Tattoo aftercare.

Tattoo aftercare is vital to the healing process and the end result of your tattoo.

I recommend you keep a normal bandage for 2-6 hours max. Keep the applied bandage on for anywhere from 2-6 hours, depending on how much the wound is weeping. It’s fine if there is some plasma/blood/lymph fluid buildup under the bandage during this period, but don’t leave it longer than 6 hours. If Saniderm is used keep it on for 24 hours before removal. Saniderm is NOT recommended for those with allergic reactions to adhesive and may not be used for every tattoo.

Wash your hands each time before you touch or clean your tattoo!!

Removal of the Bandage

Use luke-warm water to wash off the used bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild soap, preferably fragrance-free, dye free soap like Dove or Lever 2000.
Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean towel.

If desired, apply a thin layer of aftercare product to your tattoo. Use a thin layer of moisturizer to help the tattoo retain moisture and itch less. Aquaphor is the perfect cream-based ointment for wounds and moisturizing skin! Use this for the next 5-7 days.

The tattoo may appear to be fully healed on the surface in 7-10 days. However, deeper layers of skin will still be repairing for 2-4 months. I recommend fragrance-free, dye-free Lubriderm, Curel or similar lotion for Day 7 -120.

Showering, Swimming, and Exercising

Showering is fine, but it’s best to keep the time spent in the shower to a minimum. Water may be redirected away from the tattoo or kept out of the direct stream. It’s also important to keep an eye on the temperature of the water. Too much heat can inflame the skin, and irritate the tattoo.

For these reasons, bathing, swimming, or fully submerging a tattoo is strongly discouraged. Light exercise while healing is fine, but avoid activity that causes excessive sweating. Just as water will affect the healing process and cause scale to fall off prematurely and risk losing ink, so will excessive sweating.

Do not expose your tattoo to sunlight for 3-4 weeks. After 4 weeks, it is advised to cover your tattoo or use a sunblock with an SPF of 30 to 45, when tanning or being outdoors. The sun or tanning bed are the only things that fade your otherwise bright tattoos. I do recommend long sleeves made of wicking material (like Columbia or Huk fishing shirts) for protecting those exposed limbs when healing. Moisturize daily with Lubriderm, and make use of sun block on every occasion.

Tattoo aftercare is extremely vital to the tattoo process. How your tattoo looks and heals depends on how YOU treat it.

Please follow these recommendations and protect your investment!

Need More Protection When Healing?

Additional Saniderm reapplication information for those who need additional protection. This is a great option if you can’t reach your tattoo and live alone or if you have to go to work and risk splashing chemicals of may burn the healing tattoo. Try to be cautious of friction and contamination when healing!

You may apply a second bandage immediately after the removal of the first Saniderm bandage at 24 hours and it has been washed and is dry. (Usually the second Saniderm lasts 4-5 days)

Do not reapply any more bandages after the scabbing/flaking phase of tattoo healing has begun.

Remove this bandage after 4-5 days the same way as the first. Once the final bandage has been removed, continue caring for the tattoo by washing and moisturizing as needed, until the tattoo is fully healed. I recommend keeping the area thoroughly moisturized with a nonfragrant, dye free lotion like Lubriderm or Curel.

Touch ups

Touch ups are available if you have a spot or a line that needs repaired due to the healing process. These should be addressed within the first 6 months or you may be charged. And if done within 1-6 months touch ups are included in your initial setup fee. Feel free to reach out to schedule a touch up session!