Aftercare FAQs
Most people will be completely healed in 2-3 weeks, but everybody is different, so be patient and care for your new art.
Improper aftercare can lead to infections and seriously damage your new tattoo, so for a beautiful end result and a tattoo that looks great for a lifetime, taking proper care of it during the healing process is imperative.
Aftercare packs containing our recommended products are available to purchase at the Studio.
After your tattoo appointment:
Once you get home, remove your bandage (normally cling wrap, this does not apply to second skin, please see below for our second skin aftercare recommendations).
With clean hands, gently wash your new tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild antibacterial soap, removing all blood and plasma from the area. Pat dry with clean paper towel, do not use a fabric towel as the fibres and bacteria can transfer on to your new tattoo and hinder the healing process.
We don't recommend applying any aftercare straight away, instead, let your tattoo dry out overnight. There is no need to re-cover your tattoo during this period.
Wash again as instructed above morning and night for 2-3 weeks, or until the tattoo has finished peeling.
After washing, apply a small amount of tattoo aftercare. We recommend Cult Apothecary Elixir No. 1
Apply 1-2 drops (small tattoo) or 2-4 drops (large tattoo) of Elixir No.1 (a little goes a long way) to the skin and delicately rub into the tattoo.
You can apply the elixir as needed; just ensure every time you tend to your tattoo it is with thoroughly cleaned hands! Generally, most consumers find that 2-4 times a day is appropriate however you may need to increase application when the tattoo starts peeling.
Make sure anything that touches your tattoo during the healing process is clean, such as clothing, bed sheets etc.
Your tattoo will weep and form a scab while healing.
DO NOT scratch or pick at your tattoo during the healing process.
DO NOT soak your tattoo for 2-3 weeks.
NO swimming, spas, saunas, baths, or direct sunlight while your tattoo heals.
Most people will be completely healed in 2-3 weeks, but everybody is different, so be patient and care for your new art!
At the artist’s discretion, you are generally eligible for a free touch up within 6 months of having your tattoo done.
If you have any concerns regarding the healing of your tattoo, please get in touch with us at bookings@cultcollective.au
Second Skin Advice
If you have had your tattoo dressed with second skin, you may keep this film on for up to a week. Ideally you want to leave this dressing on for at least two days, as it can be tricky to remove prior.
If the second skin leaks or lifts and your tattoo becomes exposed to the air (even a tiny bit), remove the dressing in the shower using warm water and lathering with antibacterial soap, pulling the dressing off from top to bottom.
It’s best to run the dressing under the water for a few minutes to warm up the adhesive so it is easier to remove.
Clean thoroughly with an antibacterial soap and follow above aftercare instructions.
Please note the skin around the edges of the dressing can stay red for a few days after removal - this is normal.
White Dressing (Fixomull)
Keep the dressings on for 7 days (unless your artist has instructed otherwise). Shower as normal for the week.
After 7 days soak the dressing in the shower for 5-10 minutes, then remove very slowly and gently.
It can help to soak the dressing in coconut oil or baby oil before removal.
There will be ink transfer on the dressing, this is normal.
After removal keep your tattoo clean and moisturise as desired.