Getting tattooed

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.