Tattoo After-Care 

Proper after-care of your tattoo is very important to ensure it heals well. A new tattoo is essentially an open wound and should be treated as such. If you do not take care of your tattoo, it could become infected or scarred, and can even alter the appearance of the original design. Here are some instructions and tips for healing your new tattoo.

Traditional After-Care Instructions

1. Leave the bandage on your tattoo for 2-3 hours.
2. Wash your hands prior to removing bandage. Immediately wash tattoo with water and antibacterial soap using only your fingertips. (DO NOT USE WASHCLOTHS ON YOUR TATTOO UNTIL IT IS COMPLETELY HEALED)
3. Pat or dab (DO NOT RUB) until tattoo is dry.
4. Allow tattoo to air dry for at least 10 minutes.
5. Apply a very light film of Aquafor or A&D ointment.
6. DO NOT RE-BANDAGE THE TATTOO UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. If you do need to re-bandage the tattoo, be sure to use sterile bandage(s) or other sterile dressing(s).
7. Repeat the cleaning procedure 3-5 times per day for the first 3 days.
8. After the first three days, stop using the ointment. Choose a fragrance-free lotion or hand cream. Apply to tattoo at least 3 times a day. Remember to rub the lotion in thoroughly, and always wash your hands prior to touching your tattoo.
9. Repeat this procedure until your tattoo is no longer dry or shiny.

Saniderm After-Care Instructions

1. Leave the Saniderm on your tattoo for 3-7 days.
2. Wash your hands prior to removing the Saniderm. It is easiest to remove in a warm shower. Slowly peel the Saniderm back from an edge in the direction of hair growth. If you are having trouble removing the Saniderm, use an anti-microbial soap to help loosen it.
3. Wash the tattooed area with warm water and antimicrobial soap to cleanse and remove residue. DO NOT SCRUB. Rinse with cold water.
4. Pat or dab (DO NOT RUB) until tattoo is dry.
5. Allow tattoo to air dry for at least 10 minutes.
6. IF THE TATTOO HAS NOT STARTED TO PEEL: Apply a very light film of Aquafor or A&D ointment.
7. IF THE TATTOO HAS STARTED TO PEEL: Choose a fragrance-free lotion or hand cream. Apply to tattoo at least 3 times a day. Remember to rub the lotion in thoroughly, and always wash your hands prior to touching your tattoo.
8. Repeat this procedure for at least 2 weeks or until your tattoo is no longer dry or shiny.

Additional Tips for a Better-Healed Tattoo 

1. Do not expose tattoo to sunlight for at least 2 weeks or until tattoo is healed. To preserve your tattoo once it is healed, apply sunscreen to tattoo if it will be exposed to the sun or tanning bed.
2. Do not soak tattoo in water (bathing or swimming) for at least 2 weeks until healed.
3. If you work out, be sure to wash your tattoo immediately afterwards. Profuse sweating can have the same effect on new tattoos as soaking in water. Avoid using “shared” equipment that may come into contact with your tattoo until fully healed.
4. Wear loose clothing that can allow your healing tattoo to breathe.
5. DO NOT PICK AT OR SCRATCH NEW TATTOOS.
6. If you have pets, avoid contact with tattoo until fully healed.

IN CASE OF INFECTION OR ALLERGIC REACTION, please consult a health care practitioner and report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or adverse reaction resulting from the application of the tattoo to the artist and to the department of health at 1-888-839-6676.