🔥 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

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