before & after care

a great tattoo is the result of 50% artist and 50% client aftercare!

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 / microblading care

  • BEFORE your session

PLEASE AVOID THE FOLLOWING THINGS BEFORE YOUR MICROBLADING SESSION:

  • COFFEE, caffeine/tea/energy drink consumption, a minimum of 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/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

  • As a point of reference, it is highly recommended and super helpfu to come in with how you may usually fill in your brows and/or bring reference photos of styles or examples that you like, to your appointment.

  • You may experience hypersensitivity and more discomfort around or during your menstrual cycle.

  • We do not tattoo over any blemishes, sores or raised moles, but your artist will do their best to camouflage/work around these things where possible.

  • If you usually wax/thread/tint/dye your eyebrows, please do this no sooner than a minimum of 3 days before your tattoo appointment.

    Cease using any active skincare, such as Retin-A, Retinol, Tretinoin products 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 our 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 immediately via e-mail for consultation. It is up to the artist to decide whether or not they have a workable surface. Failure to communicate this may result in a cancellation or rescheduling of your appointment. All deposits are nonrefundable. 

  • AFTER-CARE instructions

day 1 - 5
Follow the below steps:

  • Dampen paper towel with warm water

  • Gently blot and press towel over each brow to clean any lymph/oil/sweat away.

  • Do not rub the skin! Be extremely gentle.

  • Repeat with a dry sheet of paper towel to absorb any remaining moisture

  • Allow your brows to air dry before applying a rice-grain size amount of the provided aftercare balm

Dry skin — apply balm 2x per day.
Normal/Combo skin — apply balm 1x per day.
Oily skin — apply balm 1x per two days.

-Ensure your skin is adequately hydrated, though do not apply too much balm!
-It is normal for your brows to feel really big and dark at this stage. Don’t worry, trust the process!
-Remember to keep your brows completely dry, aside from the cleaning/blotting steps, until the flaking/peeling has naturally stopped (approx day 10-14)

days 5 - 9:

In this time frame, your brows will begin to flake and peel, similar to a mild sunburn. A little itchiness is normal. Remember not to pick or scratch and allow the skin to fall away in its own time, for maximum retention. You may apply a small amount of balm as needed, being really careful not to disrupt the healing process.

day 10-14:

Once the flaking has finished, your tattoo may feel softer and less visible. This is completely normal, as the skin will continue to heal for 6-12 weeks into the deeper layers.
You may apply a small amount of balm every few days, if you like.
Sunscreen and sun protection is now your tattoos best friend!

remember;

  • NO makeup or products on/near your new tattoo for 14 days

  • Only use the provided aftercare balm

  • Be gentle when washing your face and showering, keeping your brows as clean and dry as possible throughout

  • Allow your tattoo to heal in its own time

avoid the following during the healing process:

  • Scratching/picking/touching dry skin or flakiness while healing!

  • Direct water on your tattoo and the use of cleansers, soaps or heavy creams. Wash around the areas using a cleaning cloth or makeup wipe.

  • Sweating on the tattooed area, or anything which causes a flushed, red face - for 10 days.

  • Swimming pools, hot tubs or other large bodies of water for 14 days.

  • High UV exposure (including tanning beds) for 6-8 weeks.

  • Laser light therapy, as it can distort the pigment.

  • Chemical and non chemical exfoliants, active skincare such as retinol, acids or AHA’s on the area for 4 weeks after the appointment (this can cause premature fading)

  • Massages, facials or skin treatments on or near the area for 4 weeks.

  • LONG-TERM care advice

  • Microblading can last 1-5 years depending on the lifestyle, skin type and aftercare of the wearer.

  • Active skincare will shorten the lifespan of cosmetic tattoos.

  • Excess exposure to the sun, UV and tanning beds can cause premature fading and discolouration of the pigment
    Once completely healed, always apply sunscreen on your tattoos - all of them!

  • Avoid using chemical exfoliants and active skincare like retinol on tattoos as it will cause them to fade.

  • Makeup application may still be required post tattoo to achieve your desired look, we aim to create natural results that enhance your natural beauty so if you’re going for a more dramatic look this can be achieved with makeup on top to have the best of both worlds!
    HOT TIP: use a Q-tip with water or makeup remover to remove excess foundation/makeup from your brows after you’re done!

  • Yearly/bi-yearly touchups with your original artist are recommended to maintain the best results.

lip blush tattoo care

  • BEFORE your session

PLEASE AVOID THE FOLLOWING THINGS BEFORE YOUR LIP BLUSH SESSION:

  • CAFFEINE, coffee or energy drink consumption for a minimum of 4 hours before receiving Lip Blush. This is to prevent excess bleeding, bruising and loss of pigment. Post session consumption is completely fine.

  • Alcohol consumption for 24 hours before receiving Lip Blush

  • Lip filler should be done 4 weeks prior to and 4 weeks after your appointment.

  • Facials/peels/laser treatments, tanning, microdermabrasion should be done a minimum of 4 weeks before receiving Lip Blush.

  • 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

  • If you have ever experienced cold sores / HSV (herpes simplex virus), (even just once), you MUST take anti-viral preventive medication minimum 1 day prior to receiving Lip Blush.
    Failure to follow this can risk an outbreak that may affect the healed result. Please consult your gp/pharmacist for official info before taking medication.

  • As a point of reference, it is highly recommended and super helpful to bring your favourite go-to lip stick/pencil/stain, and/or bring reference photos of colours or examples that you like to your appointment.
    This gives us a starting point to work and build from and helps to ensure your desired outcome is achieved.

  • You may experience hypersensitivity and more discomfort around or during your menstrual cycle.

  • We will not be able to tattoo over any blemishes, sores or moles, but your artist will do their best to camouflage/work around these things where possible.

    Cease using any active skincare, such as Retin-A, Retinol, Tretinoin products 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 our 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 immediately via e-mail for consultation. It is up to the artist to decide whether or not they have a workable surface. Failure to communicate this may result in a cancellation or rescheduling of your appointment. All deposits are nonrefundable. 

  • AFTER-CARE instructions

  • Bolder colour, mild swelling and texture are part of the normal initial stages of healing. This intensity will settle within 2-5 days post session. The vibrancy of your cosmetic tattoo will fade 30-50% from what you initially see, revealing a soft and natural blush once healed. Full healing time is 6-8 weeks.

  • The sensation can be comparable to that of a mild sunburn and minimal flaking may take place while healing. Refrain from removing the flakes 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!

  • Avoid hot/spicy/salty foods for 48 hours post tattoo

  • Avoid submersion in water/direct sun/teeth whitening/rubbing/smoking/cosmetic products on unhealed lips.

  • LONG-TERM care advice

  • Keep your lips hydrated and moisturised for best results.

  • Avoid laser treatments near your tattoo.

  • The skin in the centre of the lips is the thinnest and will usually begin to lighten first due to natural exfoliation. Lip filler can also disperse the colour saturation.

  • Most clients will visit us for a colour boost/top up 1-3 years after their initial sessions.

  • SPF and sun protection are a tattoo’s best friend for longevity!

restorative tattooing care

  • BEFORE your session

As a very first step, please consult with your doctors/specialists regarding your body’s compatibility with receiving a tattoo, before committing to an appointment. Ensure you are not on any medications which may impact your healing or the application of a tattoo (eg but not limited too; blood thinning medications, steroids or ongoing treatments that may impact healing).
It is imperative to gain offical advice before proceeding with a restorative tattoo on a surgery site.

As a general guide, we recommend waiting a minimum of 6-12+ months after your final surgery or procedure to schedule your first tattoo session.

On the day of your tattoo appointment:
~ Get a good night of rest the evening before
~ AVOID CAFFEINE before your tattoo. Caffeine afterwards is fine. This ensures bleeding is zero-minimal and helps with needing to stay still and relaxed for a few hours.
~ Have a nutritious and filling meal before getting tattooed. This is really important! Bring along a small snack/drink if you like.
~ Get excited!

  • AFTER-CARE advice

Aftercare will be provided to you in writing at each appointment, along with specialised tattoo healing balm.

During the healing period (2 - 6 weeks):

  • Avoid touching, scratching, picking and rubbing the tattooed area - always !

  • Use only the provided aftercare balm to hydrate the skin (applied with a cotton tip or clean fingers).

  • Wearing a BRA - See more info below:

  • Avoid submerging the tattooed area under water (eg pools, hot tubs, hot baths) for 3-4 weeks.

  • Avoid high intensity activities that will cause excessive sweating or friction in this area until fully healed (3 weeks min).

  • 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 (no picking!)
    A light amount of hydration from the provided aftercare balm 1-2 times a day is recommended during this time.

  • Keep healing and tattooed skin away from direct UV rays

  • Avoid applying lotion/perfume/fake tan to or around the tattooed area for 4 weeks.

~ EXERCISING:
It is advised to 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).
These tattoos are permanent, healing is temporary. The better you heal them, the better they look - forever!

~ WEARING A BRA :
When a bra or tight clothing while healing is needed, we advise the following steps. This will create a protective barrier over the skin and prevent your clothes from sticking to your tattoo and can be done for the first 1-5 days. Ensure you change the plastic and gently clean the skin every 5-6 hours maximum.
PLEASE ensure you also allow your healing skin time to breathe and air out when not bound in clothing, to allow proper healing and prevent infection.

  • On clean skin, apply a thin layer of aftercare balm with cotton tips or sanitised fingers

  • Apply a small piece of Glad Wrap (cling film) over your tattoo(s), sticking it to the balm

  • Wear your bra or tight clothing over top

 questions about your tattoo care?