When it comes to the healing and aftercare of a tattoo, it is important that one consults with their artist instead of going to others for advice, especially the internet or AI

(Remind yourself that investments require maintenance)

Even among tattoo artists, there are often differences in opinion on what works best.

What you will Need: 

1. Soap – Original Pure White Dove Soap OR Protex Gentle.
2. Cream – Epimax Original (with the yellow lid) OR E45 Cream

Day 1:

• Your artist will wrap your tattoo with a protective barrier.
• Keep the cling wrap on for at least 2-4 Hours, unless instructed otherwise by your artist.
• Wash your hands with either one of the above mentioned soaps.
  If a friend is assisting you, please make sure that they too have washed their hands.
• Remove cling wrap.
• Make a lather using either of the above mentioned soaps, and wash your tattoo under hot, running water.
  Make sure to get all leftover ink, blood and plasma (gooey substance) off of the tattoo, and rinse it well. 
• After washing, pat the tattoo dry with a CLEAN paper towel.
• Leave the tattoo to air dry further, for 15-20 minutes.
• DO NOT wrap the tattoo again unless instructed to do so by your artist.
• No application of cream is required on Day 1.

Day 2-3: 

• Continue with the above washing and drying processes 2-3 times daily. 
• Around this time, the tattoo will start to feel dry and itchy. 
• Now you may start to apply a VERY THIN layer of cream to the tattoo, in between washes, using either one of the above mentioned creams. 
• Apply cream ONLY AFTER washing the tattoo.
  Remember that you only need a small amount of cream to moisturise the tattoo – if you can see a layer of cream on top of the tattoo, there is too much!
  This can lead to an infection.
• Follow the above steps for 2-3 weeks!

Take Note: 

DO NOT soak the tattoo. This means no swimming or bathing with your fresh tattoo (but you must shower to clean the tattoo).

DO NOT go to the Gym, or work out for up to 2 weeks. This is due to the high risk of infection when doing so. 

DO NOT touch OR let others touch the tattoo.

DO NOT scratch the tattoo when it itches. Rather pat the area, then re-apply a THIN layer of aftercare cream. 

DO NOT pick at scabs, they should fall off as naturally as possible.

DO NOT expose the tattoo to direct sunlight for 2 weeks. After healing is complete, always apply a sunblock with a high SPF to preserve the colour of your tattoo.

DO NOT allow pets or small children to touch or rub against the tattoo.

Beware of wearing Rough/Textured or Woolly clothing.

Tips & Things To Remember:

Avoid products containing lanolin, petroleum or petroleum-based oils (e.g.: Vaseline and Zambuk) – these are unsuitable for tattoos, they prevent the absorption of oxygen and the expulsion of toxins, which can lead to an infection.

Avoid sleeping on your tattoo – this can result in the tattoo becoming stuck onto your clothes – if this happens, DO NOT rip them off, soak the area in water and then remove your clothing.

Sleep with dark linen and clothing to avoid leaving an imprint of your tattoo on your sheets and PJs.

Please never hesitate to reach to reach out to the studio or your artist, should you have any questions or concerns at all regarding your new tattoo! 
We are here to help! <3