TATTOO AFTERCARE
Please follow these instructions to ensure your tattoo heals properly. We do sell antibacterial soap and unscented lotion at the shop.
Call or email us with any additional questions.
BANDAGE AFTERCARE
Leave the bandage on as instructed by your artist (usually 1-3 hours).
When the bandage is removed, gently wash the tattoo immediately with an unscented antibacterial soap and warm water.
2 to 3 times a day for 2 weeks:
Use your hands to gently wash the tattoo with an unscented antibacterial soap and warm water.
Pat dry with clean towel or paper towel. Do not rub.
Starting 2 to 3 days after you’ve been tattooed, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion after each time you wash.After a few days, the skin will begin to form a scab. Do NOT pick or scratch at it.
Wash the tattoo immediately if it’s been exposed to dirt or sweat.
Do not use Vaseline, Neosporin, Aquaphor or any similar products. They are heavy and can prolong healing.
Avoid fragranced products or essential oils.
Shower like normal, but avoid bathing (submerging/soaking the tattoo), and recreational water activities for 2 weeks. This includes swimming pools, oceans, hot tubs, saunas, etc. which carry harsh chemicals and/or highly infectious bacteria.
Avoid direct sun exposure to the tattooed area for 2 weeks.
Avoid direct contact of the tattooed area with animals for 2 weeks.
Implement the application of sunscreen on your tattooed skin into your daily routine for years to come, to avoid UV damage which causes premature fading.
Depending on the location, your tattoo will be fully healed in 1 to 3 weeks.
SANIDERM AFTERCARE
Leave the Saniderm on for 3-5 days - do not leave it on for over 5.
While the Saniderm is on:
You do not need to do anything to the tattoo.
You may notice excess ink pooling inside of the bandage - this is normal.
Avoid direct sun exposure to the tattooed area.
Avoid submerging/soaking the tattoo, and recreational water activities. This includes swimming pools, oceans, hot tubs, saunas, etc.
When you are ready to take the Saniderm off, it’s best to do so in the shower or under warm running water to loosen the adhesive. Peel it back slowly and gently.
Immediately after taking off the Saniderm, gently wash the tattoo with an unscented antibacterial soap and warm water.
You do not need to routinely wash the tattoo after the Saniderm is removed, if you have left it on for the full 5 day period. It protects the tattoo during the time when most crucial to do so.
For 1-2 weeks after removing the Saniderm, gently wash the tattoo right away if it’s been exposed to dirt or sweat.
If a corner or edge of the Saniderm starts peeling off on it’s own before the 5 days is complete, you can use sanitized scissors to carefully cut off the excess. If it peels so much that any part of the tattoo is no longer completely covered, take it all off and resume normal tattoo aftercare explained in the section above.
If you notice any redness/discoloration, rash, itchiness or any other unpleasant reaction, remove the Saniderm and wash the area immediately. This happens due to an adhesive allergy which you may have not been aware of - symptoms should subside within a few days of removing the bandage (mild discoloration of your skin’s bandaged area may last longer). If they don’t, see a medical professional.
Contact the shop first with any concerns or questions. If your tattoo shows signs of infection (including, but not limited to, redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site towards the heart, elevated body temperature, or purulent drainage from the procedure site), please see a medical professional immediately.
Follow these instructions and your tattoo will look great! For any additional questions, you can call or email the shop. Happy Healing!