Tattoo FAQ's

• What is tattoo aftercare?Getting started+

  Tattoo aftercare is everything you do to support your skin as it heals after being tattooed. A tattoo is created by a needle puncturing the skin thousands of times per minute to deposit ink into the dermis, the second layer of skin. That process creates a wound across the entire tattooed area, and like any wound, it needs to be kept clean, moisturised, and protected while it heals. Good aftercare means the tattoo heals cleanly with the ink properly settled, the lines staying tight, and the colour remaining true. Poor aftercare means patchy ink, blown-out lines, infection risk, and a tattoo that does not look the way it should.

• How old do I have to be to get a tattoo in Australia?Getting started+

  In most of Australia you must be 18 to get a tattoo. Some states allow tattooing of a minor with written parental or guardian consent, but many studios simply decline to tattoo anyone under 18 regardless. Rules vary by state and territory, so check your local law and ring the studio first.

• How do I choose the right tattoo artist?Getting started+

  Look at a lot of an artist's work before booking, not just one or two pieces. Most artists post a portfolio online. Check that the style you want is something they clearly do well and enjoy, some specialise in black and grey, some in colour, some in fine line or traditional. A good rule of thumb is to find a portfolio where most of the work makes you think you would happily wear it yourself.

• What should I know before my first tattoo?Getting started+

  Have a clear idea of what you want and where you want it, do some research, and pick an artist whose style fits. Get a good night's sleep, eat a proper meal beforehand, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol. Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed, and expect the healing to take at least two weeks.

• Can I bring my own design?Getting started+

  Yes. You can bring a design you've made or references you like, or ask the artist to create a custom piece. Even with your own idea, a good artist will refine it so it works on your body, adjusting size, placement and detail so it flows with your anatomy and ages well.

• Should I get a consultation first?Getting started+

  For anything custom, larger, or that you're unsure about, a consultation is worth it. It lets you talk through the design, size, placement and cost, see whether you click with the artist, and gives them time to draw something up rather than rushing it on the day.

• What does normal healing look like?Getting started+

  Day one: redness, warmth, swelling, weeping plasma and ink under the wrap, tender to touch. Days two to three: weeping slows, redness begins to reduce, skin feels tight. Days four to six: itching begins as new skin forms underneath, surface starts to dry. Days seven to ten: peeling phase, the outer layer of skin sheds, sometimes with colour visible in the flakes. Days ten to fourteen: milk skin phase, a thin cloudy layer of new skin forms over the tattoo making it look dull, this clears on its own. Weeks three to four: surface healed, colour returns, lines sharpen. Months one to three: deep healing continues and the tattoo may still change subtly in appearance as the dermis settles.

• What's the difference between cling film and second skin?Getting started+

  Cling film is a short-term physical barrier used to protect the tattoo on the way home from the studio. Leave it on for two to four hours then remove, wash, and begin the regular aftercare routine. It is not breathable and is not designed for extended wear. Second skin (Saniderm, Tegaderm and similar breathable film bandages) is a medical-grade bandage designed to stay on for days, creating a moist healing environment that supports cleaner healing with less scabbing. Most professional Australian studios now use second skin as their default. If you have it, leave it on as directed by your artist, typically 24 hours to five days, then remove slowly in the shower once the adhesive has softened and begin the regular wash-and-moisturise routine.

• Does getting a tattoo hurt?Pain & the session+

  Yes, but how much depends on the location, your pain tolerance and how long the session runs. Many people describe it as an irritating scratching or stinging sensation rather than sharp pain, and most settle into it after the first few minutes. Areas with thin skin or lots of nerve endings hurt more.

• Which areas hurt the most?Pain & the session+

  Generally the most painful spots are those with thin skin and more nerve endings or close to bone, ribs, spine, feet, hands, inner bicep, and around the ankles. Fleshier areas like the outer upper arm and thigh tend to be more comfortable. Pain is personal though, so one person's worst spot can barely bother someone else.

• Can I use numbing cream?Pain & the session+

  Many people do, and some studios allow it, but check with your artist first, some numbing products can affect the skin and how it takes ink. If you want to use one, ask your artist which product they recommend and how to apply it before your appointment.

• How long will my tattoo take?Pain & the session+

  It depends entirely on size, detail and placement. A small, simple piece might take under an hour, while large or highly detailed work, sleeves, back pieces, realism, can take many hours and multiple sessions. Ask your artist for a time estimate so you can plan your day.

• Can big tattoos be done across multiple sessions?Pain & the session+

  Yes, and for large pieces it's usually recommended. Most people have around a three-hour comfort limit, so breaking a big design into outline, then shading, then colour across separate sittings makes it more comfortable, easier on the skin, and lets you pay as you go.

• Will I bleed a lot?Pain & the session+

  Not usually. Tattooing causes only minor bleeding for most people. If you faint easily or are worried, tell your artist, they can have you lie down for the session and keep an eye on you.

• How long does a tattoo take to heal?Washing & moisturising+

  Two to three weeks for the surface to heal, and two to four months for the tattoo to be fully healed at the deeper layer where the ink lives. Most people focus on the first two to three weeks, the active healing period of washing, moisturising and managing the peeling phase. What they miss is that the dermis continues integrating the ink for months after the surface looks healed, which is why a tattoo can look slightly different at three months compared to three weeks, and why sun protection matters long after visible healing is done. Placement affects the timeline: hands and feet take longer, often four to six weeks on the surface, while upper arms, thighs and back heal faster. Joint placements like elbows and knees take longer due to constant movement.

• How do I wash a new tattoo?Washing & moisturising+

  Wash twice daily for the first two weeks. Use lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Work up a lather in your hands first, then apply to the tattoo with gentle circular motions, no washcloths, no loofahs, nothing abrasive. Rinse thoroughly with cool water until no soap residue remains. Pat dry with clean paper towel, not a bath towel, which carries bacteria and has a texture that can snag on healing skin. Let the tattoo air for five to ten minutes before applying any aftercare product.

• How often should I moisturise?Washing & moisturising+

  Two to three times daily for the first two weeks, or whenever the skin feels tight or dry. That tight pulling sensation is your skin signalling it needs hydration, so don't wait until it's cracking. Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream and work it in until absorbed. The skin should look hydrated but not shiny or greasy. A pea-sized amount for a palm-sized tattoo is about right. More product is not better, thick layers trap heat and create conditions bacteria thrive in.

• What products should I use?Washing & moisturising+

  Use a purpose-formulated tattoo aftercare cream or a fragrance-free moisturiser with a clean ingredient list. Avoid anything with fragrance, lanolin, heavy petroleum bases, antibacterial agents, or alcohol. Bepanthen is still widely recommended in Australian studios but it's a nappy rash cream, its heavy petroleum base sits on the surface rather than absorbing, and lanolin causes reactions in a meaningful percentage of people. Purpose-built aftercare creams are a better option. Stand Fast Aftercare Cream by Penguin Tattoo Co is made in Australia in a TGA-registered facility and formulated specifically for the active healing phase. Dr Pickles is another solid Australian option with a lighter water-based formula.

• Can I use Vaseline on my tattoo?Washing & moisturising+

  Not as a primary aftercare product. Vaseline is petroleum jelly, it creates a heavy occlusive barrier that sits on the skin rather than absorbing. This seals out air in a way that is too heavy for daily tattoo aftercare and creates the warm, moist environment where bacteria thrive. In some specific situations, very dry skin that's cracking, or protecting a healed tattoo against extreme cold, a small amount can be useful. But it is not an appropriate daily aftercare product, especially during active healing.

• Is Bepanthen good for tattoos?Washing & moisturising+

  It works in the sense that most people who use it heal without major problems. It doesn't work in the sense that it's the best option, it's a nappy rash cream being used for something it was not designed to do. The active ingredient, panthenol (vitamin B5), is genuinely useful for healing skin. The problem is the vehicle it comes in, petroleum and lanolin, which is too heavy and occlusive for tattoo healing and causes contact reactions in a portion of people. Purpose-formulated aftercare products deliver the same active benefits without the baggage.

• Why is my tattoo peeling?The peeling phase+

  Peeling is normal and expected. When the tattoo needle passes through the skin to deposit ink in the dermis, it damages the epidermis (outer skin layer) in the process. That damaged outer layer sheds as new skin forms underneath, the same process as a sunburn peeling, just more localised. Peeling usually starts around days five to seven and continues through day ten or eleven. Some tattoos peel heavily, others barely peel at all, and both are normal.

• There's colour in the peeling skin, is the ink coming out?The peeling phase+

  This is the question that panics most people and the answer is that it's normal. The colour you're seeing in the peeling skin is ink from the very top layer, excess that was always going to shed during healing. The ink deposited in the dermis, where it's supposed to live, stays put. As long as you're not pulling chunks off or seeing large patches of the tattoo appear completely missing colour, you're fine. Let the skin peel on its own.

• Can I pick at the peeling skin?The peeling phase+

  No. This is the most important rule of the peeling phase and the most commonly broken one. Peeling skin that looks like it's barely hanging on is still attached to healing tissue underneath. Pulling it tears that tissue and pulls ink out of the dermis with it. The result is light patches, missing sections of colour, or blurred lines that require a touch-up to fix, if they can be fixed at all. Let the skin peel on its own timeline. Wash gently, moisturise, and leave it alone.

• Why does my tattoo look cloudy or dull after peeling?The peeling phase+

  This is the milk skin phase, and it's completely normal. After the peeling is done, a thin layer of new, immature skin sits over the tattoo. It looks slightly opaque, cloudy, muted, sometimes almost like there's a film over the ink, because the new skin hasn't fully settled and integrated yet. The ink is fine underneath it. As the new skin matures over the following one to two weeks, the tattoo will progressively look clearer and more vivid. Nothing you do speeds this up, it resolves on its own.

• Why is my tattoo so itchy?Itching+

  Itching during healing is caused by new skin forming underneath the surface. As the epidermis repairs itself, the nerve endings in the area respond to the activity, the itch is essentially your nerves reacting to the healing happening around them. Itching typically starts around days four to six and continues through the peeling phase. It can be intense. It's a sign of healing, not a sign that something's wrong.

• How do I relieve tattoo itching without scratching?Itching+

  A clean tap with your palm over the area relieves the sensation without the risk of scratching. It's not as satisfying as scratching but it works. A thin application of aftercare cream also helps, the hydration often reduces the itching temporarily by relieving the dryness that contributes to it. What doesn't help is scratching, which damages new skin and can pull up early peeling before it's ready.

• My tattoo is itchy weeks after healing, is that normal?Itching+

  Some people experience itching in healed tattoos weeks or months later, particularly with certain pigments. Red, yellow and orange inks are more commonly associated with delayed reactions than black or blue. If the itching is accompanied by raised skin, a rash, or swelling in the tattooed area long after healing, it's worth seeing a GP or dermatologist. Delayed allergic reactions to tattoo pigments do occur and are worth getting checked rather than ignoring.

• How do I know if my tattoo is infected?Infection & reactions+

  Normal healing involves redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness, all expected and gradually reducing over the first few days. Signs that suggest infection rather than normal healing: significant swelling that spreads beyond the tattoo border and doesn't reduce after two to three days; pus or thick discharge (not the clear plasma that seeps normally in the first day or two); pain increasing rather than reducing after the first 48 hours; a rash or hives developing around the tattoo; red streaks extending away from the tattoo border; or fever accompanying local symptoms. If you notice any of these, contact your artist first, they've seen a lot of healing tattoos and can tell you whether it warrants medical attention. If they think you need a GP, go. Tattoo infections caught early are easily treated; left too long, they're not.

• What causes tattoo infections?Infection & reactions+

  Infections can be introduced during the tattoo process itself, from equipment that wasn't properly sterilised, ink that was contaminated, or a studio with inadequate hygiene practices. This is why choosing a studio with visible hygiene standards matters. More commonly, infections develop during the aftercare period from bacteria introduced through unwashed hands touching the tattoo, dirty bath towels, gym equipment contact, or soaking in pools or the ocean before the skin has healed.

• Can I get an allergic reaction to tattoo ink?Infection & reactions+

  Yes, though it's less common than infection. Allergic reactions to tattoo ink can be immediate, appearing in the first few days, or delayed, showing up weeks or months after the tattoo has healed. Red pigments are most commonly associated with allergic reactions, followed by yellow and orange. Black ink reactions do occur but are less frequent. Signs include persistent itching, raised or bumpy skin in the tattooed area, and redness or rash that doesn't resolve with normal healing. See a dermatologist if you suspect a reaction, some require treatment with topical corticosteroids.

• Can I shower after getting a tattoo?Sun, water & activity+

  Yes, from the same day. The rule is that showers are fine but soaking is not, brief exposure to running water is different from submerging the tattoo for an extended period. Keep showers short, use lukewarm water (not hot), and don't let the showerhead blast directly onto the tattoo. Use fragrance-free soap on the tattooed area, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry with paper towel immediately after.

• When can I go swimming after getting a tattoo?Sun, water & activity+

  Three weeks minimum, and only if the surface looks fully healed. Swimming, whether in a pool, the ocean, a river or a lake, involves submerging the tattoo in water for extended periods. Pool water contains chlorine and other chemicals; open water contains bacteria; all of it is problematic for healing skin. Soaking softens the outer layers, can draw ink to the surface before it's properly settled, and exposes an open wound to bacterial load. Wait until you're confident the surface is healed and err on the side of longer rather than shorter.

• Can I go in the sun with a new tattoo?Sun, water & activity+

  Not directly during the healing phase. UV exposure on a fresh tattoo damages the healing tissue and can cause burns on already-compromised skin. Keep the tattoo covered when outside for the first two to three weeks. After the surface has healed, apply SPF 50+ every time the tattoo will be in direct sun. UV radiation degrades tattoo pigment over time, it's the single biggest factor in why some tattoos age beautifully and others look washed out within a few years. This isn't temporary advice, it applies permanently.

• When can I put sunscreen on a new tattoo?Sun, water & activity+

  Once the surface is fully healed, typically around the three-week mark. Applying sunscreen to healing skin before it's closed can introduce chemicals to an open wound. Once healed, use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every two hours when in direct sun. This becomes a permanent part of your routine for any tattooed skin that's regularly exposed.

• When can I exercise after getting a tattoo?Sun, water & activity+

  Take 48 hours off any exercise. The first 48 hours are when the tattoo is most vulnerable, the wound is fresh and exercise increases blood flow, promotes sweating, and risks friction against healing skin. From day three, light training is possible depending on placement. Avoid exercises that cause heavy sweating directly over the tattoo, repeated friction against the area, or contact with shared gym surfaces, and wash the tattoo immediately after any session. Full training by week two to three. Swimming waits until the surface is healed. Contact sports like martial arts, rugby and AFL wait two weeks minimum.

• Can I drink alcohol after getting a tattoo?Sun, water & activity+

  A small amount isn't going to cause disaster, but alcohol is worth limiting in the first 48 hours for a few reasons. It thins the blood, which can cause a tattoo to bleed and weep more than it otherwise would. It also dehydrates you, which affects skin healing. And practically, drinking tends to lead to forgetting aftercare steps. The first two days are the most important window, after that, normal consumption isn't going to meaningfully affect healing.

• How much does a tattoo cost?Cost & booking+

  Cost depends on size, placement, detail, colour and the artist's rate and experience. Many artists charge either a flat rate for a piece or an hourly rate for larger work, often with a minimum charge for very small tattoos. Always ask for an estimate before the artist starts.

• Why do artists have a minimum charge?Cost & booking+

  Even a tiny tattoo involves setting up a sterile station, using single-use needles and supplies, drawing or sizing the design, and the artist's time. The minimum charge covers that baseline cost regardless of how small the piece is.

• Should I tip my tattoo artist?Cost & booking+

  Tipping isn't compulsory in Australia the way it is in some countries, but it's appreciated and common for work people are happy with. If you want to tip, anywhere from a small amount up to around 15-20% of the price is a normal range, use your own judgement based on the service.

• Do I need to pay a deposit?Cost & booking+

  Most studios take a deposit to lock in your booking, which is usually put toward the final cost. Deposits are often non-refundable if you cancel late or don't show, since that time can't easily be rebooked. Ask about the studio's specific deposit and cancellation policy when you book.

• Where should I put my first tattoo?Design & placement+

  Think about pain, visibility, how it fits your body, and whether you'll want it seen at work. Fleshier areas like the outer upper arm and thigh are more comfortable and heal easily, which makes them popular for a first tattoo. Your artist can suggest placement that flows with your anatomy.

• Does weight gain or loss affect tattoos?Design & placement+

  Significant changes in body weight can affect how a tattoo looks, particularly for large pieces on areas with more fat tissue, stomach, thighs, upper arms. The ink itself doesn't move, but the skin stretching or contracting around it can distort the design. Minor fluctuations of a few kilograms either way typically don't cause noticeable changes. More significant changes over time may cause some distortion, particularly in heavily detailed or fine-line work.

• Can I make a design smaller?Design & placement+

  Sometimes, but shrinking a design can crowd the detail and ruin the balance of the artwork. Fine lines placed too close together can also blur as the tattoo ages. Your artist will advise on the smallest size a given design can be done at while still holding up over time.

• Can I re-tattoo over a scar?Design & placement+

  Yes, in many cases, but it requires an experienced artist who understands how scar tissue behaves. Scar tissue holds ink differently to normal skin, heals less predictably, and often requires more passes to achieve even coverage. The results depend heavily on the age and type of scar, the placement, and the artist's experience with scarred skin. Scars generally need to be fully healed, commonly at least a year old, before being tattooed.

• Should I get colour or black and grey?Design & placement+

  It comes down to the style and look you want, and what suits your skin. Black and grey tends to be versatile and ages predictably; colour can be striking but some pigments fade differently over time and may need more sun protection. A good artist will advise what will work best for your design and skin tone.

• When can I get a touch-up?Touch-ups & longevity+

  Eight weeks minimum, twelve weeks is better. Going back too soon means working on skin that hasn't finished healing, which produces unpredictable results. Most reputable studios include a complimentary touch-up within a certain timeframe, usually six to twelve weeks, so check with your artist. By the twelve-week mark, any gaps, light patches, or areas that healed patchily will be clearly visible and stable enough to work on.

• Why do some tattoos need touch-ups?Touch-ups & longevity+

  Even with perfect aftercare, some tattoos need touch-ups. Fine line work, light colour fills, and areas that experienced heavy peeling or scabbing are most susceptible to minor gaps or fading during healing. Placement matters too, hands, fingers, feet and joint placements have higher touch-up rates than upper arms, thighs or back pieces. This is normal and doesn't mean something went wrong.

• How do I make my tattoo last longer?Touch-ups & longevity+

  Two habits make the biggest difference over years. First, consistent sun protection, UV radiation is the primary cause of tattoo fading and blurring over time, so use SPF 50+ on tattooed skin whenever it's in direct sun, every time, permanently. Second, regular moisturising, hydrated skin holds ink better than dry skin, so a fragrance-free moisturiser applied daily to tattooed areas keeps the skin healthy and the ink looking vivid for longer. Beyond those two, staying hydrated generally, avoiding prolonged sun exposure on heavily tattooed areas, and keeping harsh exfoliants away from tattooed skin all contribute to better long-term ink quality.

• Do tattoos fade over time?Touch-ups & longevity+

  Yes, all tattoos fade gradually. How fast depends on ink quality, colours used, placement, sun exposure and skin care. Keeping the tattoo out of strong sun and using sunscreen once healed slows fading a lot, and periodic touch-ups can keep it looking sharp.

• Can I use fake tan on a healed tattoo?Touch-ups & longevity+

  On a fully healed tattoo, yes, though fake tan sitting on tattooed skin can temporarily mute the appearance of the ink, and some formulas cause slight colour shifts in lighter pigments. It won't cause permanent damage to a healed tattoo. During healing, no, the chemicals in fake tan are irritants on compromised skin. Wait until the tattoo is fully surface-healed before applying.

• Can tattoos be removed?Touch-ups & longevity+

  Yes, though removal is usually more involved, slower and more expensive than getting the tattoo. Laser treatment is the most common method and typically takes multiple sessions over months. Results vary with ink colours, depth and your skin, so go in with realistic expectations.

• Are tattoos safe?Safety & health+

  Getting tattooed at a reputable, licensed studio that follows proper hygiene, single-use needles, sterile equipment, clean workspace, is generally safe. Be honest with your artist about any medical conditions, and follow good aftercare to reduce the risk of infection.

• What hygiene practices should a studio follow?Safety & health+

  A professional studio uses single-use, sterile needles opened in front of you, wraps and cleans equipment and surfaces between clients, wears fresh gloves, and works in a clean, licensed premises. If anything looks unclean or the artist can't answer basic hygiene questions, walk away.

• Can I get a tattoo if I've been drinking?Safety & health+

  No. Reputable artists won't tattoo someone who's been drinking. Alcohol thins the blood, which increases bleeding, can dilute the ink and affects healing. It's best to avoid alcohol the night before as well, and turn up sober, rested and well fed.

• Can I get a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding?Safety & health+

  Most artists will decline to tattoo someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding as a precaution, and many recommend waiting. If this applies to you, speak to your doctor and be upfront with the studio rather than getting tattooed against that advice.

• What should I avoid in the weeks after getting tattooed?Safety & health+

  Avoid soaking (baths, pools, ocean, hot tubs) for the first three weeks; direct sun on the tattoo (keep it covered during healing, then SPF 50+ after); picking, scratching or pulling at peeling skin; heavy exercise causing significant sweating over the tattoo in the first 48 hours; bath towels on healing skin (use paper towel); fragranced products on or near the tattoo; tight clothing or compression over the healing area; rewrapping with cling film after the initial wrap is removed; applying makeup, fake tan or other cosmetics to healing skin; and drinking heavily in the first 48 hours.

• I have sensitive skin, what should I use?Specific situations+

  Fragrance-free is the most important filter. Most skin reactions to aftercare products are triggered by fragrance, not the base ingredients, and a shorter, simpler ingredient list is better for sensitive skin. Avoid lanolin, a common sensitiser found in products like Bepanthen, and avoid antibacterial soaps, which can be harsh on healing skin. Patch test any new product on a small area of untattooed skin before applying to the healing tattoo.

• I'm diabetic, does that affect healing?Specific situations+

  Yes. Diabetes affects skin healing generally, and tattoo healing is no exception. Blood circulation to the extremities is often reduced, immune response can be slower, and the risk of infection is higher. If you have diabetes, discuss it with your GP before getting tattooed. Choose placements away from areas with poor circulation, feet and lower legs in particular, follow your aftercare routine meticulously, and monitor the healing closely.

• I'm on blood thinners, what should I know?Specific situations+

  Blood thinners, including aspirin, warfarin and similar medications, increase bleeding during the tattoo process and can affect how the skin heals afterward. Tell your artist before your appointment, they need to know. Some blood thinners may also require you to consult your GP before getting tattooed. Don't skip this step.

• My tattoo is raised or bumpy even though it's healed, why?Specific situations+

  Raised or textured tattoos in healed skin have a few possible causes. Scarring: if the skin was traumatised during tattooing, from too many passes, too deep needle work, or difficult placements, it can heal with slight scarring that raises the skin. Allergic reaction: certain pigments, particularly reds, can cause a chronic low-grade immune response that shows as raised skin, sometimes long after healing, worth seeing a dermatologist if it persists. Skin conditions: eczema and psoriasis can present in tattooed skin, sometimes triggered by the tattooing process itself, again worth seeing a dermatologist.

• Can I get a tattoo if I have a medical condition?Specific situations+

  It depends on the condition. Some conditions, medications or skin issues can affect bleeding, healing or the safety of getting tattooed. Always tell your artist about relevant medical conditions, and if you're unsure, check with your doctor first. Honesty here protects you.

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