Tattoo aftercare, step by step

First few hours

leave the wrap on as advised by your artist

First wash

with clean hands, wash gently with lukewarm water and a
fragrance-free soap, then pat dry. Do not scrub.

Moisturis

apply a thin layer of the recommended aftercare two to
three times a day. More is not better.

Days 3 to 7

light peeling and flaking is normal. Do not pick or scratch.

Days 8 to 14

it may feel itchy and look dull. This passes. Keep moisturising.

Around 30 days

the surface is healed, deeper layers settle over a few
weeks more.

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How long does a tattoo take to heal 1
How long does a tattoo take to heal 2

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

The surface usually heals in 10 to 14 days, and the deeper skin settles fully by around 30 days. Larger or heavily shaded pieces can take a little longer. With good aftercare, most clients heal cleanly.

Can I shower, swim or sit in the sun?

Mask group (1)

Shower

yes, after the first couple of hours, with lukewarm water and no soaking.

Mask group (2)

Swimming

no pools, ocean, lakes or spas for at least two weeks. This matters in a South East Melbourne summer.

Mask group (3)

Sun

keep a new tattoo out of direct sun while healing, and use SPF 50+ on it for life to slow fading.

Pricing, deposits and payment

Straightforward studio rates, so you can budget before you even message. This is the only place on the site the full guide is published; every piece is still confirmed with an exact quote at your consult.
SIZE OR SESSIONPRICE
Minimum size tattoo$150
Small tattoo$180 to $300
Medium tattoo$350 to $700
Large tattoo$800
Half day session$500 to $800
Full day session (6 to 7 hours)$1,000
Sleeves and back pieces

Sleeves and back pieces

arm sleeves, leg sleeves and full back pieces are quoted individually at a consult. The same sleeve covers a very different area from one person to the next, so a fixed list price would not be honest.

What moves the price

What moves the price

the size, style, placement on the body, level of detail, the time the piece needs and how long you book for. You always get a clear price before any needle touches skin.

Deposit

Deposit

a $200 deposit secures your booking and is deducted from the final price. It is non-refundable if you cancel or do not show, and fully refunded if the artist needs to cancel.

Payment

cash and card. There is no Afterpay or buy-now-pay-later at this stage.

Booking and policies

Age

18 and over only, no exceptions, photo ID required.

Booking and policies

Booking

by enquiry form, phone or Instagram DM. A free consult comes first for custom work.

Booking and policies 2

Reschedules

give as much notice as you can so your deposit carries to the new date.

Booking and policies 2

Touch-ups

discussed case by case and part of the long-term relationship.

Booking and policies

Hygiene and safety

Single-use needles, hospital-grade autoclave sterilisation, and full compliance with the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. Hygiene is the baseline, every time.
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Got a question that is not here? Ask at your consult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

The surface heals in about 10 to 14 days, and the deeper skin settles by around 30 days. Larger, heavily shaded pieces can take a little longer.
Yes, after the first couple of hours. Use lukewarm water, keep it brief and do not soak the tattoo.
Wait at least two weeks before swimming in pools, the ocean, lakes or spas, to avoid infection and protect the healing ink.
Yes, but Lifeblood requires a waiting period of four months from the date of any new tattoo before you can donate.
Tattoos start from $150. Small pieces run $180 to $300, medium pieces $350 to $700, large pieces around $800, half day sessions $500 to $800 and a full day $1,000. Sleeves and back pieces are quoted individually at a consult, and every piece gets an exact price before work begins.

A $200 deposit secures your booking and comes off the final price. It is non-refundable if you cancel or no-show, and fully refunded if the artist cancels.

Not at this stage. Payment is by cash or card.