Tattoo Atercare & the Healing Process
Tattoos can take 2-4 weeks to heal, sometimes up to 6 months.
Saniderm/Derm Shield/Second Skin
Leave your bandage on for 3-7 days. (I recommend 4 days.)
- If you have an ink sac(ink and blood plasma liquid) that is perfectly normal!
-If you have a reaction to the saniderm please contact your artist immediately!
Wash your hands before removing your bandage. (Your hands hold a lot of germs and bacteria, you don't want to infect your open tattoo)
Remove your bandage (recommended in the shower), peel a corner, pull down and away, running it under luke warm water (rinse thoroughly) and use anti-bacerial, fragrance free soap, please do not use any other soaps unless consulting with your artist. (Gold Dial is recommended)
Pat dry with a paper towel.
Apply a thin layer of mosturizer (aquaphor or lotion, non-alcoholic, fragrance free) 2x daily until tattoo is fully healed.
See cleaning instructions below!
Traditional Style
Do not use any healing ointments or moisturizer.
Keep plastic wrap on 3-4 hours after covered, clean hands, clean tattoo with anti-bacterial, fragrance free soap, pat dry with paper towel.
For the next 1-3 days, for 24 hours, keep plastic wrap on tattoo.
It is crucial to wash and pat dry your tattoo every 4-6 hours, except at night (8 hours) or after a period of sweating. (make sure you are using clean plastic wrap after cleaning)
Afer the 1-3 days, with clean hands, wash tattoo with anti-bacterial soap, pat dry with a paper towel, moisturize with a thin layer of aphaphor or lotion (non-alcoholic, fragrance free) 2x a day until tattoo is fully healed.
See cleaning instructions below!
Dri-Loc Pad
Please remove your dri-loc pads 5-7 hours after your tattoo, you may leave them on overnight.
Make sure to have clean hands and clean using antibacterial, fragrance free soap (see below!)
Pat dry with a paper towel.
Apply a thin layer of moisturizer (Non-alcoholic, fragrance free)
Do this 2x a day until tattoo is fully healed.
See cleaning instructions below!
Cleaning your Tattoo
Clean your tattoo with antibacterial, fragrence free soap and warm water. (Gold dial recommended, do not use any other soaps unless consulting with your artist)
Pat dry your tattoo with a paper towel. (Do not use a towel or loofa as they hold bacteria)
Allow to air dry for a couple of minutes.
Gently apply a thin layer of aphaphor. (You also may use nonscented, alcohol free lotions)
Repeat this 2x a day, for approximate 2 weeks (or longer) until your tattoo is healed and not flaking.
Things to know about the healing process:
Your tattoo may still scab, peel and flake, please DO NOT pick, itch or scratch your tatooo. Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor or lotion to help ease the itch. ABSOLUTELY NO ANTI-ITCH CREAMS.
DO NOT SUMBERGE YOUR TATTOO IN WATER, no baths, hot tubs, swimming. ONLY take showers until healed. Bodys of water hold lots of germs and bacteria that can infect the skin.
NO Exposure to sun or tanning beds.
Avoid sport activities, working out, gyms, and excessive sweating while your tattoo heals.
Try to wear loose breathable clothing during the healing process & avoid clothing/bedding sticking to the tattoo if possible. Extra care and precautions need to be considered for high movement areas.
Please don’t shave over your tattoo until about 2 weeks or completely healed (recommend waiting until after it is completely healed).
If you have any other questions or concerns please contact your tattoo artist.
In case of infection, please contact your tattoo artist and your primary care physician.