How to Get the Most Out of Your Traditional Tattoo in Perth: The Ultimate Care Guide

So, you've decided to go for a bold and timeless traditional tattoo in Perth—well, welcome to the club! Whether you're getting a back piece or small lettering, your tattoo deserves the best care to ensure it stays vibrant and sharp for years to come.

Getting a traditional tattoo isn't just about the art itself; it’s also about how you take care of it before, during, and after your appointment. I’ve put together a list of tips to help you get the most out of your new piece while keeping your skin happy and your tattoo looking fresh.

1. Lay Off the Booze the Night Before I know, I know. It’s tempting to have a couple of drinks to calm the nerves before a big tattoo appointment. But trust me—if you’ve got a tattoo appointment the following day, give the booze a break. Alcohol thins your blood, making you bleed more during the session. More blood means your tattoo artist has to work harder, and your tattoo might not heal as well. So, drink water instead of wine, and save the celebratory drinks for later!

2. Eat Something Before Your Appointment This one’s simple: don't show up on an empty stomach! Getting a tattoo takes a lot of energy, and you need fuel to keep your body happy while you're sitting there. Skipping meals can lead to dizziness or fainting. Opt for a hearty meal before your session and maybe a snack afterwards—you'll thank me later!

3. Wash It Thoroughly Before Bed on the First Night On your first night with your fresh tattoo, wash it gently but thoroughly before heading to bed. Use lukewarm water and mild, unscented soap to remove any excess ink, blood, or ointment from the tattooed area. Gently pat it dry with a clean towel, then let it breathe before you apply any healing ointments. This first wash is super important to avoid any bacteria buildup while you sleep. Plus, it helps kickstart the healing process!  

4. No Gym for a Few Days After Listen, I get it. You're committed to your fitness routine. But right after getting a tattoo, your skin is healing, and your muscles (and the tattoo) need some TLC. Avoid hitting the gym for at least a few days after your appointment. The friction and sweat can irritate your fresh tattoo, and if you’re lifting heavy weights, it might cause the tattoo ink to blur. Give your body time to recover, and then go back to crushing those squats in a week!

5. Stay Away from the Pool and Ocean for Two Weeks You’ll need to resist the temptation to dive into the pool for about two weeks after your tattoo. Water can soften the scab, and if you’re doing laps or lounging in salty ocean water, it can make your tattoo fade faster. Plus, there's the risk of infection from dirty water. Keep your tattoo dry, and enjoy those sunny Perth beach days under the shade for now!

6. Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise Your tattoo is like a new plant—water it (well, not literally!) and keep it moisturised to help it heal. Use an unscented, gentle moisturiser to keep the area hydrated. It’ll soothe the skin and help the healing process along. Dry, cracked skin equals faded ink, and nobody wants that.  

7. Don’t Scratch or Pick at It! I get it —healing tattoos can be super itchy, but scratching and picking can cause scarring and damage to the design. Resist the urge! If it's unbearable, slap some moisturiser on and let the healing process do its thing. You’ll be thankful when your tattoo has no weird scars or spots.

8. Follow Your Artist’s Aftercare Instructions Tattoo artists in Perth (especially those with historical expertise) are the real pros. Follow their aftercare instructions to the letter. Whether using a special ointment or keeping the tattoo wrapped for the first few hours before cleaning it thoroughly, those steps are part of their tried-and-tested formula to ensure you get the best results.

9. Sunscreen Is Your Best Friend Sunscreen is the MVP for longer-term tattoo care, especially in sunny Perth. UV rays are your tattoo’s worst enemy—they cause fading and dullness and can even contribute to skin cancer (yikes). Make sure you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your tattoo whenever you go outside. Protect that art like it’s the Mona Lisa!