Aftercare

Here are some essential tattoo aftercare tips to keep your ink looking fresh and healing properly:

Keep It Clean

  • Wash your hands before touching your tattoo.

  • Gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.

  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel—don’t rub.

Moisturize Regularly

  • Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free tattoo aftercare balm or lotion (like Bepanthen or Hustle Butter).

  • Don’t over-moisturize—let your skin breathe.

Avoid Picking or Scratching

  • Itching and peeling are normal—do not pick at scabs or flakes.

  • Scratching can lead to scarring or ink loss.

Protect from Sun Exposure

  • Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight while healing.

  • After it heals, always apply sunscreen to prevent fading.

Avoid Soaking

  • No swimming, baths, spas, or saunas for at least 2–3 weeks.

  • Showers are fine—just avoid soaking the area.

Wear Loose Clothing

  • Avoid tight clothes that might rub or stick to your tattoo.

  • Let your skin breathe during the healing process.

Support your skin’s healing process with the following aftercare instructions:

Bepanthol (Bepanthen) Ointment

Available at pharmacies or other relevant retail stores in Melbourne

  • Apply a thin layer of Bepanthol three times a day for 2-3 weeks. Do not apply it too thickly, as this will prevent the skin from breathing.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the ointment.

  • Avoid contaminating the tattooed area.

  • Wear soft fabrics to minimise friction on the tattooed area.

Day 1: Immediate Care after the Session

Your artist will apply a medical film over the tattoo to prevent ink from staining your clothes. After showering, gently remove the film and wipe away any discharge or ink with a damp tissue or lukewarm water. Let the skin air dry before applying Bepanthol.

The ink that appears on the surface of the skin as discharge the next day is a normal part of the healing process. No need to worry.

You can wash the tattoo with a gentle, non-pigmented soap. Avoid using antibacterial soap or body washes with harsh chemicals, as these can irritate the tattooed skin.

Day 3: Early Healing

Around day 3, you may notice dead skin cells on the tattoo. This may happen sooner or later, depending on your skin type.

Continue applying Bepanthol to keep the tattoo moisturized until all dead skin cells naturally fall off. Use a thin layer and make sure your hands are clean.
Avoid scratching the tattoo, even if it feels itchy. Gently tap around the tattoo if necessary.

Week 1: Ongoing Care

Dead skin cells will fall off over the next 1 to 3 weeks. Never try to remove them manually or rub them off.

At first, the tattoo may appear lighter as the dead skin cells shed, but this is completely normal. The final color will appear once all the dead skin cells have fallen off.


Month 1: Continued Healing

After the dead skin cells have shed, your skin may still not be fully healed. Some areas of the tattoo may still be in the healing process.

For the next two weeks, avoid any irritation to the tattooed area to prevent dryness or damage. Keep the skin moisturized with a tattoo ointment or mild lotion.

Shower immediately after the session, but avoid hot water. Do not swim or submerge the tattoo in water for at least a month, as this increases the risk of infection, which can affect the healed color and skin health. Refrain from alcohol for 1-2 weeks to avoid interfering with the healing process.

Light exercise is fine, but avoid heavy workouts that cause excessive sweating and friction on the tattoo for 1-2 weeks.


If Inflammation Occurs

If the tattoo becomes red or feels hot to the touch, it may indicate inflammation. You can take anti-inflammatory medication (available at pharmacies) to help manage the inflammation. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth can also help.

If the inflammation worsens or persists, consult a dermatologist for further advice.

Tattooing involves using a needle to inject inks into the epidermis. Following a tattoo procedure, it is important to provide proper care for the tattooed area until all dead skin cells have naturally shed and the ink has been effectively absorbed into the skin. Throughout the healing process, various symptoms such as roseola, tingling, redness, and others may occur.

About drinking Alcohol

It's generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol for at least 1-2 weeks after getting a tattoo, but specifically for the first 3 days, there are several important reasons why you should refrain from alcohol:

Blood Thinning: Alcohol acts as a blood thinner, which can increase the risk of excessive bleeding during the tattooing process and potentially affect the healing process afterward. This could result in the tattoo ink being pushed out, leading to fading or uneven coloring.

Immune System Impact: Alcohol can impair your immune system, making it harder for your body to heal. Since your skin is essentially an open wound right after a tattoo, it’s crucial to allow your immune system to function optimally to prevent infection and promote proper healing.

Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it can cause dehydration. Staying hydrated is essential for skin health, especially while your tattoo heals. Dehydrated skin can lead to excessive dryness or flaking, which may interfere with the healing process.

Increased Inflammation: Alcohol can cause your body to become more inflamed, which could worsen redness or swelling around the tattooed area.

What is Second Skin?

Second Skin is a thin, transparent, medical-grade adhesive film that protects your fresh tattoo like a breathable bandage. It acts as a barrier against bacteria and friction while allowing your skin to heal naturally with its own moisture.

Benefits of Second Skin:

  • Keeps out bacteria and dirt

  • Reduces scabbing, itching, and peeling

  • Speeds up healing by maintaining moisture

  • Minimizes risk of tattoo fading or ink loss

  • Less need for creams or frequent cleaning

How to Use Second Skin:

Initial Application

  • Your artist will apply Second Skin right after your tattoo session.

  • It will stay on for the first 24–48 hours depending on the amount of plasma/yellowish fluid buildup.

First Removal

  • Remove gently under warm water if it’s stuck.

  • Clean the tattoo gently with unscented soap, then pat dry with a clean paper towel.

Second Application (if necessary)

  • Apply a fresh piece of Second Skin (if advised) and leave it on for 3–5 days.

  • Avoid stretching the skin when applying to prevent irritation.

Final Removal

  • Peel off slowly in a warm shower. Don’t rip it off dry.

  • Clean and continue light moisturizing if needed.

Things to Avoid:

  • Don’t apply cream under the film.

  • Don’t leave it on for more than 7 days total.

  • If irritation, redness, or rash appears, remove it and switch to traditional healing.

What If You're Allergic to Second Skin?

While Second Skin (or similar tattoo films like Saniderm or Dermalize) is generally safe for most people, some clients may experience allergic reactions or skin sensitivities to the adhesive.

Signs of an Allergic Reaction:

  • Itchy red rash around or under the film

  • Raised bumps or blisters

  • Persistent redness, burning, or swelling

  • Skin feels hot or irritated after application

What to Do If You React:

  1. Remove the film immediately—gently peel it off under warm water.

  2. Wash the area with a mild, fragrance-free soap.

  3. Pat dry and switch to traditional aftercare: regular washing and applying a fragrance-free healing balm.

  4. Monitor the skin. If irritation worsens, see a pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Alternatives:

  • Use the dry healing method or the traditional method (cleaning and moisturising 2–3 times daily with Bepanthen or a tattoo aftercare balm).

  • Let your artist know before your session if you’ve had reactions to adhesives or medical tape before.