HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR NEW COSMETIC TATTOO:

This information acts as a guideline only. Each client’s skin responds differently to these treatments.

We recommend leaving your tattoo alone for the first 2 days. If your skin starts to feel tight and dry, apply a paper thin layer of aquaphor that you were provided in your aftercare bag. Just keep the area clean and let it breathe! On the 4th day you can wash the tattooed area gently with lukewarm water and a disposable paper towel or cotton round. Pat it dry and keep it out of the sun throughout the healing process. Do not apply any cosmetics or lotions in this area for at least 10-14 days.

WHAT TO EXPECT

•  Immediately following your procedure, the tattooed area will appear to be darker and bolder in color and more sharply defined. This can last up to a week after the treatment while the initial healing process takes place. The treated area may feel a bit like sunburn afterwards but there should be minimal discomfort.
•  During the initial healing period, there should be minimal scabbing or flaking of the skin. If there is some scabbing or flaking, do not pick, and allow the scab or dry skin to come off on its own.
•  The complete healing process takes about 4-6 weeks, at which time the true color of the tattoo is evident. During this process, your tattoo will soften and lighten. Be patient, even if you think too much color has been lost, as your skin is still regenerating and naturally exfoliating. Wait at least 4 weeks to see the true color, as it seems to take on new strength, and it is only after 4-6 weeks that your touch-up/adjustment can be done.

WHAT NOT TO DO

• You may shower or bathe normally, but avoid getting any soaps, shampoos or other cleansers on the treated area for the first five days as they can be detrimental to the bonding process that must take place for the pigment to stabilise in the dermis.
• DO NOT pick or scratch at the dry skin/flakiness; let the skin fall off naturally. Picking can cause scarring and premature loss of pigment. IMPORTANT: Once the flakes have fallen off, a shiny layer of healing skin will completely cover the hair strokes. It may appear as though the tattooed area has completely disappeared. Within 1-2 weeks, the hair strokes will slowly reappear at a lighter shade as your skin regenerates.
• DO NOT apply make-up to the tattooed area for the first 2 weeks. Cosmetics of any kind may interfere with the healing and color of your tattoo.
• DO NOT bleach, tint or dye the tattooed area for one month following the procedure.
• DO NOT apply any anti-acne products (e.g. Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Proactiv, etc.) or lightening creams (skin bleaching creams) such as hydroquinone to the treated area while healing.
• No anti-aging products or facial products containing Alpha Hydroxyls (AHAs), Retin-A, Lactic or Glycolic Acids
• Do not thread, wax, or use hair removal products on the treated area while healing.
• NO exercising and/or sweating for a few days prior to getting tattooed and for one week after.
• NO swimming pools, jacuzzis or other bodies of water for two weeks.
• Do not soak the area underwater in a bathtub or allow the shower to spray directly in your face for two weeks.

ONCE HEALED

• Exposure to the sun over time can cause fading and discoloration of the pigment. Once completely healed, you may apply sunscreen on the treated area. For any facial tattoos please wear large sunglasses and a hat for further protection. Rinse and dry the area thoroughly when in contact with chlorine.
• Glycolic acid, microdermabrasion, and chemical face peel products must be kept away from the tattooed area as continued use could lighten the pigment.
• If you are having laser resurfacing or laser hair removal after your tattoo has healed, please inform the laser technician. Continue at your own discretion. Laser procedures may darken, lighten, or discolor the tattooed area.
• Once the treated area is completely healed, any changes or additions that need to be made can be done at your follow-up appointment no sooner than 4-8 weeks later.

There are no implied or written guarantees if you do not take care of your tattoo.