Caring for your Tattoo

Caring for your fresh tattoo is essential to its longevity and to your health. Always ensure your hands are clean or gloved when handling a fresh tattoo.

  • Days 1-4 after your tattoo: when you get home from your appointment, take the wrap off, wash with warm (not hot or cold) water and fragrance free soap or cleanser. Allow to air dry or pat dry with clean paper towels. Coat the tattoo with an antiseptic cream and wrap again with cling film - do this at night to protect your tattoo while you sleep, and allow to breathe during the day. Apply antiseptic 2-3 times daily and wrap at night.

  • Days 5-10: Your tattoo will form a leathery layer that will peel off like a sunburn. Your tattoo should not form scabs if you have been diligent with antiseptic care, but if scabs form, DO NOT PICK. Once the tattoo has peeled, continue to use antiseptic cream once daily and use a tattoo aftercare balm of your preference 2-3 times daily. Your tattoo will be itchy (like crazy itchy) as it’s healing - this is normal, do not scratch it. (If things get desperate, you can slap it - but not too hard.)

  • Days 10-16: Continue to apply aftercare balm as needed. Your tattoo should be ‘surface healed’ by day 16.

  • Ongoing care: Moisturise your tattoo regularly to keep your skin fresh and happy. Your tattoo will be completely healed at around 5-6 months after the initial date.

REMEMBER: Do not go swimming or take baths for two weeks after your tattoo (shower as normal). Always use sunscreen when going outdoors. Aftercare is your responsibility: any touchups on your tattoo required as a result of failure to follow these instructions will incur a fee. 

TOUCH UPS: If you feel your tattoo needs a touch up, I am more than happy to do this for you. I usually allow 4-6 months of healing time before doing touch ups so as not to risk scarring to the skin. Depending on the nature of the restoration needed, most touch ups are free. If some extensive reworking is necessary, a small set-up fee may be incurred.

Disclaimer: These instructions are provided as a professional tattooist’s opinion and are not to be considered medical advice.