Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Proper aftercare is essential to help your tattoo heal beautifully.
This page covers:

General Aftercare Instructions

Second Skin Aftercare

Recommended Aftercare Creams

General Aftercare Instructions

Your tattoo is at its most delicate right after your appointment, so I recommend keeping the rest of your day free to rest and relax.

1. Initial Wrap

At the end of your appointment, I will wrap your tattoo with glad wrap.

  • If you’re going straight home: keep it on for 1–2 hours.

  • If you’re heading elsewhere: keep it wrapped until you can remove it safely at home.

2. Washing Your Tattoo

Once the wrap is removed:

  • Wash gently in the shower using warm water and a fragrance-free, gentle soap.

  • Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

3. Healing Time

A fresh tattoo takes around 4-6 weeks to heal. During this time:

  • Wash the tattoo twice daily with warm soapy water.

  • Do not scratch or pick at peeling or flaking skin.

  • Avoid soaking the tattoo for 3 weeks (no baths, spas, pools or ocean swims).
    Showers are completely fine!

  • Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream 2–3 times a day.

  • Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight.
    Do not apply sunscreen until the area is fully healed.

  • Avoid shaving, fake tan or makeup on the tattoo until healed.

Second Skin Aftercare Instructions

If you choose to heal your tattoo with Second Skin, I will apply your first bandage before you leave the studio.

IF I DID NOT GIVE YOU A SPARE BANDAGE:

Disregard the steps below.
Simply remove your Second Skin bandage 3–7 days after your appointment (under warm running water), then follow the General Aftercare for another 2–3 weeks.

IF YOU HAVE A SPARE BANDAGE:

Follow these steps:

1. Remove the first bandage

  • Remove after 24–48 hours (depending on how much plasma your body produces).

  • Remove it in the shower under warm running water.

  • Do not rip it off dry.

2. Clean the tattoo

  • Wash gently with soap.

  • Pat dry with a clean towel/paper towel.

  • Allow the area to air dry for 10–15 minutes.

3. Apply the new bandage

  • Ensure the skin is relaxed in a natural position.

  • If the tattoo is in a tricky area, ask someone to help.

  • Remove the white backing and apply the new bandage to the centre of the tattoo, smoothing outwards to avoid air bubbles.

  • Slowly peel off the plastic top layer once the bandage is stuck down.

4. What to expect

Your tattoo may look dark, foggy or “muddy” under Second Skin.
This is completely normal — it’s just plasma and excess ink trapped beneath the film.

5. Remove after 3–7 days

Remove the Second Skin bandage (again, under warm running water).
You may see an imprint of your tattoo on the bandage — this is just staining and nothing to worry about.

After removal, continue following General Aftercare for another 2–3 weeks.

Recommended Aftercare Creams

You can purchase aftercare cream at the end of your appointment.
My studio stocks:

  • Supreme Crème

  • Hustle Butter

Both are Australian made, vegan and free of synthetic ingredients.