Aftercare

Looking after your tattoo properly is an important part of the tattoo process.

At In Katharsis, each artist works independently and may have their own preferred aftercare method depending on the tattoo, placement, skin type, style, size and how the tattoo has been completed.

Because of this, aftercare will be explained to you by your artist at your appointment.

You will also be provided with take-home aftercare instructions that are suitable for your tattoo and your individual needs.

Why Aftercare Matters

Your artist will do everything they can to create a clean, well-applied tattoo, but healing happens after you leave the studio.

How you care for your tattoo at home can affect the final result.

Taking aftercare seriously helps support the healing process and gives your tattoo the best chance to settle well in the skin.

Your Artist Will Guide You

Your artist will explain how to care for your tattoo before you leave the studio.

This may include how to clean it, how to protect it, what products to use, what to avoid, and what to expect during healing.

Please follow the instructions given by your artist, as they will be tailored to your tattoo.

Aftercare May Vary

Not every tattoo needs to be cared for in exactly the same way.

Aftercare can vary depending on the size of the tattoo, the placement, the style, your skin, your lifestyle, and whether a protective covering has been used.

This is why it is important to follow the advice given specifically for your tattoo, rather than general advice found online.

Please avoid following advice from friends, social media, TikTok or Google if it conflicts with the instructions given by your artist.

If you are unsure, contact your artist directly.

Take-Home Aftercare Instructions

You will be provided with aftercare instructions to take home, so you do not have to remember everything on the spot.

Please read them carefully and keep them somewhere easy to refer back to during the healing process.

If anything feels unclear, you are welcome to contact your artist for guidance.

Tattoo Balm Available In Studio

We stock a vegan-friendly, Australian-made tattoo balm in the studio at all times.

Your artist will let you know if this balm is suitable for your tattoo and how they recommend using it during healing.

Please only use products recommended by your artist. Not every product is suitable for every tattoo or every stage of healing.

General Things to Avoid

While your artist will give you specific instructions, there are some general things that should usually be avoided while a tattoo is healing.

This may include swimming, soaking, heavy sun exposure, fake tan, picking or scratching, excessive sweating, dirty environments, tight clothing over the tattooed area, and using products that have not been recommended by your artist.

Your artist will explain what applies to your tattoo.

Healing Times Can Vary

Healing times can vary from person to person.

Placement, size, skin type, lifestyle, general health and aftercare can all affect how a tattoo heals.

Your artist will explain what to expect based on your tattoo and the aftercare method they recommend.

Healing Is Part of the Process

A tattoo does not finish when you leave the studio.

Healing plays a big part in the final result, and how you care for your tattoo can affect how it settles in the skin.

Please take your aftercare seriously and give your tattoo the time and care it needs.

If You Are Unsure

If you are unsure about anything during healing, please contact the artist who tattooed you.

They know what was done, what products were used, and what aftercare method was recommended.

If you are contacting your artist with a healing concern, please include clear photos in natural lighting and a brief explanation of what you are noticing.

It is always better to ask than to guess.

If Your Artist Is Unavailable

If your artist is unavailable or uncontactable for any reason, another artist at In Katharsis may be able to offer general guidance.

We are all experienced within the tattoo industry and will do our best to support you with reassurance and advice where possible.

Please understand that the artist who completed the tattoo will usually be the best person to guide you, as they know the tattoo, the process used and the aftercare advice given at the appointment.

If Your Tattoo Was Done Somewhere Else

If you have had a tattoo done elsewhere and you are concerned about how it is healing, you are welcome to reach out.

We are more than happy to offer reassurance and general advice to the best of our knowledge, based on what we can see and the information you provide.

Please include clear photos in natural lighting and a brief explanation of your concern.

There is no judgement. We understand that sometimes people just need guidance, reassurance or help understanding what may be happening during the healing process.

If your concern looks medical, severe, or outside what we can properly advise on, we may recommend that you seek medical advice.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Please contact your artist if you are unsure about anything during healing.

However, if you notice anything concerning, such as unusual swelling, spreading redness, excessive heat, pus, severe pain, a bad smell, fever, or if you feel unwell, please seek medical advice.

Tattoo artists can offer aftercare guidance, but we cannot diagnose or treat medical concerns.

Touch-Ups

Touch-ups may be offered where needed, depending on the tattoo and how it has healed.

This is assessed by the artist who completed the tattoo.

If a touch-up is required, it does not mean the tattoo was done poorly. Everyone heals differently, and everyone’s skin is different. We are working with the human body, and healing can sometimes be unpredictable.

Touch-ups generally apply to tattoos that have healed naturally and have been cared for properly.

If healing has been affected by picking, swimming too early, sun exposure, poor aftercare or lifestyle factors, standard rates may apply.

Long-Term Care

Once your tattoo has fully healed, ongoing care can help keep it looking its best.

Keeping your skin moisturised and protecting your tattoo from the sun can help support the appearance of your tattoo over time.

Your artist may offer further advice depending on your tattoo and placement.

Final Note

Your artist will do their part in the studio, and aftercare is how you support the healing process at home.

Please follow the instructions you are given, care for your body, and reach out if you need guidance during healing.

We want you to feel supported, informed and confident throughout the healing process.