Aftercare Instructions + Recommended Products

Bandage Type

  • Saniderm: Remove initial Saniderm or similar sterile adhesive bandage 24 hours post application.
    Sooner if the bandage seal has lifted to expose the tattoo, allowed fluid to exit, or excess fluid has built up. Remove by pulling horizontally to your skin and the bandage will relax—not like a Band-Aid or sticker. Also helpful to do under running water. You may apply a second bandage (see below).

  • Dressing/temporary bandage: remove bandage after 2–3 hours.

  1. Wash the tattoo with warm water and diluted Dr. Bronner’s (suggested) mild liquid soap or similar mild cleanser without perfumes or dyes.

  2. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towels.

  3. Wash, wash, wash! Any time there is fluid building up on your tattoo—wash it. Pat dry. This will avoid scabbing and help your tattoo heal smoother and safer.

  4. Apply a thin layer of aftercare lotion or salve if the skin feels tight or dry. Otherwise, wait until day 2 or 3 when the tattoo area has stopped producing any fluids and you are washing it less often. Then apply as needed.

  5. With clean hands, continue to cleanse and apply a thin layer of lotion or salve as needed for at least 2 weeks post tattoo.

  6. Your tattoo may peel and itch as it heals. Do not pick or scratch!

Reapplying Adhesive Sterile Bandages

You may choose to re-apply another adhesive bandage after washing your tattoo. You must wash the tattoo well and pat it dry. Using clean hands, apply the bandage. Always remove and wash if fluid builds up or the bandage seal is failing. Remove, wash, and reapply as needed.

Saniderm-type products do seem to help tattoos heal faster and protect them from dust and bacteria when used properly—usually for the first 4–5 days. You can find Saniderm on Amazon. I find it longer-lasting than Derm Shield and less irritating than Tegaderm. A second bandage may be used for 3–5 days with vigilant attention to the integrity of the bandage.

Further Healing Instructions and Things to Avoid

  1. No sun or long exposures to water for two full weeks.

  2. Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized.

  3. Wash your hands prior to touching/applying lotion or salve.

  4. No picking, scratching, or itching your healing tattoo.

  5. No swimming, hot tub, ocean, hot yoga, baths, etc. for two weeks.

  6. Don’t stress! The happier and healthier you are, the easier your tattoo will heal.

  7. Do not let other people or animals touch or lick your fresh tattoo.

  8. Keep out of sun & no sunscreen until fully healed—after 2 weeks.

  9. No Neosporin.

  10. Your tattoo is an open wound—be conscious of gardening, public gyms, washing dishes, your work environment, etc. in regard to cross-contamination and your fresh tattoo.

  11. No tanning beds or products until fully healed.

  12. After your tattoo is fully healed, keep it out of the sun as much as possible and apply sunscreen to protect it from fading and sun damage.

Recommended Products

Cleanser:
Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap or similar fragrance-free mild cleanser

Salves:

  • Badger Tattoo Balm

  • Brooklyn Grooming

  • Tattoo Balm

  • Eir NYC Tattoo Balm

  • shea butter

Lotions:

  • After Inked

  • Skinfix Inked Tattoo Lotion

  • CeraVe

  • Alba unfragranced lotion

  • If you cannot find these products, look for those with similar limited ingredients and zero fragrance or color added.

Signs of Infection

Signs and symptoms of infection include (but are not limited to):

  • Redness, swelling, or tenderness at the procedure site

  • Red streaks going from the site toward the heart

  • Elevated body temperature

  • Purulent drainage from the site

If any of these occur, seek immediate medical care.

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