Aftercare
Aftercare
Never hesitate to contact us if you are unsure of anything.
Your new tattoo is essentially an open wound and should be treated with clean hands and proper care while it heals. Following these instructions will help reduce irritation and protect your tattoo during the healing process.
SANIDERM / ADHESIVE BANDAGE AFTERCARE
If your tattoo has been covered with Saniderm or another transparent adhesive tattoo bandage:
Leave the first bandage on for up to 24 hours, unless your artist instructs you otherwise.
It is normal for blood, plasma and excess ink to collect underneath the bandage. The tattoo may look blurry or appear to have a pocket of fluid over it.
If the bandage leaks, becomes excessively filled with fluid, or the seal breaks and exposes the tattoo, remove it rather than trying to reseal it.
Remove Saniderm slowly under warm running water. Gently stretch or peel the bandage back along the skin rather than pulling straight upward.
Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Do not scrub.
Pat dry with a clean disposable paper towel and allow the tattoo to air dry completely.
If your artist has provided additional Saniderm, a fresh piece may be applied to clean, completely dry skin according to your artist’s instructions. Do not apply a new bandage if the surrounding skin is irritated or if you are unsure whether the tattoo is clean.
Do not leave the same initial fluid-filled bandage on for several days. Follow your artist’s instructions for changing it. Subsequent properly applied adhesive bandages may generally remain in place for several days, but total use should not exceed the manufacturer’s guidance.
If you develop significant redness, burning, itching, blistering or a rash where the adhesive contacts your skin, remove the bandage and discontinue its use.
TRADITIONAL AFTERCARE
Once the tattoo is no longer covered:
Wash your hands before touching your tattoo. Gently wash the tattoo 1–2 times daily with lukewarm water and mild fragrance-free soap. Pat it dry—do not rub.
Once dry, apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free tattoo aftercare lotion or moisturizer as needed. More is not better. Your tattoo should be moisturized, not greasy or smothered.
During healing, some flaking, peeling, dryness and itching are normal.
DO NOT:
Pick, scratch or peel your tattoo.
Soak it in a bathtub, hot tub, swimming pool, lake or ocean until fully healed.
Use hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol or other harsh antiseptics.
Apply heavy layers of ointment or lotion.
Shave directly over the healing tattoo.
Expose the tattoo to prolonged direct sunlight.
Wear tight or dirty clothing that constantly rubs against the tattoo.
Showers are fine. Soaking is not.
SUN PROTECTION
Once the tattoo is completely healed, protect it from UV exposure. Regular use of a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen will help preserve the tattoo’s color and contrast.
WHAT’S NORMAL?
During the first several days you may experience mild redness, tenderness, swelling, warmth, clear/plasma drainage and some excess pigment coming from the tattoo. As healing progresses, the tattoo may become dry, flaky or itchy.