A new tattoo is an open wound for the first couple of weeks, and how you look after it decides how it looks for the rest of your life. Perth’s sun, beaches and pools make aftercare a little different here than in cooler cities. Follow these steps and your tattoo will heal clean, bright and sharp.
The first 24 hours
Leave the wrap or film on for as long as your artist advises. When it comes off, wash the tattoo gently with clean hands, lukewarm water and a mild, low-pH, fragrance-free soap. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel; never rub it with a used bath towel.
Days 2 to 10: keep it clean, light and breathable
- Wash the tattoo two or three times a day.
- Apply a very thin layer of the water-based moisturiser your artist recommends. Too much cream suffocates the skin and slows healing.
- Wear loose, clean clothing over it, especially for larger pieces such as sleeves and back pieces.
- Expect some flaking and itching. Do not pick or scratch; let the skin fall away on its own.
Sun: the biggest risk in Perth
Western Australian UV is strong all year round. A healing tattoo must be kept completely out of direct sun: cover it with loose clothing or stay in the shade. Sunscreen is not for open skin, so only start using it once the tattoo has fully healed, usually after three to four weeks. After that, a high-SPF sunscreen every time you are outdoors is the single best way to keep black lines crisp and colours bright for years.
Beaches, pools and the ocean
Keep the tattoo as dry as possible. Stay out of the ocean, pools, spas and rivers for at least two weeks, and until the skin has stopped flaking. Salt water, chlorine and bacteria can cause infection and pull ink out of the skin. Brief showers over the tattoo are fine; long soaks in the bath or running water over the tattoo are not.
Heading back to site, regional WA, or overseas?
Many of our clients fly in from mine sites, regional towns and overseas. If you are heading back to a FIFO roster or travelling soon after your session, let us know when you book so we can plan around your dates. Pack aftercare moisturiser, low-pH fragrance-free soap and loose clothing. On site, keep the tattoo covered from dust, sun and rubbing from work gear or PPE, and wash it at the end of every shift. On long flights, wear loose sleeves or pants, keep the tattoo clean and dry, and avoid leaning on it.
Exercise and work
Take it easy at the gym for the first few days, especially if the tattoo sits on a joint or a muscle you are training. Sweat is fine if you wash it off soon after, but avoid tight clothing and shared equipment rubbing on the area.
When to contact us
Some redness, swelling and tenderness in the first few days is normal. If redness spreads, the area becomes hot or very painful, or you feel unwell, see a doctor. If anything looks uneven once your tattoo has healed, get in touch; touch-ups are part of looking after your work.
Questions before your next tattoo?
Book a free consult at 146 Barrack Street, Perth, or browse finished pieces in our Tattoo Art Gallery. We are happy to talk through aftercare, timing and placement before you book.
