TATTOO AFTERCARE GUIDE
Getting a tattoo is only half the job, the other half is taking care of it, especially while healing.
Proper tattoo aftercare will make sure your tattoo heals well and holds its colour and detail over time.
Immediate Aftercare
Keep the bandage on for a minimum of two hours.
After removing the bandage, wash the tattoo gently with warm soapy water and pat it dry with paper towel.
Your tattoo should always be clean before applying any dressing or cream.
Applying the Dressing
Your tattooer will give you a Fixamull dressing at your appointment. Apply the Fixomull over the tattoo, leaving at least 2cm around the edge of the tattoo.
Make sure your skin is clean and completely dry before applying.
Keep the Fixomull on for four days and nights without changing it.
From Day 5
On day five, slowly and carefully peel the Fixomull off in the shower and wash the tattoo thoroughly.
Apply a small amount of tattoo cream (we recommend Dr Pickles or Bepanthen) and continue applying a minimal amount for the following two weeks.
Healing Process
After the tattoo has healed the skin may remain dry for a few weeks. Continue using cream until the tattoo is completely settled.
While your tattoo is healing:
Do not soak your tattoo. Avoid swimming pools, the ocean, spas and baths.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Do not pick at scabs or scratch the tattoo.
After Healing
Once the tattoo is fully healed, always apply sunscreen when it is exposed to sunlight.
Sun protection helps maintain the colour and detail of your tattoo over time.
TATTOO AFTERCARE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Most tattoos take around 2 to 4 weeks to heal on the surface, although the skin can take longer to fully settle. During this time the tattoo may feel dry, itchy or slightly flaky. This is a normal part of the healing process.
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A tattoo typically goes through several healing stages. In the first few days it may feel sore and slightly red. After that the skin may begin to dry, peel or lightly scab. Over the following weeks the skin gradually settles and the tattoo becomes clearer as the outer layer of skin fully heals.
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Yes. You can shower after getting a tattoo, but avoid soaking it. Keep showers short and avoid directing strong water pressure onto the tattoo. Wash the area gently with warm soapy water and pat it dry.
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No. Avoid swimming pools, the ocean, spas and baths until the tattoo is fully healed. Soaking a fresh tattoo can irritate the skin and increase the risk of infection.
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Some redness, sensitivity and mild swelling are normal for the first few days after getting a tattoo. If the redness becomes severe, spreads significantly or is accompanied by intense pain or discharge, contact your tattooist or a medical professional.
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Yes. Itching is a normal part of the healing process as the skin repairs itself. Avoid scratching or picking at the tattoo as this can damage the design and affect healing.
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Yes. Small scabs and light peeling are completely normal during healing. Do not pick at scabs or peeling skin, as this can pull ink from the tattoo and cause patchy healing.
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As much as you might want to, picking at scabs can remove ink from the skin and cause patchy or uneven healing and we don’t want that. Let scabs and flakes to fall away on their own.
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During healing the tattoo may appear slightly dull, cloudy or flaky. This happens as new skin forms over the tattoo. Once the skin has fully settled the tattoo will become clearer again.
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Once the Fixomull dressing has been removed on day five, apply a small amount of Bepanthen cream and continue applying a minimal amount for around two weeks.
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Apply a small amount of cream two to three times per day once the dressing has been removed. The skin should feel lightly hydrated but not greasy.
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We recommend using Dr Pickles Tattoo Balm or Bepanthen (the Tattoo Aftercare one is great, but the original antiseptic cream works too)
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Use only a small amount of cream. Your tattoo should not be thickly coated. Too much cream can prevent the skin from breathing properly and may slow the healing process.
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Dryness is common during the healing process. Apply a small amount of cream to keep the skin hydrated. Avoid over-moisturising.
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Light exercise is generally fine, but avoid heavy sweating, friction or activities that stretch the tattooed area while it is healing.
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Drinking alcohol after getting tattooed will not affect the tattoo itself, but excessive drinking immediately after your appointment may increase bleeding and irritation.
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Avoid prolonged sun exposure while your tattoo is healing. Fresh tattoos are very sensitive to UV and can become irritated or fade.
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Only apply sunscreen once the tattoo is fully healed. After healing, sunscreen helps protect the colour and detail of your tattoo over time.
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Mild redness and sensitivity are normal in the first few days. Signs of infection can include severe swelling, intense pain, spreading redness, pus or unusual discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your tattooist or a medical professional.
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If the tattoo becomes irritated, gently wash the area and keep it clean. Minor irritation is usually not a problem, but avoid further friction or pressure on the tattoo while it heals.
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If you have any concerns during the healing process, get in touch with us. It’s always better to ask than guess. Give us a call on (02) 9211 0066 or send us an email info@tattoorosies.com or Insta DM.
If you believe your tattoo is infected, please see a medical professional as soon as possible. -
If you have questions about your tattoo or the healing process, please contact the shop and we will be happy to help.
We have answered some of our most frequently asked questions here.
If you have any more questions or would like more info, feel free to get in touch with us by phone, email or come and see us in the shop any time and we would be happy to help.
Remember, only listen to your tattooist about aftercare.
