Aftercare

Aftercare is really important when you get a new tattoo. We use several applications of aftercare depending on the individual. Some clients will use an adhesive like sani-derm and others will cover the tattoo for two hours then wash and apply ointment for aftercare.

SaniDerm - Healing

Sani - derm or Dermasheild is a plastic adhesive that is used to seal and heal the tattoo. This adhesive can be taken off within 24 hours or left on for up to five days. This depends on client preference and the Dermasheild itself.

It is recommended each client leave the plastic on for three to five days. Make sure the plastic remains covering the tattoo; sealing it airtight. This means the Dermasheild shouldn't be leaking plasma/ blood/ink. Plastic Dermasheild must stay adhered to the non tattooed skin around the fresh tattoo- I.E edges cannot be rolling up to expose fresh ink.

If the plastic does roll up to expose fresh ink or starts to leak plasma it needs to be removed. To remove the plastic stretch the corners of the material to elongate it. (Think like a command strip that hangs things on walls)

*DO NOT RIP THE PLASTIC UP OFF THE SKIN. This hurts and can damage the tattoo, ripping the Dermasheild off like a BANDAID is BAD NEWS

STRETCH the plastic so it "lets go" of the skin , then wash the tattoo gently with antibacterial soap and water.

If your tattoo was covered only, make sure to take off the covering (plastic wrap or bandage) after two hours. Wash the tattoo gently with antibacterial soap and warm water. Pat dry and let air out for a half hour before applying aftercare. (ointment of your choice , tattoo goo, aquaphor, ect.)

Make sure to change your sheets if pets sleep in your bed and stay out of the water. submerging fresh tattoos in water can cause infection and lingering in the shower too long can prolong the healing process.

Happy Healing

First 24 Hours Healing

Phase 1: The First 24 Hours

Leave the wrap on: Keep the initial studio bandage on for 2 to 4 hours. If your artist applied a medical-grade "second skin" adhesive film like Saniderm, you may leave it on for 3 to 5 days depending on instructions. - Refer to instructions above
First wash: Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap first. Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a liquid, fragrance-free antibacterial soap using your clean fingers only.
No scrubbing: Avoid washcloths, loofahs, or sponges, which harbor heavy amounts of bacteria.
Pat dry: Blot the area dry with a clean paper towel. Do not use a regular bath towel because cloth fibers can stick to the wound and cause infections.
Let it breathe: Do not re-bandage the skin unless explicitly told to do so by your artist.

Phase 2: The Weeping Phase

Phase 2: Days 2 to 5 (The Weeping Phase)

Wash regular intervals: Clean the tattoo 2 times daily to clear away pooling plasma, blood, and excess ink.
Apply thin ointment: Spread a very thin layer of an unscented ointment like Aquaphor or a specialized tattoo balm.
Avoid over-moisturizing: Your skin should never look greasy, shiny, or wet. Excess buildup clogs your pores, traps bacteria, and softens scabs prematurely.
No petroleum jelly: Do not use heavy products like pure Vaseline, as they form an occlusive barrier that completely suffocates the wound.

Phase 3: Peeling and Itching

Phase 3: Days 6 to 14 (Peeling and Itching)

- Switch to lotion: Once the tattoo starts to peel and flake like a sunburn, swap out heavy ointments for a lightweight, fragrance-free body lotion. Apply 2 to 3 times daily.
- Do not pick: Let all peeling skin and scabs drop off naturally. Pulling flakes off early tears ink out of the deeper skin layers, leaving permanent blank patches and scarring.
- Relieve the itch: Never scratch the tattoo. If the itching feels unbearable, gently slap the area with a flat hand or apply moisturizer to soothe it.