TATTOO AFTERCARE
If your tattoo is wrapped with cling wrap:
Remove the cling wrap after 1-2 hours and thoroughly wash the area using a mild, fragrance-free soap. Gently pat dry the area and apply a thin layer of your aftercare blam/cream. Apply the balm twice daily, making sure not to over-moisturise the tattoo.
If your tattoo has a second skin applied:
Leave the film on for 3-4 days. The film is breathable and waterproof so you can shower as normal. It's normal for ink, plasma and blood to pool within the film - unless it starts leaking, don't panic and leave the film on. When it's time to remove it, it's easiest to do this in a warm shower. Only ever pull the film "outwards" and in the same direction, never "upwards" like you're waxing.
Tattoos generally take 2-3 weeks to fully heal. During the healing time, the tattoo will likely develop a scab which will flake and fall off. This is a normal and healthy part of the healing process! Do not pick the scab, just let it fall off naturally. The area will also get itchy while the tattoo is healing - don't scratch the tattoo! If you need some relief, try gently slapping the area instead. After the healing time, it's a good idea to regularly moisturise the area in order to keep the skin healthy and make sure the tattoo is looking its best.
Do your best to protect the healing tattoo from excessive friction from clothing. Avoid direct sun and submerged water (bath, pool or ocean) as well as saunas and exercise/excessive sweating.
PIERCING AFTERCARE
Always wash your hands before touching the area. Spray/apply saline onto a clean cotton tip and gently wipe around the piercing, ensuring to clean off any crust/blood/dead skin or general build-up. Repeat on the other side of the piercing using the clean end of the cotton top. Continue this process twice daily for at least the first 2 months, then continue once daily for the remainder of the healing time (longer if needed) even if the area is pain free. For oral piercings, rinse the internal skin with alcohol-free mouthwash twice a day as well as after meals, snacks and smoking/vaping and use saline twice daily on any external skin. Avoid contact (i.e. kissing) for at least the first two weeks. DO NOT touch, rotate remove or play with the jewellery. DO NOT directly sleep on the piercing - if you’re a side-sleeper find a way to lift the pressure off of the piercing (using a travel pillow is often a good solution). DO NOT use any antiseptics, essential oils, peroxide, gels or alcohol-based products.
Where possible avoid snagging the jewellery on clothing/towels or using beauty products directly on the piercing. Avoid swimming in the ocean for at least 2 weeks and the pool for 1-2 months if possible. After the initial 6-8 week swelling period, your jewellery might benefit from down-sizing to prevent snagging and migrating. If you feel like this will help manage the rest of the healing phase, get in touch for a consultation.
Healing times can vary from person-to-person and depends on how well you take care of the piercing, but refer to the following times as a healing guide:
Lobes: 2-3 Months Navel: 6-8 Months Surface: 3-4 Months
Cartilage: 4-6 Months Nipple: 3-4 Months Bridge: 4-6 Months
Nose Stud: 4-6 Months Smiley: 1 Month Dermal: 4-5 Months
Nose Ring: 6-8 Months Tongue: 1 Month Industrial: 8-12 Months
Septum: 2-3 Months Lip: 2-4 Months Cheeks: 6-12 Months
Eyebrow: 4-5 Months Other: consult piercer