Aftercare

(Approx. 5-minute read)

Tattooing uses a needle to inject ink into the skin.
Proper aftercare is essential. The healing process includes natural shedding of dead skin cells. Symptoms during healing may include:

  • Redness

  • Tingling

  • Rash-like appearance (e.g., roseola)

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 water, fragrance-free soap.

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

Moisturise Regularly

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

  • Don’t over-moisturise—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 tattoo out of direct sunlight while healing.

  • After healed, always apply sunscreen to prevent fading.

Avoid Soaking

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

  • Avoid soaking the tattoo area during showers.

Wear Loose Clothing

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

  • Let your skin breathe during healing.

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

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.

  • Wash hands before applying ointment.

  • Avoid contaminating the tattooed area.

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

Day 1: Immediate Care after the Session

Our artist may apply a clear film to protect the tattoo and prevent ink from staining clothes.

  • After showering, gently remove the film.

  • Wipe away any discharge or ink with a tissue or water.

  • Apply a thin layer of Bepanthen after skin completely dry.

  • It's normal to see some ink or fluid the next day.

  • Wash gently with mild, non-coloured soap.

Day 3: Early Healing

Around day 3, you may see dead skin peeling—this is normal.

  • It might happen earlier or later, depending on your skin.

  • Keep applying a thin layer of Bepanthen to moisturise.

  • Wash your hands before touching the tattoo.

  • Don’t scratch, even if it’s itchy.

  • If needed, gently tap around the tattoo to relieve itching.

Week 1: Ongoing Care

Dead skin will peel off naturally over 1 to 3 weeks.

  • Don’t pick, rub, or try to remove it yourself.

  • The tattoo may look lighter at first—this is normal.

  • The final color will show once the skin fully heals.


Month 1: Continued Healing

Even after peeling stops, the tattoo may still be healing.

  • Avoid irritating the area for the next 2 weeks.

  • Keep the skin moisturised with tattoo ointment or a gentle lotion.

  • Avoid hot water showers.

  • Don’t swim or soak the tattoo for at least 1 month.

  • Avoid alcohol for 1–2 weeks to help healing.

  • Avoid heavy workouts, sweating, and friction on the tattoo for 1–2 weeks.


If Inflammation Occurs

Redness or heat in the tattoo may be a sign of inflammation.

  • You can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine.

  • Apply an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth to reduce swelling.

  • If it gets worse or doesn’t improve, see a dermatologist.

About drinking Alcohol

Avoid alcohol for at least 1–2 weeks after getting a tattoo. It's especially important to avoid it during the first 3 days. Here’s why:

Blood Thinning: Alcohol thins the blood, which can cause more bleeding and affect healing. This may lead to fading or uneven ink.

Immune System Impact: Alcohol weakens the immune system, slowing down healing. Your skin is an open wound after a tattoo, so proper healing is key to prevent infection.


Dehydration: Alcohol causes dehydration, which can dry out your skin. Hydrated skin heals better and helps protect your tattoo.


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 clear, medical adhesive film that protects your new tattoo from bacteria and friction while helping it heal naturally by locking in 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 (and similar products like Saniderm or Dermalize) is safe for most, some people may have allergic reactions or skin sensitivity 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.