Tattoo Aftercare
A Guide to Proper Healing
Taking care of your tattoo is essential to ensure it heals properly and stays vibrant for years to come. Follow these steps for the best results.
Cleaning Your Tattoo
For the first few days, gently wash your tattoo with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Use your hands—avoid washcloths or sponges that could irritate the skin. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft towel or let it air dry.
Moisturizing and Protecting Your Tattoo
After cleaning, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free healing ointment or unscented lotion to keep the tattoo moisturized. Be sure not to over-apply; a little goes a long way. During the healing process, it’s crucial to keep the tattoo hydrated, but avoid heavy lotions that may clog pores.
Do’s and Don’ts During Healing
During the healing period, typically 2-4 weeks, avoid direct sunlight, soaking in water (no pools, hot tubs, or baths), and scratching or picking at your tattoo. These actions can lead to irritation, fading, or even infection. Wear loose clothing to avoid friction, and allow your skin to naturally scab and peel without interference. Following these guidelines will help ensure your tattoo heals smoothly and stays vibrant!
Saniderm
Leave your Saniderm on for four full days after getting your tattoo. It is waterproof, so shower as usual. It’s normal for your saniderm to fill with plasma, ink and blood. It typically creates a dark brown liquid that sits on your tattoo under the plastic. Leave it Alone. After a couple of days, the liquid can start to harden. If for some reason the liquid leaks out the bottom of the saniderm, or there is a puncture made in the plastic, please remove the saniderm immediately and care for your tattoo using the directions provided below. After four days, the best way to remove your saniderm is to slowly peel it off in the shower. It might be sore, or tender. After the saniderm is removed, wash and moisturize your tattoo as usual using the directions below:
Regular Bandges
WASHING: Leave the bandage on for one to four hours. Remove the bandage, wash your hands – then gently wash the new tattoo with Dial Antibacterial Unscented hand soap (Dial Gold) and warm water. You will want to do this 3-5 times a day for about a week after getting the tattoo. (Stick to unscented soap, lotion or ointment until the tattoo is healed.) Carefully dry the tattoo with clean paper towels using a soft dabbing motion, or let it air dry. Always sleep on clean/fresh linens and use clean, fresh, disposable paper towels to dry your tattoo after showering until the tattoo is healed.
Moisturizing
For Larger Tattoos: Massage a very thin, almost translucent layer of Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, Cocoa butter or Coconut Oil on the tattoo. After three days, switch from the thicker ointments to a gentle unscented lotion of your choice, apply only a small amount, THIS STEP IS CRITICAL. Massage in thoroughly. This helps keep the itchy, "peely" healing process under control. Make sure to dab off excess ointment after application, you don't want your tattoo to be shiny or excessively moist.
For Smaller Tattoos: No need for ointments of any kind, just use a gentle unscented lotion of your choice. Massage a thin layer into your tattoo thoroughly, apply 3-5 times a day.
