begin to lighten and fade first due to natural exfoliation. Lip filler can also disperse the colour saturation.
Touch ups / Colour boosts are recommended any time between 1-3 years after initial sessions.
SPF and sun protection are a tattoo’s best friend for best longevity!
eyeliner tattoo care
- BEFORE your session
PLEASE AVOID THE FOLLOWING THINGS BEFORE YOUR eyeliner SESSION:
Caffeine - coffee or energy drinks for a minimum of 4 hours before. This is to prevent excess bleeding, bruising and loss of pigment. Post session consumption is completely fine.
Alcohol consumption for 24 hours before
Eyelash extensions / false lashes (cannot be worn during your session or while healing)
Facials/peels/laser treatments, tanning, microdermabrasion should be done a minimum of 4 weeks before
Refrain from all medications that cause thinning of the blood, including but not limited to: Aspirin, Advil, Niacin, Fish Oil, Vitamin E, and Ibuprofen. Please consult your GP before stopping any medication.
Do not apply any topical anaesthetic/numbing cream prior to your appointment.
GOOD-TO-KNOW INFO:
Two initial sessions are required to consider your Eyeliner *finished/completed*. Cosmetic tattoos use a two-step process and the general approach of “we can add, but we cannot take away” when it comes to working on such delicate features on faces. Touch up sessions are beneficial for layering the pigment for more saturation. We can also tweak the colour if needed in the session! Touch ups must be completed within 3 months from the original session for best results.
It is super helpful to come to your appointment with no mascara or other eye makeup - but a visual reference of your desired eyeliner outcome. This can be by having your liner pre-drawn in, or a photo of the desired results.
We cannot go ahead with the procedure if you have eyelash extensions on or recently had your lashes tinted.
Maintenance will vary, depending on preferences, skin type and long-term care. Most clients will need a refresher/colour boost session after 18-24 months to keep colour full and fresh, after the initial (two) sessions are completed.
- AFTER-CARE instructions
DAYS 1 & 2:
Clean the area using a cotton pad dampened with water 3-4 of times a day to remove any lymph or build up on the healing skin. PATTING MOTIONS ONLY - NO RUBBING!
Use fresh pillow cases and towels while healing to avoid any bacteria from previous uses touching your tattoo.
DAYS 3 – 10: Don’t get the area wet. Don’t apply any product onto the treated area until all scabs/flakes have naturally peeled off on their own. NO PICKING.
Depending on skin type, aftercare cream may be included as part of the aftercare. If so apply as instructed in thin amounts.
Things to avoid:
RUBBING or PICKING the tattooed area
Harsh facial products when cleansing, during the healing process.
Avoid using used towels on healing tattoos, as they carry bacteria.
Do not wear mascara or makeup on or near the tattooed area for 7 day.
After 7 days, use a brand new mascara and clean makeup/brushes to avoid irritation/infection.Avoid eyelash extensions or tinting services until you are fully healed, usually 2 weeks post tattoo.
Avoid facials, saunas/steam rooms, tanning beds and spray tans for 7 days.
Wear glasses and avoid contact lenses for 5 days. Fresh contact lenses are recommended after healing is complete.
paramedical & restorative tattoo care
- BEFORE your session :
—Consult Your Doctor First:
Before booking, consult with your doctor/specialists to ensure you are medically suitable for tattooing. Certain medications and treatments, such as: skin or blood thinners, steroids, or ongoing therapies that affect healing, may impact the tattooing process and recovery/healed results.
Always seek official medical advice before proceeding, especially when tattooing over a surgical site.
—Timing: For best results, we recommend waiting a minimum of 6-18 months after any surgery or procedures in the area.
—APPOINTMENT DAY:
- Being well rested will make for a better tattoo experience!
- Eat something nutritious before getting tattooed. Bring along a snack if you would like.
- Wear comfy clothes that allow for easy access to the area.
- AVOID CAFFEINE (4hrs min) before your tattoo. (After is fine)
- AVOID ALCOHOL for 24hrs before your session. (After is fine)
- Get excited!
- AFTER your tattoo :
Aftercare is provided to you in writing at each appointment, along with specialised tattoo healing balm and dressings.
A temporary “second skin” dressing (such as Tegaderm) is applied right after your tattoo and worn for 7–10 days.
This dressing protects the area and makes wearing a bra — and general aftercare — much easier.
For those who cannot wear a second skin dressing :
DURING THE HEALING PERIOD:
Avoid touching, scratching, picking and rubbing the tattooed area
Use only the provided aftercare balm, extremely minimally, to hydrate the skin (applied with a cotton tip or clean fingers).
Avoid submerging the tattooed area under water (eg pools, hot tubs, hot baths) for 4 weeks.
Avoid high intensity activities that will cause excessive sweating or friction in this area until fully healed - 2 weeks.
Flaking and peeling of the tattooed area around day 5-14 is completely normal and expected. Please allow this skin to flake away in its own time and ensure it is left totally undisrupted.
A light amount of hydration from the provided aftercare balm 1-2 times max a day is recommended during this time.Keep healing and tattooed skin away from direct UV rays
Avoid lotion/perfume/fake tan on/around the tattooed area for 4 weeks.
EXERCISING:
Allow your body proper time to rest and heal for the first 10-14 days.
Day 1-10: No exercise recommended. Walking and weights are accepted (NO hot yoga/pilates)
Day 10-14+: You may slowly resume your usual programs, but please be slow and gentle with the area until the peeling has stopped.
High intensity exercise like F45 classes, hot yoga/pilates, running or jogging, basically anything that causes friction, sweating and bouncing is NOT advised until your tattoo is healed (2 weeks minimum).
WEARING A BRA :
A temporary “second skin” dressing (such as Tegaderm) is applied right after your tattoo and worn for 7–10 days. This dressing protects the area and makes wearing a bra — and general aftercare — much easier. The area is not impacted by a bra with a dressing in place.
If you’re unable to wear second skin dressings:
When possible, avoid bras or tight clothing during the 14-day healing period. When wearing a bra is necessary:
• Create a barrier between your skin and clothing to prevent rubbing or sticking.
• On clean skin, apply a tiny amount of balm to the tattooed area, then gently place a small piece of cling film (Glad Wrap) over the tattooed area.
• Secure it with medical tape to prevent movement.
• Wear your bra or clothing over the top.
• Be sure to remove or change the wrap after 5 hours to allow the skin to breathe.