Aftercare Instructions

Congratulations on your new addition! Getting tattooed is an exciting way of taking ownership of your body. Proper tattoo aftercare not only prevents infection, but it also contributes to the long-term quality of your tattoo and surrounding skin.

Steps for Aftercare

  • Keep it clean, but don’t overdo it. Use gentle soap two or three times a day.

  • Keep it from drying out with non-allergenic moisturizers (more on those later).

  • Keep it covered, first with the initial dressing you get from your tattoo artist, then with loose clothing to protect it from the sun and potential infections.

For those utilizing the Saniderm method:

Saniderm is a latex-free transparent matte film adhesive bandage. It is waterproof, but permeable to allow skin perspiration, and it is durable enough to keep up with your everyday activities.

Directions for Use:

The first Saniderm application should stay in place for 24 hours. It is normal for blood and fluids to collect under the bandage.

Directions for Removal:

While in the shower, gently rub the bandage with soap and water to help loosen the adhesive. Gently peel the Saniderm by pulling it slowly from the edge back over itself. Do not pull the bandage upwards. Take your time.

A second application can be used for several days. Gently clean (with mild soap and water) and dry the area (with clean paper towel) between applications. Do not wear any piece longer than one week.

For those utilizing the Daily Washing method:

Two hours after you leave the tattoo studio, wash your hands thoroughly and then remove the bandage. Keeping the bandage on longer gives bacteria a chance to grow and spread, which can lead to infection. Do not reapply another bandage, as this will impede the healing process.

While it may be difficult to resist, try not to touch the wounded area. Your tattoo may feel similar to a sunburn; but if you feel pain, which is possible with large, tattooed areas, ibuprofen can help reduce the pain.

For the first night with your new tattoo, use caution when it’s time for bed. Your tattoo may ooze out clear fluid and extra ink. Take precaution by making sure you use old bed sheets, to avoid staining fabric. Wear loose clothing to bed to allow the tattoo to breathe.

Keep the tattoo out of pools, tubs, and natural bodies of water to decrease the chances of infection. Showering is recommended.

After a few days, you will begin to experience itching and flaking. This continues until layers of dead skin have fallen off. I recommend washing your tattoo to 2-3 times a day. I suggest using non-fragrant and gentle soap.

Finally, follow these guidelines when washing your new tattoo:

  • Thoroughly wash your hands before touching the sensitive area.

  • Avoid loofahs, washcloths or anything else mildly abrasive and bacteria prone.

  • Paper towels are safe; use them to lightly pat the area dry.

  • Use lukewarm or cold water.

After you each time you wash the tattoo, you’ll also want to apply an ointment to prevent infection in a very thin layer.

Why are there so many directions? You want to avoid tattoo infection.

Avoid these instances:

  • Not washing the tattoo enough.

  • Being around sickness.

  • Swimming in lakes or ponds, or pools.

  • Sleeping on unclean sheets and using dirty towels.

  • Touching your tattoo or allowing others to.

  • Failing to use aftercare supplements.

  • Contact with water near affected area: washing dishes or cleaning.

  • Exposure to direct sunlight

Worried about signs of infection in your tattoo?

There will always be a bit of redness that should go away in about 24 hours or so. If you see new redness show up a few days later and start expanding, that could be an early sign of infection. Other symptoms include pain, swelling, and drainage. In these cases, you should try to make a same-day appointment with a dermatologist or head to an urgent care facility to get checked out. 

Recommended Aftercare Products

Soaps

Dr. Bronner’s or Dial Soup

Protective Ointments

Aquaphor (does contain lanolin, which is not vegan)

https://www.amazon.com/Aquaphor-Advanced-Therapy-Ointment-Protectant/dp/B0107QPFBU

Unscented Lotion

After first 3 days of washing, you can switch from your ointment to an unscented lotion and moisturize once daily.

Vanicream

https://www.amazon.com/Vanicream-Moisturizing-Sensitive-Irritated-Dermatologist/dp/B000NWGCZ2

Sun Care

Keep it covered, either in loose clothing or stay out of the sun, for two weeks. Then, use a mineral sunscreen. Sunscreen is important to protect the integrity of a tattoo’s colors, even black ink.

Sunscreen

https://www.amazon.com/Vanicream-Sunscreen-Broad-Spectrum-Ounce/dp/B0921QT217

Long-Term Aftercare

Never pick or scratch your tattoo. The time it takes for your tattoo to fully heal depends on the size and execution of the tattoo, but it will likely be around six weeks. Remember that tattoos with colored ink take longer to heal than non-colored tattoos, especially if it’s large or on the inside of a joint. I advise not shaving the newly tattooed area for at least a week.

Final Takeaway

Tattoos require a little TLC. You'll know your tattoo is on the right path to healing when the scabs diminish and the skin on the tattoo surface is an even texture as the rest of your skin. Feel free to contact me or the studio if you have questions. And remember, when in doubt, visit your doctor to ensure your new ink is healing properly. It’s up to your artist to create the tattoo and then it’s your job to care for it.