Aftercare Instructions

You Will Need:

  • Antibacterial Unscented Soap

    • Recommended soaps: Dial Gold, Dove Antibacterial, Dr. Bronners Unscented

  • Healing Ointment (for traditional healing)

    • Recommended ointments: Aquaphor, A&D ointment

  • Non-Scented Lotion

    • Recommended lotions: CeraVe, Jergens, Cetaphil, Lubraderm, Aveeno

General Aftercare:

  • Always wash your hands before touching a healing tattoo.

  • Do not expose the tattoo to extreme sunlight for 4 to 6 weeks or until the tattoo is completely healed. Once the tattoo is healed, apply sunblock to your tattoo if you know you’ll be out in the sun for long periods of time.

  • Do not swim or submerge your tattoo in water until the tattoo is completely healed.

  • Limit workouts to light workouts or take a break from it. Profuse sweating may delay the healing process.

  • If possible, wear clothing that will allow your tattoo to breathe.

  • Peeling, flaking, and scabbing are all expected and normal. DO NOT pick at or scratch your tattoo. This can damage the design of your tattoo and your skin.

Saniderm Healing

(clear adhesive bandage)

  • Leave Saniderm bandage on for 3-5 days. During this time, you’ll notice a black liquid pooling up inside. This is completely normal and expected- it’s your white blood cells leaking from your tattoo. The larger tattoo you have the more liquid you’ll produce.

  • After 3-5 days, remove bandage while in the shower. Use running water and antibacterial soap to loosen the adhesive and gently pull the bandage back by its edge.

  • After removing the bandage, wash tattoo with warm water and non-scented antibacterial soap, using only your hands. Do not use any scrubbers or washcloths. Wash until the tattoo is completely clear of blood and plasma.

  • Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Let air dry.

  • Apply a thin layer of non-scented lotion to the tattoo.

  • Once the Saniderm bandage is removed, wash and lotion your tattoo 2 to 3 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks or until the tattoo is no longer peeling, dry, or cracked.

Traditional Healing

(paper towels or plastic wrap)

  • Remove bandage 2 to 4 hours after receiving the tattoo. Gently wash with warm water and non-scented antibacterial soap, using only your hands. Do not use any scrubbers or washcloths. Pat dry with a paper towel or a clean towel. Let air dry.

  • Before going to bed, apply a THIN layer of healing ointment and re-wrap with fresh paper towels. This will prevent ink from staining your bed sheets.

  • With clean hands, continue to use a THIN layer of ointment for the next 3 days, twice a day (it should be just barely shiny). Wash tattoo prior to applying ointment & be sure it’s completely dry before applying anything. Allowing the tattoo to be too wet will result in poor healing.

  • On 4th day, switch to a thin layer of non-scented lotion 2 to 3 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks or until the tattoo is no longer peeling, dry, or cracked.