Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Bandage (Saran Wrap vs. Saniderm)

For large pieces, areas that cannot have Saniderm applied, or in the chance that you are sensitive to adhesives, I will cover your tattoo with some ointment and then wrap it with saran wrap. Please do not leave the saran wrap on longer than you need to; once you return home from your appointment you can take off the wrap immediately. If you need to travel a longer distance to get home, keep the wrap on until you are able to fully wash the tattoo post wrap removal. Do not leave the wrap on overnight, as you want to allow the tattoo to breathe.

More often than not, I will use Saniderm to cover your tattoo at the end of the session as this is my preferred method of healing for both myself and my clients. Saniderm is a bandage barrier that helps protect your tattoo from dirt, friction, and bacteria, while being breathable enough to allow healing oxygen in, and keeping essential moisture from escaping. I recommend keeping your Saniderm on for up to 5 days from the date of your tattoo. If the Saniderm starts to come off prior to 5 days, this is okay. You will notice that some blood, plasma and ink may start to pool up in the Saniderm bandage, this is normal, so please do not attempt to lance or drain the liquid as it will no longer be a germ-free healing environment. If the bandage at any point begins to leak, remove it, even if it is before the 5 day period. If the bandage is causing you any discomfort before the 5 days, remove it when you feel you need to; instructions for removal are below.

Remove the Bandage

Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before removing the tattoo covering. If you have saran wrap on your tattoo, slowly peel it off and discard. If you are using Saniderm, I highly recommend taking the wrap off while in the shower, if possible. With clean hands and lukewarm water, slowly peel from the corner of the Saniderm to begin removal. Keep in mind, the Saniderm does not stick to the fresh tattoo, only the skin around it which may include body hair that already exists or is in the process of growing back. Be careful not to pull too fast or hard to avoid any trauma to the skin. If you are known to have issues with adhesives or very sensitive skin, please let me know so that we can avoid using Saniderm.

Clean the Tattoo

Gently wash the tattoo with mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap and lukewarm water using clean hands; do not scrub your fresh tattoo. Rinse thoroughly. I recommend using Dial or Lubriderm soap, I do not recommend using a bar of soap to clean your tattoo as it can harbor bacteria that can be detrimental to your tattoo.

Dry the Tattoo

Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. Do not use a cloth towel for this step as it harbors bacteria that we do not want to introduce to your tattoo, even if it is fresh out of the laundry; remnants of laundry products can cause irritation.

Apply Aftercare Ointment

Apply a thin layer of an aftercare ointment, being very careful to not over-apply. I recommend using Aquaphor or Hustle Butter for the first few days of the tattoo, or until it begins to peel. I do not recommend using Vaseline or A&D ointment as these are very heavy. Using too much ointment can cause a variety of issues for the healing of the tattoo and clogging your pores, thus causing the possibility of ink falling out or small bumps on and around your new tattoo; less is more.

Cleaning

Wash your tattoo two to three times per day with a mild antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry with a paper towel. If you work a job where you are frequently sweating or getting dirty, please wash your tattoo as needed using your best discretion; always reach out to me with any specific questions you may have.

Moisturizing

Once your tattoo has begun peeling, you are ready to switch from ointment to moisturizer. After cleaning the tattoo, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer like Lubriderm or Hustle Butter. Use just enough moisturizer to keep the skin from drying out without making it greasy, avoid over-moisturizing. Keep the tattoo lightly moisturized; do not only do this step during the healing process, keeping your tattooed skin moisturized continuously will yield the best results of longevity and vibrance.

Do Not Re-bandage the Tattoo

Avoid Soaking the Tattoo

Do not submerge in water. Avoid swimming, baths, and hot tubs. Saunas should be avoided during this period of time as well.

Avoid Sun Exposure

Protect the tattoo from direct sunlight. Use high-SPF sunscreen once healed. I recommend SPF 50+ from a trusted brand that uses as many natural ingredients as possible, if possible. I personally use and love the brand Sun Bum to keep my tattoos safe from the sun.

Wear Loose Clothing

Avoid tight clothing that can rub against the tattoo. Wear breathable, comfortable materials to avoid causing any irritation.

Do Not Scratch or Pick

Let the skin peel naturally to avoid scarring or removing ink. Do not scratch, rub, scrub or pick your tattoo. Scabbing may occur, I repeat, do not scratch or pick at your tattoo. Tattoos that have been visibly picked at will not be eligible for a free touch-up, if/when needed, so please, DO NOT PICK AT YOUR TATTOO!

Pets

Avoid exposure to dust and pet dander as much as possible. If you have pets who go on your couch or bed, be careful to not allow the fresh tattoo to get contaminated with pet hair. This can be difficult, and may require you to change your bedding more often than usual or prompt your pet to not be allowed on the couch/bed for a period of time. If it is impossible to avoid this cross-contamination, be sure to keep the tattoo covered with a breathable piece of clothing when in these areas during the tattoo healing process.

Moisturize Regularly

Keep the skin moisturized even after healing. This is the best for the longevity, vibrance and readability of your tattoo. Moisturized skin is happy skin.

Sun Protection

Monitor for Issues

If you notice any issues with the healing of your tattoo, please reach out to me immediately. If you are experiencing any signs of infection, please do not hesitate to visit an urgent care center or your primary doctor to assess the situation. Proper aftercare is very important, remember that this is a wound that needs to be treated with the utmost care possible for the best results.