Care Guides, From The Artists

Tattoo Aftercare: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

A healed tattoo is lighter, sharper and more vibrant than one that wasn’t looked after. This is the exact protocol we give every client at Aryan Tattoes — plus what we do to support you while it heals.

Days 1–3: Protect and Keep Clean

1. Your artist applies a second-skin film. Keep it on for 24–48 hours as instructed.
2. When you remove it, wash your hands, then wash the tattoo gently with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water.
3. Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never rub, never reuse towels.
4. Apply a thin layer of the tattoo balm your artist recommended.

Days 4–14: The Itch and Flake Phase

Yes, it will itch. Yes, it will flake. This means it’s healing properly. Whatever you do, don’t pick — picking pulls out pigment and can leave permanent light spots.

• Keep moisturising; over-dry skin heals slower.
• No swimming, saunas, or soaking — pools and oceans are bacteria parties.
• Wear loose clothing over the tattoo to let it breathe.
• Keep it out of direct sun until fully healed.

Weeks 3–6: Settle In

• Use SPF 50+ religiously — sunlight is the #1 reason tattoos fade.
• Keep moisturising daily; thin skin flakes away with dry skin.
• If any touch-up is needed, book it within 3 months — most are free.

Piercing Healing Tips: What to Expect

Fresh piercings go through phases — and most people panic during the ugly one. Here’s the honest timeline and the rules that keep you spot-free.

The Healing Timeline

• Earlobes: 6–8 weeks
• Tongue: 4–8 weeks
• Cartilage, nose, navel: 4–12 months (patience required!)
• Industrial and dermal piercings heal slowly — trust the process.

Daily Care Routine

1. Spray with sterile saline twice daily.
2. Rinse in the shower — gravity helps flush everything out.
3. Pat dry with a clean paper towel (no cotton balls — fibres snag).
4. Leave the jewelry in for the full healing period — early changes cause irritation, not faster healing.

The Bump Phase

Cartilage piercings often develop a small bump 4–8 weeks in. It’s usually irritation from snagging, hair products or sleeping on it — not infection. Keep the routine consistent, and it settles. If it doesn’t, we’ll look at it — free of charge, photo or in person.

Tattoo Removal FAQs: What to Know Before You Start

How many sessions will I need?

Most tattoos take 6–10 sessions, spaced 6–8 weeks apart. Dark, dense or colourful pieces take longer; light amateur-line tattoos can fade in 3–4. Your free assessment gives you a real, honest estimate — not a dream number.

Does it hurt?

Newer lasers and our cooling protocol make it far more comfortable than most expect — clients compare it to a snapping rubber band. Sessions are short, and skin numbing options are available on request.

Will there be scarring?

Performed correctly — our kind of performed — the risk is minimal. The real scarring risk comes from cheap lasers and untrained hands. That’s why we use licensed technicians and calibrated machines only.

Can I re-tattoo over a faded piece?

Happens all the time. Many clients lighten a piece first so a new artist can do a cleaner cover-up. We can even plan your removal and rework as one project.

How much does it cost?

Sessions start from $250 depending on piece size. Multi-session packages come with honest discounts — you’ll know your total before you start.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Here’s the exact journey — so you know exactly what happens, minute by minute.

1. The Welcome

You’ll be greeted at reception, offered water, and given a quick tour if you’d like. Zero attitude, zero judgement — first tattoo or fiftieth, everyone gets the same welcome.

2. The Consultation

We discuss your design, placement, size and budget. You see examples of similar work, get an honest opinion from an artist, and receive a fixed quote.

3. The Setup

Everything is prepared in front of you: fresh needles opened from sterile packaging, ink poured into single-use caps, gloves and brand-new equipment covers. This is our hygiene moment — watch closely, we love that.

4. The Session

Music on, comfort checked, breaks whenever needed. Smaller pieces can be done same-day; larger sessions may be booked in advance after the consultation.

5. The Aftercare Handoff

You leave bandaged, educated and with the full written aftercare guide — plus our email address and the promise of weekly check-ins until healed.

Before you arrive: eat well, sleep well, hydrate — and skip alcohol the night before. Bring your ID (18+ required) and wear something comfortable.