Tattoo Aftercare

First Few Hours

Leave the bandage on your fresh tattoo for approximately 1 hour.
Before touching your fresh tattoo, always wash your hands.
Remove the bandage and gently wash the tattoo with warm water and mild soap. Use only your hand, not a wash cloth, sponge, or anything rough.
Pat the area dry with a clean towel. Do not rub it.
After drying, leave the tattoo to air dry for about half an hour before applying a small amount of aftercare cream. We recommend using Bepanthen First Aid cream, which is available from most chemists &  in store
Do not reapply a bandage unless your artist has specifically told you to.

While It Heals

Your tattoo will usually form a light scab while it heals. Some redness, tenderness, flaking, and itching can also be normal.
Do not pick, scratch, or rub the tattoo while it is healing. Picking the scab can make the tattoo heal patchy.
Keep your fresh tattoo clean.
Apply a very thin layer of aftercare cream twice daily, morning and night, or as advised by your artist.
Do not overdo the cream. Applying too much can block the pores and slow down the healing process.
Wear clean, loose fitting clothing over your new tattoo and avoid anything rubbing against it too much.

What To Avoid

While your tattoo is healing:

• no swimming
• no saunas
• no soaking in baths or spas
• avoid tight or dirty clothing over the tattoo
• keep the tattoo out of the sun

Showers are fine. Just do not soak the tattoo.
Once your tattoo is fully healed, use sunscreen to help prevent fading.

Healing Time

Most tattoos are healed within 7 to 14 days, but everyone heals differently.
Some tattoos may take longer depending on the size, placement, how your body heals, and how well the aftercare instructions are followed.

When To Get Medical Advice

A fresh tattoo will usually be tender for a while, but it should gradually settle as it heals.
Please seek medical advice if the tattoo becomes increasingly red, swollen, painful, hot to touch, starts weeping pus, has ongoing bleeding or discharge, does not seem to be healing, or if you feel unwell.
You can also contact the shop so we know what is happening, but infection concerns should be checked by a doctor at the first opportunity.

Questions Or Concerns

If you have any questions about the healing process, please contact the shop on (02) 6921 6626.
If you notice any light lines or patchiness once the tattoo has fully healed, please contact the shop or come in and see us.
Provided the aftercare instructions have been followed, touch ups for small healing issues can be done at no additional charge.
We care about the quality of the work and want you to be happy with the finished result.