Why Tattoo Aftercare is Important

Your tattoo is an investment, and something you want to last for years to come. Proper healing and aftercare should be just as important to you, as the tattooing process itself.

All of our Tattoo Artists will walk you through their preferred aftercare techniques and recommendations on the day, however here are some of our tips for those of you who have asked.

Here you’ll find the basics to prevent infection or irritation. Reduce fading in your tattoo whether it’s black and grey or a solid colour tattoo. Ensure faster healing and minimal scabbing. Plus protecting the clarity and detail of your tattoo.

The basics

We have an extensive aftercare procedure to follow so please read on but these are the basics and key notes to remember.

Keep it clean, apply cream once to twice a day, no swimming for minimum 7-10 days or until no scabs are present.

Day One & Two - The Most Important

Your tattoo artist may apply second skin or wrap your new tattoo in clear wrapping.

Second Skin - Your Artist will tell you whether to wait 4-5 days before removing this wrap.

Clear Wrap - When you get home or after a couple of hours, it’s time to remove this and gently wash the area. Ensure you have clean hands before touching the tattooed area, we suggest to just jump in the shower. Using lukewarm water and fragrance free antibacterial soap, gentle cleanse the area. Pat dry with a paper towel or allow it to air dry. Avoid rubbing or using an old towel on the area.

Once the area is dry apply a tattoo-safe moisturiser or cream. Alot of people have their own preference in creams, some recommendations are Bepanthen or Dr Pickles Balm.

Only apply a thin layer, you need less than you think you do and gently rub this in.

For the first two nights reapply a plastic clear wrap over the area. This keeps the area clean and also saves you from getting any excess blood or ink on your bed sheets!

Our Tips

Here are some of our biggest tips that can help preserve your new tattoo from our Sunshine Coast Tattoo Artists.

Keep It Clean

Wash twice a day with a mild, fragrance free soap. Avoid scrubbing, exfoliating or any excessive rubbing on the area.

Moisturise Regularly (But don’t over do it)

Apply your preferred tattoo cream to the area, once to twice a day. This helps to prevent dryness, itching and excessive flaking of the tattooed area before it has healed properly.

Avoid Sun Exposure

This one sucks! Living on the Sunshine Coast can make it hard, but please try to avoid excessive sunlight after getting tattooed. This can really cause your tattoo to fade, distort and if you get sunburnt that’s never good news for a fresh tattoo. After 2 weeks, try to wear SPF if you’re heading to the surf or beach.

Avoid Swimming (Beach, Pool & Bath)

Avoid going to the beach, pools, saunas and excessively long showers for atleast 2 weeks after your tattoo. This excessive moisture can cause infections and fading of the tattoo. Plus most pools contain chemicals and it’s important to remember your tattoo is essentially an open wound until it has healed.

Don’t Scratch!

Healing tattoos get itchy. It’s completely normal for this to happen and it can get a bit too much sometimes, particularly when trying to sleep. To relieve the itching you can gently tap the area with your hand and make sure you have adequate tattoo balm applied - this will help!

Wear Loose Clothing

Wearing tight clothes after a new tattoo sounds like an absolute nightmare to us, and it definitely doesn’t help the healing process. Try to stick to loose clothes around the tattooed area and choose breathable fabrics that don’t cause excessive sweating.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Good Food

Healthy skin heals faster, so we recommend to keep your fluids up (no we don’t mean crack a XXXX). But do try to drink plenty of water and eating well aids the healing process.

Avoid Intense Workouts & The Gym

At least for the first 48 hours after your tattoo. Think about that guy at the gym who didn’t wipe up his sweat and then you’re risking that going into your new tattoo and open wound? Gross. Stick to a gentle at home workout or walk, or line it up with your rest day!

Avoid These in the First Two Weeks

• No shaving or waxing over the tattooed area.

• No makeup or skincare products on your tattoo.

• No exposure to salt water or chlorinated pools

• No excessive sweating or contact sports

Our team at Victory Tattoo Co has been tattooing people of Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast for years, and we take pride in offering expert guidance on tattoo healing and maintenance.

By following these aftercare tips, you’re ensuring that your new tattoo will remain bright, bold, neat and free from any complications. If you have any questions about your healing process, please reach out to your Tattoo Artist or visit us in the shop. We’re here to help.