01
Follow your dressing plan
Keep the dressing on for the length of time your artist gave you. Different dressings need different care, so your appointment instructions come first.
Studio guide / Keep this close
Look afterthe work.
Straightforward care for a clean, comfortable heal. Your artist's instructions are specific to your tattoo, so follow those first.
Start with the first clean01
Your first clean
Clean. Dry. Protect.
Keep the routine simple. Clean hands and gentle handling matter more than doing too much.
02
Wash gently
Wash your hands, then clean the tattoo with lukewarm running water and a small amount of mild, fragrance-free soap. Do not scrub.
03
Dry and moisturise
Pat dry with clean paper towel or let it air dry. Apply a very thin layer of the aftercare product recommended by your artist.
Use a light touch. Too much product can leave the tattoo wet and sticky. A thin, breathable layer is enough.
02
What to expect
Healing has stages.
Every body and every piece heals differently. Use this as a general guide, not a deadline.
Days 1 to 3
Fresh
Mild redness, tenderness, swelling, warmth, and a small amount of clear fluid can be part of early healing. Keep the area clean and follow your dressing instructions.
Days 4 to 14
Settling
The tattoo can feel dry, tight, flaky, or itchy. Moisturise lightly and let flakes come away by themselves. Do not scratch or peel.
Weeks 2 to 4+
Closing
The surface should continue to settle, although larger or heavily worked pieces may take longer. Keep protecting it from friction and soaking until fully healed.
Once healed
Protect
Use high SPF sunscreen and moisturise regularly. Sun protection helps preserve contrast and keeps your skin in better condition over time.
03
Protect the heal
A few hard rules.
A healing tattoo is a wound. Keep it clean, leave it alone, and give the skin time to close.
Do
- Wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
- Use clean bedding, towels, and loose clothing.
- Keep showers brief and let water run gently over the area.
- Use only the product and routine recommended by your artist.
Avoid
- Do not pick, scratch, peel, or scrub.
- Do not swim, soak, or use saunas while healing.
- Avoid tight, dirty, or abrasive clothing over the tattoo.
- Keep it out of direct sun and do not apply sunscreen until healed.
Know the warning signs
If it does not feel right, act.
Increasing pain, spreading redness, marked heat or swelling, pus, a bad smell, continued bleeding, fever, or feeling unwell can indicate a problem. Contact a doctor promptly. If symptoms are severe or you feel seriously unwell, seek urgent medical care or call 000.
Studio guidance cannot diagnose or treat infection or an allergic reaction. You can let us know what is happening, but medical concerns need a qualified health professional.
Contact the studioCommon questions
Quick answers.
Still unsure? Send the studio a clear photo in good light and tell us what you are noticing.
01Can I exercise after my appointment?
Give the area time to settle. Avoid activity that causes heavy sweating, stretching, rubbing, or contact with unclean equipment around the tattoo. The right timing depends on the placement and size, so check with your artist if you are unsure.
02Can I shower?
Yes, unless your artist has given you different instructions for your dressing. Keep the shower brief, use lukewarm water, avoid strong water pressure, and do not soak the tattoo.
03What if my dressing leaks or lifts?
Do not reseal a compromised dressing. Follow the removal and cleaning instructions your artist gave you, then contact the studio if you are unsure what to do next.
04When is my tattoo fully healed?
Healing time varies with the size, placement, style, and your skin. Many tattoos settle over several weeks, while larger or heavily worked pieces can take longer. Keep following aftercare until the skin looks and feels normal.
Keep the work looking sharp.
Once fully healed, regular moisturiser and high SPF sunscreen are the simplest way to care for your skin and tattoo long term.
General guidance informed by Australian health resources. Read more at healthdirect (opens in a new tab). This page does not replace medical advice.