FROM FRESH INK TO HEALED SKIN✨
Here’s everything you need to know after your tattoo session.
1) WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR SESSION
Your tattoo might look a bit red, swollen, and feel tender right after your session, that’s totally normal and should start to calm down over the next few days. You might also notice a little blood, plasma, or ink coming out during the next day or two. Don’t worry, it’s part of the healing process. ✨ Your skin is just adjusting, give it patience, and it’ll start to settle beautifully.
If I wrapped your tattoo with clean wrap, remove it within 2 hours of your appointment.
As soon as you take it off, wash the area gently with mild soap and water, and don’t re-cover it. Let it breathe and dry naturally for the next couple of days.
NORMAL
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Mild itching or tightness
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Light flaking or peeling
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Slight dryness or small scabs
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Temporary dull or matte appearance
NOT NORMAL
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Pus (yellow/green fluid) or bad smell
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Redness that worsens or spreads
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Pain that increases after 2–3 days
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Fever, heat, or red streaks from the area
2)WHAT'S NORMAL & WHAT'S NOT
💡 It’s all part of your body’s natural healing. If anything feels off or painful, message me, I’m happy to check in.
3) HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TATTOO
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Wash 1–2 times a day with warm water and fragrance-free soap.
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Use clean hands, no washcloths or loofahs.
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Pat dry with a paper towel or let it air dry.
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Apply a super thin layer of healing cream. The skin should look soft, not shiny or greasy.
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Avoid pools, hot tubs, ocean, and saunas until it’s fully healed.
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Keep it out of direct sunlight, and once healed, always use SPF 30+.
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Wear clean, loose clothing. Avoid tight fabrics or friction.
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Skip intense workouts or sweating for the first few days.
✨ Think of your tattoo as an open wound and a piece of art, it needs gentle care and patience.
Dr Pickles
📍 Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, Woolworths, Coles
💬 Available as a tattoo balm and as a foam wash.
Ink Nurse
📍 Chemist Warehouse, Ink Nurse official website, Amazon AU.
💬 Light botanical tattoo cream and foam wash
QV Skincare
📍 Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, any supermarkets
💬Fragrance-free body lotion and perfume-free gentle wash
Cetaphil
📍 Chemist Warehouse, Priceline, any supermarket
💬 Fragane free formula, gentle skin cleanser and cream
EASY-TO-FIND AFTERCARE ESSENTIALS 🛒
4) AFTER ONE MONTH
By now, your tattoo should look healed and smooth to the touch.
The colors or lines might look a little softer or less vibrant than when it was freshly done, that’s completely normal!
Keep your tattoo looking fresh by:
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Moisturising regularly, healthy skin means better-looking ink.
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Using SPF 30+ daily on exposed tattoos (sun is your tattoo’s worst enemy).
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Avoiding harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants on the area.
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Drinking plenty of water, hydrated skin heals and ages better.
✨ A well-healed tattoo will keep its detail, contrast, and glow for years to come.