🔥 TATTOO PREPARATION GUIDE

"Preparing Your Body & Mind for Your First Tattoo"
Brought to you by Kalia Tattoo Australia

Getting your first tattoo is a personal milestone — cultural, emotional, and artistic. To ensure a safe, smooth, and meaningful experience, here’s everything you need to know before stepping into the chair.

🔹 1. BOOKING YOUR APPOINTMENT – DO THIS FIRST

• Choose an experienced artist who specializes in the style you want. Kalia Tattoo Australia offers culturally authentic Polynesian tattoos and custom work by renowned artist Carl Cocker.

• Discuss design, placement, and size in advance.

• Inform your artist of any allergies, skin sensitivities, or medical conditions like:

  • Eczema

  • Psoriasis

  • Keloid scarring

  • Diabetes or blood clotting issues

• Hydrate and moisturize your skin daily 1 week before your appointment.

🔹 2. WHAT TO DO 24–48 HOURS BEFORE YOUR SESSION

DO: ✅ Get 7–8 hours of quality sleep the night before.
✅ Eat a balanced meal at least 1–2 hours before your appointment.
✅ Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water.
✅ Shave the area the night before, if instructed (only if you're confident — otherwise let your artist handle it).
✅ Bring snacks or juice if you’re getting a large tattoo.
✅ Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area.

DON’T: ❌ Do NOT drink alcohol or take recreational drugs 24–48 hours prior.
❌ Do NOT consume caffeine on the day of the tattoo — it can thin your blood and make you more sensitive.
❌ Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood thinners unless prescribed by a doctor.
❌ Don’t come sunburned! Avoid tanning or excessive sun exposure on the tattoo area.
❌ Avoid heavy workouts 24 hours prior — tired muscles = twitchy skin.

🔹 3. SKIN PREP TIPS FROM DERMATOLOGISTS

According to dermatologists and skincare experts:

• Avoid using retinoids, chemical exfoliants, or skin-peeling products (like AHA/BHA, salicylic acid) on the tattoo area for at least 1 week before your appointment.

• No tanning or fake tan lotions before your appointment.

• Use a gentle fragrance-free moisturizer in the days leading up.

• If you have eczema, acne, or breakouts on the area, inform your artist. Tattooing over damaged skin is not advised.

• If you’re prone to keloid scarring, consult a dermatologist first.

🔹 4. MENTAL PREPARATION – STAY CALM & PRESENT

• Breathe and relax. Tattooing is tolerable for most people, and your artist will guide you every step of the way.

• Music, meditation, or podcasts can help keep your mind relaxed during longer sessions.

• Trust your artist – they are focused on making the tattoo experience safe, clean, and respectful.

🔹 5. WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR APPOINTMENT

✔️ Valid ID (must be 18+)
✔️ Water bottle
✔️ Light snacks or electrolyte drinks (like coconut water or Hydralyte)
✔️ Headphones or phone with music
✔️ A hoodie or jacket (tattoo studios can be cold)
✔️ Clean face mask (optional)
✔️ Blanket or small pillow (for long sessions)

🔹 6. SKIP THESE IF POSSIBLE

• Heavy perfumes or scented lotions

• Bringing a crowd — one support person max, unless pre-arranged

• Wearing expensive clothing or shoes that may get stained

🔹 7. LET YOUR ARTIST KNOW IF...

• You’re feeling light-headed or faint

• You need a break

• You’re unsure about the design or size — never be afraid to speak up before the needle touches skin

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding (most artists will ask you to wait until afte

🔹 8. TATTOO READY CHECKLIST ✅

1–2 Weeks Before:

• ✅ Moisturize daily

• ✅ Stay out of the sun

• ✅ Eat healthy & hydrate

• ✅ Avoid alcohol & blood thinners

Day Before:

• ✅ Sleep 7–8 hours

• ✅ Prepare clothing & snacks

• ✅ Avoid caffeine & sun exposure

Tattoo Day:

• ✅ Clean skin, no lotion or oils

• ✅ Eat a solid meal

• ✅ Wear loose, comfy clothing

• ✅ Stay calm and trust the process

🔹 FINAL NOTES

At Kalia Tattoo, we honor not only the ink — but the story behind it. Whether you’re receiving a cultural Polynesian piece or a custom design, preparing yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally ensures you’ll walk away with a tattoo you’re proud of for life.

Any questions before your session?
📧 Contact Carl Cocker via www.kaliatattoo.com or email; kaliatattoo25@gmail.com
📍 Available by appointment in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne & Perth

🖤 KALIA TATTOO AUSTRALIA – TATTOO AFTERCARE

Understanding Plasma in Tattoo Healing

• What is plasma?
  Plasma is the liquid component of blood (about 55 %) that carries nutrients, electrolytes, hormones, proteins, clotting factors, etc. (Saniderm Knowledge Base)
  When skin is wounded (e.g. during tattooing), plasma seeps into the tissue around the injury and helps with clotting, delivering repair factors, hydration, and defense against infection. (Saniderm Knowledge Base)

• Role in wound (tattoo) healing:

  1. As the tattooing process injures skin, plasma emerges and helps begin clot formation (stabilizing the wound). (Saniderm Knowledge Base)

  2. It carries growth factors, proteins, and nutrients that support tissue repair. (Saniderm Knowledge Base)

  3. Over time, plasma dries, forming a barrier or scab, which seals off the wound. (Saniderm Knowledge Base)

  4. However, scab formation can be a double-edged sword: while it protects, excessive or thick scabs may pull on the skin, distort the ink, or impede optimal healing.

• Why use a film bandage (like Saniderm) with plasma?
  The idea is to trap plasma in its liquid form under a breathable barrier, rather than letting it dry into a scab. Saniderm “seals in the plasma and keeps it in its liquid form, while still allowing your tattoo to breathe.” (Saniderm Knowledge Base)
  This allows the beneficial proteins and growth factors in the plasma to continue acting longer in contact with the wound, but without forming a thick, irritating scab. (Saniderm Knowledge Base)
  Also, liquid plasma (fresh) is more biologically active; once it dries or is left too long, its active properties decline. (Saniderm Knowledge Base)

Benefits of Using Saniderm / Transparent Film Bandage for Tattoos

Here is a list of advantages, backed by research, brand claims, and clinical wound care logic:

1. Reduced scabbing / minimized crust formation
   By keeping the wound moist and covered, Saniderm helps prevent the kind of drying out that leads to thick scabs, which can pull on the tattoo and distort fine lines. (Saniderm Knowledge Base)

2. Faster, cleaner healing
   Brand sources assert that using Saniderm “locks in the body’s blood and plasma … prevents scabbing and thus accelerates the recovery process.” (Saniderm Knowledge Base)
   It also spares you from frequent manual reapplication of creams, and fewer disruptions to the healing surface. (Saniderm Knowledge Base)

3. Barrier to contaminants / infection control
   A sealed, sterile film protects the tattoo from bacteria, dirt, friction, and external contaminants, lowering infection risk. (Saniderm Knowledge Base)

4. Breathable & moisture-balanced environment
   Unlike plastic wrap, Saniderm is semipermeable (oxygen-permeable) so it allows gas exchange (oxygen in, carbon dioxide out) while keeping fluids contained. (Saniderm Knowledge Base)
   This balance of moisture retention and breathability helps optimal healing. (Saniderm Knowledge Base)

5. Less irritation and fewer interventions
   Because the wound is sealed and less exposed, there’s less friction, fewer external irritants, and fewer times needing to touch or re-apply ointments.

6. Better pigment retention / less ink loss
   With reduced scabbing and less mechanical interference (scratching, picking), there is a better chance that the ink stays intact and fine detail remains. (Saniderm Knowledge Base)

7. Waterproof (but with limits)
   Saniderm is waterproof in the sense that it won’t tear or allow typical shower moisture through, so you can shower over it (but not submerge the tattoo in a bath or pool). (Amazon)

Tattoo Aftercare with Saniderm / Second Skin Film

First 24 hours:

• Leave the initial Saniderm bandage on for up to 24 hours, unless plasma buildup is excessive and the adhesion is compromised, in which case remove early. (Saniderm Knowledge Base)

• During this time, plasma, ink, and blood will “weep” from the wound and accumulate under the film. This is normal.

• The film traps this fluid (particularly plasma) in liquid form, using its healing properties while preventing scab formation.

When to remove / reapply:

• Remove in the shower under warm running water for comfort and to loosen adhesive gently.

• Clean the tattoo with a gentle, fragrance-free soap; pat dry with sterile cloth or paper towel; let the skin air-dry fully (5–10 minutes).

• If you see a film of plasma fluid, or if the bandage starts to lift, reapply a fresh piece of Saniderm.

• Repeat this replacement for the first 2–3 bandages as needed (depending on fluid release and skin condition).

From cycle 4 onward:

• Use a fresh Saniderm patch and leave it on longer — up to 7 to 10 days, unless irritation or infection signs appear.

• Avoid applying heavy ointments or creams unless prescribed; your skin film is breathable, and excess product can suffocate the skin or cause build-up.

Removal at day 7–10:

• Slowly peel the bandage off under warm water, “rolling it” back over itself rather than tugging upward sharply.

• After removal, assess the tattoo — apply a thin, gentle moisturizer (petrolatum-free) if needed to ease dryness and itching.

• Continue standard tattoo aftercare (washing, moisturizing) until fully healed.

Additional tips & cautions:

• Avoid soaking or submerging in tubs, pools, or bodies of water while the film is in place.

• Limit heavy sweating or friction over the area while the film is adhered.

• If you notice unusual redness, pus, intense swelling, or prolonged heat, consult a medical professional.

• When removing, use caution over hairy skin — warm water helps ease the adhesive.

Thank you for choosing Kalia Tattoo Australia for your cultural and custom tattoo work. To protect your new ink and ensure a healthy healing process, please follow these aftercare instructions carefully.

🔹 FIRST 1–2 DAYS: INITIAL HEALING STAGE

• After your tattoo session, keep the bandage on for a few hours.

• Once removed, gently clean the area with warm water and a mild tattoo soap or antibacterial soap.

• Pat dry with a clean paper towel — avoid scrubbing or using a cloth towel that may carry bacteria.

• Apply a thin layer of petroleum-based healing ointment like:

  Bepanthen Ointment

  • Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy

  • CeraVe Healing Ointment

⚠️ Avoid thick application — your skin must breathe to heal. Too much ointment can trap bacteria and delay healing.

🔹 AFTER 2–3 DAYS: MOISTURIZE REGULARLY

Once the tattoo begins to dry out (usually day 2–3), switch to a fragrance-free moisturizing lotion to keep the skin supple and avoid cracking.

Recommended in Australia:

• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

• Ego QV Cream or Lotion (widely available in Australian pharmacies)

• Cetaphil Moisturising Cream

• Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion

• Curel Ultra Healing Lotion

✅ Choose products without added fragrance, dyes, or alcohol to avoid irritation.

🔹 COCONUT OIL OPTION 🌴

In Polynesian cultures, coconut oil has been traditionally used on tattoos — especially after healing — to enhance the shine and preserve the design.

Benefits:

• Antimicrobial & moisturizing

• Rich in Vitamin E

• Anti-inflammatory & hypoallergenic

How to use:

• Apply only after the tattoo is healed or scabbing has stopped.

• Patch test first on a small area.

• Use organic or virgin coconut oil, applied in thin layers.

🔹 CLIMATE TIPS: AUSTRALIAN WEATHER & LIFESTYLE 🌞🌧️

• Australia’s sun is intense – especially in Queensland, NSW, and WA. Avoid sun exposure on fresh tattoos for at least 4–6 weeks.

• Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen on healed tattoos to prevent fading.

• Summer:

  • Avoid swimming in pools, ocean, or lakes for 2–3 weeks.

  • Excessive sweating may irritate healing skin — pat dry gently.

• Winter (June–August):

  • Use thicker moisturizers, as indoor heaters can dry out skin.

  • Drink extra water to maintain skin hydration.

🐨 Reminder: Insects can be more active in warmer regions. Avoid applying insect repellent near a fresh tattoo.

🔹 POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Normal symptoms: light scabbing, peeling, tenderness, slight redness, and itchiness.

Seek medical help if you experience:

• Excess swelling, heat, or pus

• Allergic reactions (rashes, extreme itching)

• High fever or flu-like symptoms

🔹 LONG-TERM CARE TIPS

• Keep tattoos clean and moisturized.

• Wear loose-fitting clothes over new tattoos.

• Protect tattoos from UV damage with SPF clothing or sunscreen.

• Avoid drastic weight fluctuations, which may stretch or distort tattoos.

🐾 ITCHY TATTOO?

• Do not scratch or pick. Instead, tap gently or apply moisturizer.

• If needed, take a mild antihistamine (like Claratyne or Zyrtec) available over-the-counter in Australian pharmacies.

🔹 FINAL NOTES

• Every skin heals differently — don’t compare your healing to someone else’s.

• Scabbing or light peeling is normal.

• Stay consistent with cleaning and moisturizing for best results.

If you have any concerns, feel free to contact Carl Cocker directly via WhatsApp or email; kaliatattoo25@gmail.com or visit us at
📍 Kalia Tattoo Australia | By Appointment Only
🌐 www.kaliatattoo.com