We offer saniderm at no extra cost after every session, however if you choose not to use saniderm, it is recommended to leave the plastic wrap/bandage on for up to 2 hours. Remove the bandage at home with clean hands, and wash gently with unscented Dial Gold AntiBacterial soap. You’ll need to wash your tattoo 2-3 times daily during this period. Do NOT use anything abrasive on your tattoo at ANY point while it is healing! Let your tattoo air dry, or use a clean paper towel to pat dry your tattoo (do not rub), and allow your tattoo to breathe- do not wear restricting garments over your fresh tattoo. Begin applying a thin layer of aquaphor for the first 3 days.

It is completely normal for your tattoo to feel sore, red, and like a sunburn afterwards. Your tattoo will naturally ooze plasma, blood, and ink for roughly 24 hours.

If you chose to get saniderm, you don’t have to fuss over your tattoo for the next 2-3 days. For saniderm users, you can leave the saniderm on for 24hrs or to up to 3 days. If your tattoo is weeping excessively before day 3, it is recommended to take off. If removed within 24-48hrs, follow the same steps above with regards to washing and applying aquaphor. To learn how to remove your saniderm, read the next step.

Begin applying an unscented lotion to your tattoo, being mindful to not apply to much so as to allow your tattoo to breathe. Throughout the healing process, ensure you are keeping your tattoo out of the sun, out of water— showering is fine, just hold off on bubble bathes and swimming until your work is healed. Avoid excessive sweating during this time as well.

During this first week, you are starting to develop scabs that are a part of the natural healing process.

Saniderm users— on day 4, remove your saniderm if you haven’t already. To remove saniderm, take a shower and at the end, begin removing by pulling in a downwards motion on either of the bottom corners. Do NOT remove saniderm dry, and do not rip off like you would a bandage. Click here if you would like to see a video demonstration. If you have removed your Saniderm, you can move onto the next step.

Your tattoo is now scabby, itchy, and flaky, but you must resist the urge to itch, rub, or pick at it. To get the best possible healed tattoo, allow scabs to fall off naturally. It may look like your tattoo is coming off— this is because the scabs are your skin color and contain excess ink that naturally seeped out. Keep your unscented lotion on hand and continue to apply thin layers as your tattoo is in the final stages of healing.

Continue to follow these guidelines until fully healed, which should be by week 4-6. After being fully healed, you are now free to enjoy your work! Keep it protected by moisturizing daily and applying sunscreen. Do not apply suncreen before your tattoo is healed.