Complete Tattoo Aftercare Guide – Heal Your Adelaide Tattoo Safely

Whether you’ve just gotten a new tattoo or are preparing for your next session, proper tattoo aftercare is essential. Taking care of fresh ink ensures it heals beautifully, retains vibrant colour, and reduces the risk of skin reactions, irritation, or infection.

This guide covers everything you need to know about tattoo healing, answers common questions, and explains how to use the best products for optimal results.

Preparing Your Tattooed Skin

While you may have already read our preparation guide, it’s worth highlighting that good preparation influences the healing process and final results:

• Hydrate and eat well: Drink plenty of water and eat a nutritious meal before your appointment. Tattooing is physically demanding, and staying hydrated supports skin recovery.

• Comfortable clothing: Wear loose clothing to avoid friction against fresh ink. This also prevents skin irritation.

• Skin health: Exfoliate gently and moisturise using a mild, fragrance-free soap like Gentle Cleansing Wash. Avoid sunburned or irritated skin — UV rays can compromise your skin barrier function and prolong the tattoo healing process.
  
  
  

Step-by-Step Tattoo Aftercare

Following a proper aftercare routine is key to keeping tattooed skin healthy and ensuring your artwork stays vibrant for years.

1. Keep Your Tattoo Covered

Immediately after your tattoo, your tattoo artist will clean the area and apply a sterile bandage or cling wrap. Keep it on for the first 1–2 hours, or as advised by your artist. This helps prevent infection and maintains tattoo hygiene during the initial healing process.

2. Washing Your Tattoo

After removing the bandage, wash your tattoo gently with mild, fragrance-free soap. Use lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean paper towel — never rub.

• Wash 2–3 times daily for the first two weeks.

• Avoid harsh soaps, exfoliants, or scrubbing.

• Slight ink bleeding during washing is normal — it’s just excess ink and plasma.
  
  

3. Moisturise to Support Skin Recovery

Keeping your tattooed skin hydrated is crucial. Apply a thin layer of safe alternatives like Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment.

Why moisturising matters:

• Prevents skin irritation and excessive scabbing.

• Supports the skin barrier function

• Reduces itching and promotes skin recovery

• Protects against cracking and ink loss.
  
  
  

Apply 2–3 times daily, using natural formulas with ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, raspberry oil, and shea butter. Avoid over-application, which can trap bacteria and slow healing.

4. Sun Protection

Your tattoo is highly sensitive to UV rays during the healing process. Avoid direct sunlight and always cover your tattoo with loose clothing.

Once fully healed, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to prevent fading and protect tattooed skin from sun damage. Regular sun protection prolongs the vibrancy of your tattoo.

5. Can I Swim After a New Tattoo?

Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural water for at least 2–3 weeks or until scabs have fully healed. Exposure to bacteria and chemicals can cause infections and compromise the healing process.

6. Exercise and Physical Activity

Avoid strenuous workouts for 4–6 weeks, especially those that stretch the tattooed area or cause excessive sweating. Light activity like walking is fine after 48 hours, but always wash and moisturise your tattoo afterward.

7. Clothing Tips

Wear loose fabrics over your tattoo. Tight clothing can:

• Stick to ointments or lotions

• Pull off scabs

• Cause unnecessary pain or irritation
  
  
  

8. Do Not Pick or Scratch

Scabbing is natural. Picking can:

• Pull ink from the skin

• Cause skin reactions or scarring

• Extend the healing process
  
  

Moisturise to soothe any itching and protect your fresh ink.

Common Tattoo Aftercare Questions

How long does a tattoo take to heal?
Small tattoos generally heal in 2–3 weeks, while larger pieces may take up to 3 months. Healing time depends on size, placement, and your skin recovery.

Can I use natural oils like coconut oil or aloe vera?
Yes, these are excellent for tattooed skin.

Can I apply makeup on a new tattoo?
No. Wait until fully healed to avoid skin reactions and infection.

How do I prevent fading?
Moisturise regularly and protect healed tattoos with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).

Can tattoos get infected?
Yes, if proper hygiene is not maintained. Washing with antibacterial, mild soap, using sterile bandages, and avoiding swimming or scratching minimises risk.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your tattoo properly is the best way to preserve your investment in your art. Stick to gentle cleaning, consistent moisturising, sun protection, and safe practices like avoiding swimming and scratching.