Aftercare
Everyone has a different way they like to care for their new ink. This is my way.
I encourage you to buy apricot kernel oil, pawpaw, hustle butter - or any quality tattoo healing cream.
Some ask if kawakawa is a good option, my advice is not to use it in the initial healing stages. Kawakawa is so good at drawing out impurities, that it will draw out the ink and leave it patchy.
The First Day
After a few hours of your completed piece, give your taamoko a gentle rinse with warm water. Pat dry with clean towel and apply a good amount of cream.
You may want to wrap your moko overnight to keep your sheets clean as the ink does bleed out over the first couple of days.
Healing Process
1. Oozing and Redness
When you remove the wrap, you will notice fluid/ink coming out. This is normal. Clean it off and apply cream.
2. Itching
After the first few days, your moko will begin to itch. Resist the urge to scratch as this will warp the result of your moko. You can apply a cold/wet towel, or sometimes a light slap helps.
3. Peeling
In the second to fourth weeks, your moko will begin to flake and peel. This is the skins natural reaction to an injury. Let it peel on it's own, don't pick at it.
Continue applying cream throughout this process and after the peeling stage.
Special Attention
If for some reason, there is spots where ink is missing; let me know and you can come back in for a touch up.
This will usually be free unless I can tell you have neglected aftercare
Remember, the better you look after your new moko, the better it'll look after you