Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Congratulations on your new tattoo! Proper aftercare is crucial for healing and ensuring your tattoo looks its best for years to come. Please follow these instructions carefully:
Keep it Covered (for the initial period):
Your artist will apply a bandage or protective film. Leave this on for the amount of time your artist recommends (usually 2-24 hours, depending on the type of covering used).
Gentle Cleaning (starting after removing the initial covering):
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your tattoo.
Gently wash the tattoo with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Use your fingertips to lightly cleanse the area, removing any blood, plasma, or ink.
Rinse the tattoo thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.
Moisturizing (starting after the first gentle wash):
Once the tattoo is completely dry, apply a thin layer of a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer recommended (e.g., Aquaphor, plain white lotion). Less is more; you don't want to suffocate the tattoo.
Apply moisturizer 2-3 times a day, or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight.
What to Avoid During Healing (typically 2-4 weeks):
Soaking your tattoo: No baths, swimming, hot tubs, or prolonged submersion in water. Showers are fine, but avoid direct, forceful water pressure on the tattoo.
Picking or scratching: Itching is normal, but resist the urge to scratch or pick at scabs. This can cause infection, scarring, and loss of ink.
Wearing tight or restrictive clothing: Allow the tattoo to breathe. Tight clothing can rub and irritate the area.
Direct sunlight: Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Once healed, always use a high SPF sunscreen on your tattoo to prevent fading.
Harsh soaps or fragrances: Stick to mild, fragrance-free products.
Applying petroleum jelly or thick ointments (unless specifically recommended): These can trap moisture and bacteria.
Working out excessively or activities that cause a lot of sweating: Sweat can irritate the tattoo and increase the risk of infection. If you do sweat, gently wash and dry the area immediately.
Signs of Infection (and when to seek medical attention):
While rare with proper care, be aware of potential infection. Contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
Increased redness or swelling
Excessive pain or tenderness
Pus or oozing
Fever
Hot to the touch
Tattoo Aftercare with Saniderm
Saniderm is a breathable, medical-grade adhesive bandage that many tattoo artists use to protect new tattoos and promote healing. If your artist has applied Saniderm, follow these instructions:
Initial Application (applied by your artist):
Leave the initial Saniderm bandage on for at least 24 hours - up to 4 days, This first bandage helps collect initial fluids.
While Wearing Saniderm:
Keep it on: Do not remove the Saniderm unless instructed to or if you experience signs of irritation or infection (increased redness, rash, excessive itching, burning).
Normal Activities: You can shower normally, but avoid prolonged soaking (baths, swimming, hot tubs).
Monitor for Leaks: If the Saniderm seal breaks and fluids leak out, remove it immediately to prevent infection.
Pooling Ink/Plasma: It's normal to see ink and plasma collecting under the bandage. It may look like your tattoo has blurred. Don't be alarmed, this is totally normal. However, if there's excessive buildup that causes the bandage to lift, you may need to change it (if instructed) or remove it.
Removal
Removal: After the initial period, remove the Saniderm gently in the shower under warm running water. Find an edge and slowly peel it back over itself, in the direction of hair growth, to minimize discomfort.
Cleaning: Immediately after removal, gently wash the tattoo with a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap and lukewarm water using your fingertips. Rinse thoroughly to remove any blood, plasma, or ink.
Drying: Pat the tattoo completely dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.
Reapplication (optional, and typically done by the artist or if instructed): If you are applying a second piece of Saniderm, ensure the tattooed area and surrounding skin are completely dry. Cut a new piece of Saniderm, leaving at least a 1-2 inch border around the tattoo. Apply it smoothly, avoiding wrinkles or air bubbles. Leave this second bandage on for 3-5 days, but no longer than 7 days total for all Saniderm applications combined.
After Saniderm Removal:
Gentle Washing: Continue to gently wash the tattoo with mild, fragrance-free soap and water once or twice a day for about a week.
Moisturizing (if needed): After washing and drying, you may apply a thin layer of a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer if your skin feels dry. Use sparingly; the goal is to keep the skin hydrated, not saturated. Many people find they don't need as much moisturizer after using Saniderm.
Avoid Irritation: Continue to avoid soaking, direct sunlight, tight clothing, and picking or scratching.
Important Considerations
Reaction: If you experience redness, rash, or excessive irritation around the Saniderm, remove it immediately and follow standard aftercare instructions (gentle washing and moisturizing). You may have a mild adhesive sensitivity.
Infection: Watch for signs of infection after removing the Saniderm (increased redness, swelling, pain, pus). Seek medical attention if you suspect an infection.