Tattoo aftercare.

At Nine Muses, we believe that looking after your new tattoo is just as important as choosing the perfect design. Proper aftercare helps your tattoo heal, keeps colours vibrant, and maintains your skin’s health.

Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about preparing for your tattoo session and caring for it afterward to keep your art looking its best for years to come.

Preparing for your appointment.

Getting ready for a tattoo isn’t just about choosing the perfect design – proper preparation helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable session. Follow these tips to arrive fully prepared:

  • The night before or morning of your appointment, exfoliate and shave the area. Avoid applying any lotions or moisturisers to the skin afterward.

  • Please shower and apply deodorant before your appointment. Ensure there’s no fake tan or sunburn on the area to be tattooed.

  • Eat a good breakfast – tattoos and empty stomachs don’t mix well. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol the day before. If you take blood-thinning medication, consult with your artist in advance.

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed. Since ink and stencil can stain, we recommend black or old clothes.

  • Don’t apply numbing creams without consulting your artist, as some artists prefer not to tattoo over them due to effects on skin and healing.

  • We suggest bringing headphones, a phone charger, snacks, and water or other drinks. A fridge and microwave are available if you’d like to bring lunch.

  • Tattoos can make some people feel cold, so bring a jumper. You’re welcome to bring a personal pillow or blanket, though we also supply these.

  • You’ll need your ID number and expiry date for the consent form.

  • There’s ample free, un-timed parking nearby – side streets, near the park, or out front if you’ll be under two hours. Nearby, you’ll find a café, bakery, convenience store, sushi spot, and burger restaurant.

  • If your artist has requested cash, please ensure you have enough on hand.

  • Space is limited, so please avoid bringing extra people, and refrain from bringing children to the studio.

  • We offer aftercare balm for purchase at the studio. Learn more.

Caring for your tattoo.

Using the right care routine will help your tattoo heal and maintain its look for years to come. Follow these guidelines below for effective aftercare.

When it comes to keeping your new art hydrated and protected, we recommend Ever-After Tattoo Balm – it’s available for purchase here at the studio or online.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact your artist or email us at hello@ninemuses.com.au.

  • Your tattoo is an open wound for the first two weeks, so keep it clean and shielded from sun, dirt, and bacteria during this time.

  • Remove the cling wrap cover 1-4 hours after your session. Gently wash with warm water and a fragrance-free soap or body wash.

  • Pat dry with a clean towel, then allow the area to air dry for 1-12 hours (based on your artist’s recommendation).

  • Apply a thin layer of tattoo balm and rub in gently. Reapply balm 2-3 times daily for 2-3 weeks.

    We recommend using Ever-After Tattoo Balm.

  • You don’t need to re-wrap your tattoo unless instructed by your artist.

  • After 3-5 days, your tattoo may start to peel and flake – this is a normal part of healing. During the first 72 hours, redness, swelling, and plasma discharge are common. However, if extreme redness, heat, or swelling continues beyond 72 hours, reach out to your artist and seek medical advice.

  • For the next two weeks, avoid swimming, saunas, spas, or baths. Protect your tattoo from the sun with loose, long clothing, and avoid sunscreen until it’s fully healed.

  • For the first few days, avoid activities that may cause sweating – sweat introduces bacteria to the healing skin.

  • Keep your fresh tattoo clean and avoid letting pets or others touch it. Use fresh towels and bedding (old or dark sheets are ideal, as ink may stain).

  • Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo or applying balm.

Ever-After Balm

After over a decade in the tattoo industry, Nine Muses founder Steph King created Ever-After Tattoo Balm to offer clients a natural, effective solution for their tattoo healing journey.

Made with 100% vegan ingredients, this Australian-crafted balm is infused with nature’s most potent ingredients.

Ever-After works to calm redness, reduce swelling, and relieve itching, all while ensuring your pores stay clear – no more pesky tattoo pimples. Its smooth, non-greasy formula glides effortlessly onto freshly-inked skin, promoting a fast, toxin-free healing process.

With Ever-After, you can trust that your tattoo will heal comfortably and beautifully, leaving you with vibrant, lasting artwork for years to come.