TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

The tattoo healing process starts as soon as you walk out of the tattoo studio.
Regardless of the healing method, you should always follow your tattoo artist’s instructions and contact your artist directly if you have any questions or concerns.

** ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE INTERACTING WITH YOUR NEW TATTOO **

TRADITIONAL TATTOO HEALING METHOD

Your artist will cover your tattoo with a dressing to protect it on the way home. After 2 hours, first wash your hands and then wash the tattoo with warm, soapy water. We recommend Dial Gold or any unscented antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel — do not use a hand towel or bath towel to dry your tattoo as they can harbor bacteria that could cause infection. 

Apply a very thin layer of aquaphor.

When showering, go through your normal shower routine and wash your tattoo LAST so that you can rinse away any irritants that may have come in contact with the tattoo.

^ REPEAT THIS PROCESS TWICE DAILY UNTIL YOUR TATTOO PEELS ^

After your tattoo has started peeling, you can stop washing it daily and begin moisturizing with thin layers of lotion or coconut oil until it is fully healed. 

During the second week of healing, your tattoo will continue to flake and may become itchy. Do not scratch your new tattoo! Scratching a healing tattoo will not only affect the way it looks but can also cause infection or irritation. 

Avoid swimming, bathing, and sun exposure until your tattoo is fully healed.

After about two weeks your tattoo will likely be finished peeling. It will essentially be healed at this point but may look a little faded or dull. This is normal and once the tattoo is fully healed and settled in its brightness will return (around 8-10wks).

SANIDERM TATTOO HEALING METHOD

Your tattoo artist will place a breathable, adhesive bandage on your tattoo at the end of your appointment. This medical grade covering removes the need to clean and wash your tattoo repeatedly during the first week of healing. 

All of the plasma, blood, and ink will leak directly into your bandage and may pool up in some areas. The liquid gathering under the bandage will look dark and inky, and although it looks gross and might be alarming to someone unfamiliar with this healing method, it is totally normal.

Keep the bandage in place for 4-7 days. During this time period, leave it alone! You can shower normally but try to avoid getting the bandaged area very wet and do not submerge it in water. 

If any areas of your bandage lift up, leak excessively, or expose your tattoo: remove the bandage and heal your tattoo normally to avoid the risk of bacteria getting under the bandage. 

DAY 5-7: remove the bandage and clean your tattoo thoroughly with warm water and unscented antibacterial soap. Removing the wrap in the shower can help release the adhesive. Pat it dry with clean paper towels and add a thin layer of coconut oil or moisturizer.

From the time you remove your bandage until it is fully healed just moisturize the skin as needed. Even though your tattoo appears healed you should still avoid swimming and sun exposure until it is fully settled into your skin - which could still take a few weeks following the removal of your bandage.