While your tattoo heals, wash it with mild unscented soap and warm water, pat it dry, and apply 1 to 2 pumps of Kavai 3 to 4 times a day, plus whenever the skin feels tight. Once it's healed, use 1 to 2 pumps daily or as needed. Always follow your artist's instructions first.
While your tattoo heals
- Wash gently with mild unscented soap and warm water. Don't scrub.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- Apply 1 to 2 pumps in a thin layer.
- Repeat 3 to 4 times a day, plus whenever the skin feels tight.
Skip swimming and soaking until it heals (swimming after a tattoo), and don't pick at flakes (tattoo flaking). The full routine is in my new tattoo aftercare guide.
Once it's healed
Use 1 to 2 pumps daily or as needed. Right after a shower, while the skin is still a little damp, is a good time. In the sun, let it absorb, then put broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on top (tattoo sun protection). Moisturized skin helps ink look clear and luminous (how to make a tattoo look brighter).
Mistakes that make ink look dull
- Using too much. A thin layer is enough. If oil is still sitting on the skin after a few minutes, blot the extra.
- Picking or scrubbing flakes.
- Petroleum jelly on a healing tattoo. Cleveland Clinic advises against it because it can clog pores.
- Skipping days once it's healed.
What's in Kavai
Kavai has three ingredients: organic cold-pressed sesame oil, vetiver essential oil for its earthy scent, and a plant-based citrus fragrance. No water, no preservatives, no petroleum, no waxes and no fillers. It absorbs right away and doesn't clog pores (why Kavai doesn't clog pores).
According to Healthline, sesame oil contains linoleic, oleic, palmitic and stearic acids, plus vitamin E, sesamol and sesamin. A 2018 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Lin, Zhong and Santiago) found anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects from applying sesame oil to the skin, and a possible effect on skin barrier repair.
What tattoo artists say
"As a tattoo artist, I recommend Kavai to all my clients. In over three years of use at my studio, I've consistently seen less peeling, faster color settling, and clients report minimal itching. The tattoos look visibly crisper." Elle Wright, Empowered Tattoo, Asheville, NC
Kavai comes in a premium airless pump, so it stays fresh and clean with no mess and no spills.
See the full guide: Tattoo aftercare guide: the best oil for tattoos and how to heal well
FAQ
How often should I apply Kavai?
3 to 4 times a day while the tattoo heals, plus whenever it feels tight. Once healed, daily or as needed.
How much should I use?
1 to 2 pumps for a thin layer.
How long does a bottle last?
The 4 oz bottle lasts 4 to 5 months.
Who shouldn't use Kavai?
Anyone allergic to sesame or citrus. If you've never used sesame oil on your skin, patch test the inside of your arm for 24 hours first.