So you just got a tattoo, now what?

Tattoo after care is quite simple and your new art will heal wonderfully if done correctly.

You will need

• Clean hands
• Antibacterial hand soap (Dial Gold is recommended)
• Aquaphor
• White unscented lotion (I recommend Aveeno Daily Moisturizer)

Once your tattoo appointment is complete, keep your wrap on for a maximum of 2 hours. This is not a bandage. It is just to keep your tattoo from leaking or getting dirty in the time it takes for you to leave the shop. Once you take this off, wash your new tattoo with clean hands and antibacterial hand soap. Let it dry completely before applying a thin layer of Aquaphor. It should not be globbed on, a thin layer is all you need. 

Repeat the process of washing and using Aquaphor at least once a day for 2 days. On the third day, you will switch out Aquaphor for an unscented lotion. 

Keep this up for two weeks. After that the outer layer of your skin will be healed. I recommend daily moisturizing after this as a tattoo is only as vibrant as your skin is healthy. 

Saniderm Aftercare

In today’s day and age saniderm, aka second skin, is often used as a barrier to keep your tattoo clean during the healing process. Saniderm is available at request but I am veering away from this due to an uptick in saniderm related reactions. Saniderm will not be given if you have had a negative reaction in the past.

Once I place your saniderm, you will not need to do anything to your tattoo until you remove it. 

Remove if and when-

• 3-5 days pass
• Liquid escapes
• The saniderm peals up over your tattoo
• Unusual redness, swelling, or irritation occurs around border of saniderm -this may indicate an allergy to the saniderm/adhesive

While using saniderm, please be aware of peeling. It likes to snag on clothing and such and may result in it peeling over your tattoo. 

You may shower as normal but please do not soak/swim at any point during the tattoo healing process.

Once you remove your saniderm-

Once your saniderm is off, all of the aftercare responsibilities fall to you. The good news is it’s quite simple.

For two weeks from your appointment date, (if using saniderm, you don’t need to do anything until it is removed) wash your new tattoo with antibacterial hand soap minimum once a day. After washing, let the area dry then use a small amount of white unscented lotion. A little goes a long way. You don’t need to be shiny, your skin just needs to be moisturized. 

If it gets dirty before or in between washes, please wash it again. 

Use common sense and if you still are unsure, reach out to me.

Tips and tricks-

• Clean bedsheets can help prevent infections.
• Wear clean, loose fitting clothes that cover your new tattoo during the healing process.
• Do not scratch your new tattoo. This may result in fading/missing ink. Pat it instead.
• Do not soak or have your new tattoo in open sunlight.
• Shower as normal.
• Do not peel your new tattoo.
• Do not rebandage the tattoo at home, follow these instructions for a good heal.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any further questions or concerns