congrats! the hard part is over. lets make sure all that pain was worth it by healing your tattoo correctly.

if i gave you saniderm:

If I put the saniderm bandage on your tattoo, please keep it on for 5 days unless it *absolutely* needs to come off sooner.

*Take if off sooner if you experience any sort of allergic reaction (Such as hives. Redness and swelling are normal), or if you notice a small “channel” open up and outside water is getting in, as this would mean the protective seal is now compromised. Some seeping ink/plasma inside the bandage or the tattoo appearing “cloudy” underneath is completely normal.

When you leave, ignore the bandage for the next 5 days. Getting it wet in the shower is fine, but avoid soaking or submerging it in water (NO tub baths. for example) *All the restrictions/things to avoid listed below will apply starting day 1, regardless of when wrap is removed.

On day 5, take the Saniderm off in the shower under some soapy lukewarm water, peeling it gently away from the skin. Take your time, as this may be uncomfortable and roughly pulling it off can damage the tattoo.

After the Saniderm is removed:

Follow this regimen 2 times a day: use mild (liquid) soap in the shower to hand wash tattoo gently (refrain from using a sponge or shower loofa) Pat dry with clean towel afterwards and apply a very THIN layer of fragrant free lotion to tattoo once out of shower to the cleaned skin. Avoid Aquaphor and any ointments. Only the mild soap and fragrant free lotion should touch your healing tattoo.

*Restrictions / What to Avoid:

Avoid excessive sweating (no gyms!), sports, direct sun exposure, submerging in water, swimming, scratching, or any dirty objects from coming into contact with the tattoo. Be mindful of any non-sterile surface coming into contact with your tattoo. Something as simple as resting your tattooed arm on a restaurant table, for example, is a hazard. Wear comfortable clothes that won’t chafe against or suffocate the tattoo. Wear loose pajamas for sleep attire that protect tattoo from sheets OR ensure your bedding is clean and free of any pet dander or other particles. NO scratching or picking at the tattoo (no matter how itchy or flaky it gets)!

Tattoos take around 4-6 weeks to fully heal. After the tattoo is completely healed, its recommended to continue moisturizing your tattoo and wear sunscreen in the brighter seasons to keep your tattoo looking best for as long as possible!

If we’re healing it traditionally:

I will cover the tattoo in plastic wrap with Aquaphor it if we don’t use the adhesive bandage.

Remove this plastic wrap when you have arrived home. It should not stay on longer than a couple hours.

Gently wash tattoo with mild soap. Pat dry with a clean towel/air dry when out of shower. For the first 2 days, apply a VERY thin layer of Aquaphor on the freshly washed tattoo. 2 times a day. Each time you apply a new layer, wash off the old. This layer should be extremely thin, you barely notice it.

After the initial 2 days have passed, stop using the Aquaphor. Switch to unscented lotion.

*Its VERY important the switch from Aquaphor to unscented lotion is made right after day 2!

Apply the unscented lotion on the cleaned tattoo 2 times a day, right out of the shower and on the freshly dried skin. Follow this regimen for the remainder of the healing process.

Restrictions / What to Avoid:

Avoid excessive sweating (no gyms!), sports, direct sun exposure, submerging in water, swimming, scratching, or any dirty objects from coming into contact with the tattoo. Be mindful of any non-sterile surface coming into contact with your tattoo. Something as simple as resting your tattooed arm on a restaurant table, for example, is a hazard. Wear comfortable clothes that won’t chafe against or suffocate the tattoo. Wear loose pajamas for sleep attire that protect tattoo from sheets OR ensure your bedding is clean and free of any pet dander or other particles. NO scratching or picking at the tattoo (no matter how itchy or flaky it gets)!

Tattoos take around 4-6 weeks to fully heal. After the tattoo is completely healed, its recommended to continue moisturizing your tattoo and wear sunscreen in the brighter seasons to keep your tattoo looking best for as long as possible!