Aftercare

Tattoo Aftercare

A fresh tattoo is an open wound and needs to be kept clean while it heals. Following the correct aftercare will help protect your skin and preserve the quality of your tattoo.

Removing the Covering

Your tattooist will tell you how long to leave your tattoo covered. Follow the instructions they give you at your appointment.

Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo or removing its covering. Once removed, do not re-wrap the tattoo unless your tattooist has specifically instructed you to.

Cleaning Your Tattoo

Once the covering has been removed:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
  2. Gently wash the tattoo using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
  3. Use clean hands only, do not scrub it with a flannel, sponge or exfoliating product.
  4. Rinse it thoroughly.
  5. Gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
  6. Allow it to air-dry briefly before applying aftercare.

Continue gently washing your tattoo as instructed by your tattooist, particularly after sweating or if it becomes dirty.

Applying Aftercare

Once the tattoo is clean and dry, apply a very thin layer of suitable tattoo aftercare or paw paw ointment. The skin should feel lightly moisturised, not wet, sticky or heavily coated.

Using too much product can prevent the skin from breathing and may cause irritation. Reapply a small amount whenever the tattoo begins to feel dry or tight.

Suitable products are available from our Tattoo Care collection.

While Your Tattoo Heals

Some redness, tenderness, mild swelling, itching, flaking and light scabbing can be part of normal healing.

While it heals:

  • Do not scratch, pick or peel the tattoo.
  • Do not soak it in a bath, spa, swimming pool, river or ocean.
  • Keep it away from direct sunlight.
  • Avoid tight or dirty clothing rubbing against it.
  • Avoid excessive sweating and activities that repeatedly stretch or rub the area.
  • Keep pets and unwashed bedding away from it.
  • Do not apply fragranced lotions, fake tan, exfoliants or sunscreen to the unhealed tattoo.

Allow any flakes or scabs to come away naturally. Picking them can remove ink, delay healing and increase the risk of infection or scarring.

Once Healed

When the tattoo is completely healed, regularly moisturising the skin and protecting it with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen will help keep it looking its best.

Do not apply sunscreen until the skin has fully closed and finished peeling.

Healing times vary depending on the tattoo’s size, placement, your skin and your general health. The surface may appear healed before the deeper layers have finished recovering.

When to Seek Help

Contact the studio if you are unsure whether your tattoo is healing normally.

Seek medical advice promptly if you develop redness that continues spreading, worsening pain or swelling, excessive heat, pus, an unpleasant smell, red streaking, fever or any other symptoms that concern you.

These instructions provide general guidance only. Always follow the individual aftercare instructions given by your tattooist.