Pre-care & After-care
Following cosmetic tattooing pre-care and aftercare is crucial for the best results long-term.
Pre-care ensures your skin is in the optimal condition for the procedure, which helps achieve more precise, even results.
Aftercare, on the other hand, is vital for proper healing and to avoid infections, complications and good retention. It helps preserve the colour, shape, and overall look of your tattoo while prolonging its longevity.
Skipping steps can lead to fading, uneven lines, or even infections, so taking care of your new cosmetic tattoo ensures you get the flawless look you’re after.
Retention with Cosmetic Tattooing
What is pigment retention?
Pigment retention refers to how well your skin holds cosmetic tattoo pigment during healing and over time.
Retention varies from person to person and can be influenced by your skin type, lifestyle, aftercare and natural healing response. Good retention helps the colour heal evenly, maintain its definition and last longer between refresher appointments.
Some fading or unevenness after the initial treatment is completely normal. This is why a perfecting touch-up is recommended once the skin has fully healed, allowing us to assess the result and add more colour where needed.
Following your pre-care and aftercare instructions will help support the best possible healed result.
Cosmetic Tattooing Precare
Proper skin preparation is essential for a successful cosmetic tattooing experience. Your skin should be healthy, hydrated, and moisturised on the day of your appointment. Failing to prepare can lead to excessive bleeding and discomfort, ultimately resulting in poor retention and unsatisfactory outcomes.
Important Note for Lip Tattoo Clients:
If you’re prone to cold sores, we highly recommend taking a preventative course of Valtrex or (over the counter famvir) to minimise the risk of a breakout.
A typical dose is 2x 500mg tablets the day before, and 2x 500mg the day of your appointment — but always follow the advice and guidance of your doctor.
4 WEEKS BEFORE: Avoid Botox, skin exfoliants, laser treatments, and chemical peels.
2 WEEKS BEFORE: Refrain from tweezing, waxing, electrolysis, retinol, and brow colouring.
1 WEEKS BEFORE: Start using a exfoliate for lips, this will take off any dead skin cells.
72 HOURS BEFORE: For the most comfortable procedure and best colour results, please avoid alcohol and caffeine, as well as all blood thinners like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, and soda. If you are on your menstrual cycle on the day of your appointment, please note you will be more sensitive to pain.
Cosmetic Tattooing Aftercare
Please read and follow these instructions carefully. Your aftercare is crucial for achieving the best results with your new tattoo and ensuring a smooth healing process. Patience is key, if you experience loss of pigment this is completely normal, we’ll make the necessary adjustments at your perfecting session.
Keep the Area Clean: Avoid touching or picking at the tattoo. Do not let water come into contact with the area for 5 days (this includes swimming pools, hot tubs, and baths). Quick, gentle showers are fine, but keep the water from hitting the area directly. We recommend ‘dry healing’ for brows. As the tattoo heals, you may experience scabbing or flaking. Allow scabs to fall off naturally—do not pick, scratch, or peel them to avoid scarring or pigment loss.
Lips: Continue to apply lip balm and stay hydrated! Refrain from using makeup or skincare products on the tattooed area for at least 2 weeks, as they can irritate the skin and disrupt the healing process. Protect your lips from direct sunlight and tanning beds for at least four weeks to prevent fading and skin damage.
Additional Lip Care: Avoid spicy foods, hot or citrus drinks, staining beverages, and kissing for 5 days to prevent irritation. Use your aftercare balm regularly to keep your lips moisturised. If you’re prone to cold sores, consult your doctor about getting a prescription for Valtrex and use it for 5 days to prevent outbreaks. Avoid licking your lips, as saliva can break down the pigment.
Eyeliner Additional Care: Refrain from using eye makeup for 7 days to prevent irritation and infection. Do not rub your eyes, as this can disrupt healing. Avoid eyedrops for a week unless prescribed by a doctor. Please do not wear contact lenses for 3 days to allow the area to heal properly. Also, avoid lash lifts, extensions, tints, and strip lashes for 4 weeks to ensure proper healing and pigment retention.
Expect Colour Changes and shrinkage: The tattoo may appear darker at first, but it will soften as it heals. Full healing can take up to six weeks, during which the final colour will settle.
Long-Term Care: Avoid exfoliating products (like retinols and glycolic acid) on the tattooed area, as these can cause the pigment to fade. If you swim frequently, be aware that your tattoo may fade more quickly. Sun exposure can also diminish the ink, so be sure to wear SPF 50+.
Additional Tips: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments for optimal results. Touch-ups may be necessary to perfect the tattoo, with recommended intervals of 1-2 years for brows, 1-3 years for lips, and 2-3+ years for eyeliner. If you notice any signs of infection (such as excessive redness, swelling, or pus) or have any concerns during the healing process, please contact your technician immediately.
By following these aftercare instructions, you’ll help ensure the best possible results for your cosmetic tattooing. Thank you for visiting! Enjoy your beautiful, enhanced look!