How long does a tattoo take to heal?

Asking how long a tattoo takes to heal is like asking how long does it take to get over the flu - everyone is different.

There are simply too many factors which effect the rate of healing for a tattoo, so there is no definitive answer on recovery time.

Generally speaking

The best we can do is give a generalisation of healing times, but even then it depends on what we’re talking about.

On the outside, a tattoo should look healed by 3 weeks, that is to say no longer red and scabby. But under the skin is a different question, and this can take several months to heal completely.

How to help the healing process

If you do get a tattoo, it’s worth buying a good tattoo aftercare cream to go along with it. We recommend Protat, which are the world’s first tattoo aftercare company. When using aftercare cream, only as much as the skin will absorb. Rub the cream in gently as this will help stimulate the skin and bring blood flow to the area which helps in the body's natural healing process.

What not to do

Don’t pick at it!! That’s the first thing to say. The healing process can be itchy, but avoid temptation by keeping it moisturised. Also stay out of the sun if you can, and if you can’t, use sunscreen.

Try to avoid tight fitting clothes, as they can rub against the skin and agitate the wound. Cleaning your tattoo is important, but don’t submerge it. A shower is preferable to a bath. Try and keep your tattoo out of the water for at least the first couple of weeks. Avoid swimming pools as the chlorine can do all kinds of damage, including fading the ink and drying out the skin, causing infection.

Why backpackers come to Sunset for a tattoo to take home

Word of mouth is spreading amongst the backpacking community!

More and more of our international guests are coming into the studio for a memento of their travels, and it’s all thanks to Sunset’s outstanding reputation.

Backpackers know the score

There aren’t many better countries in the world to travel around than New Zealand. With our ridiculous landscapes, friendly natives, and unique culture, Aotearoa is one of the safest and greatest places to backpack.

Many people want to remember their time here with a permanent souvenir, a tattoo to bring home and show off to friends and family.

Tribal tattoos are all the rage in Europe, but how many people back home can say theirs is an original, Maori design, created by a Kiwi native?

Only people who come to us and see Tristan can!

Tristan can sort you out

From Hokianga in the Northland, Tristan is of Te Rarawa descent, and graduated in 2014 from the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts institute.

With his diploma in traditional wood carving (Whakairo Rakau), Tristan came to Tom and asked about bringing his knowledge of carving and Maori art over to tattooing.

He is now tattooing full time with Sunset, and specializes in Ta Moko, Blackwork, pattern work, geometric and dot-work tattoo styles.

Why choose Sunset?

We take Health and Hygiene very seriously here at Sunset Tattoo, and our outstanding record is testament to our professionalism. Locals know they can trust us, and we’ve build up such a rock-solid reputation in Auckland that now word is spreading to the backpacking community.

The word around hostels, message boards, and along the camping trails is that Sunset Tattoo in Auckland is the place to go for a tattoo souvenir of New Zealand. Professional, clean, and experienced, you can’t go wrong with one of our designs!

Email us or pop into the studio for a chat!

Astrological tattoo ideas – Taurus, Gemini and Cancer

Continuing on with our Astrology tattoo ideas, part two sees April 20th through to July 22nd with Taurus, Gemini and Cancer.

Taurus

April 20th – May 20th is Taurus, the sign of the bull. As an Earth Sign, Taurus traits include patience, reliability and responsibility, disliking sudden changes or insecurity. Being represented by a bull, there are plenty of cool tattoo ideas for Taurus, from the photo-realistic to the zodiac sign of a circle with 2 horns.

Gemini

Gemini is the twin sign, but in one person means there are two different personalities and you never know which one you’ll get! Born between May21st and June 20th, Geminis are gentle and affectionate, but nervous and indecisive. With a simple, symmetrical sign, Geminis have a great start for tattoo ideas.

Cancer

Anyone born between June 21st and July 22 falls under the sign of Cancer. Represented by a crab, Cancers are imaginative, loyal and persuasive. Guided by their heart, Cancers are intuitive and sentimental. The crab sign of Cancer can result in some strange but wonderful tattoos!

Why you shouldn’t drink before getting a tattoo

Ok, we shouldn’t have to tell you this, but getting drunk before getting a tattoo isn’t a good idea. If you come into our studio drunk, we won’t serve you, and here’s why…

You need a clear head

Yeah, so apparently alcohol impairs your judgement? That’s the rumour anyway.

Look, we understand getting your first tattoo can be scary, and you might need a little Dutch Courage to get you through the experience, but getting hammered isn’t going to help you. For a start you might pick a tattoo you’ll regret, and when you sober up you’ll realise you have this thing for life.

You’ll need a clear head at every stage of the tattooing process – your decision is final on what the design is and where it goes. You can’t do that if you’re drunk.

Alcohol thins the blood

Booze will thin your blood, and this isn’t ideal when getting a tattoo. It means you’ll bleed more, and while that sounds scary, don’t worry, you’re not going to bleed to death. It just means that you’ll take longer to heal and the pigment in the tattoo ink will become diluted, resulting in a “watered-down” design.

And remember, it’s the amount of alcohol you drink that thins the blood, not when you drink it. Wo if you were out on the piss last night and are sober (but hungover) today, your blood will still be feeling the effects of the booze.

More difficult for the artist

There another reason you shouldn’t drink before getting a tattoo; we don’t want to deal with you.

When everybody’s drunk it can be fun. When one person is drunk and everyone else is sober, it can be a nightmare. Most tattoo artists can’t be arsed with you drunken bullshit, so won’t even entertain the notion of tattooing you.

There’s also the fact that drunk people tend to fidget, and this will result in a bad tattoo anyway. And then when you sober up and come back complaining about the shoddy workmanship, we’ll break out the security footage which shows you doing the macarena while we try and work on you.

Only joking, you won’t even get through the door.

Come to Sunset for a Maori tattoo in Auckland

New Zealand is easily the best country in the world to go backpacking. It’s safe and friendly, with incredible landscapes and a fascinating native culture. It's no surprise then that we attract millions of tourists each year, with our beautiful country living long in the memory after they return home.

Some people go that extra step and bring with them a permanent reminder of New Zealand culture in the form of a Maori tattoo.

Why get a Maori tattoo

A Maori tattoo is the perfect memento of New Zealand. It's a unique part of our culture, signifies a special time in your life, and of course, it looks amazing. And that’s where we come in.

Tristan is our resident artist who specialises in Maori tattoos and Pacifica designs. Being Maori himself, and studying at the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, he understands the meaning, complexity and history behind genuine Maori tattoos. If you're interested in an authentic Maori tattoo in Auckland, then this is the man to talk to.

History of Maori tattoos

There are no written records before Europeans arrived in New Zealand, so it’s impossible to know when Tā Moko first started. Instead, historians have had to rely on archaeologists and the accounts of the first European settlers.

Excavated sites have found tattooing tools dating back to the very earliest settlers, using the technique of rhythmically tapping a bone chisel, lashed to a small wooden shaft into the skin.

Some of the earliest accounts of Maori tattoos were by Captain James Cook’s artist on board the Endeavour, Sydney Parkinson. Parkinson sketched and painted local Maori displaying their Moko, and described in detail the different styles and patterns he witnessed.

Call us today for a Maori tattoo in Auckland

If you’re backpacking or holidaying here in New Zealand and would like a stunning reminder of your time here, call in and see us for the perfect souvenir - a beautiful, unique Maori tattoo.

To request a booking or consultation you can send us an email, call us, or pop into the studio.

Please note that some of our tattoo artists are booked up for weeks so it pays to book in advance if you have a specific date in mind that you want to be tattooed on. As for consultations, they usually take around 10-20 minutes and are free of charge. For Maori tattoo in Auckland, there's simply no one better to come to.