Read the aftercare instructions before you do absolutely anything to your tattoo as soon as you leave the tattoo shop. No other aftercare routine should ever be followed.
Saniderm / Adhesive Tape Bandage
If I applied a clear adhesive tape over your fresh tattoo and instructed to leave it on for 7-10 days, you will be practically maintenance free for the first week. Do not wear tight clothes over the tape or any other irritants. Stay away from direct heat and the sunlight or sweating excessively.
your tape might get a buildup of fluids (plasma mixed with some ink) your tattoo is fine and this is a normal stage of the process.
after a few days you might notice a slight odor coming from your tape, this is also normal and it will go away after the removal of the tape and a good cleaning. The tape can get wet and you may use antibacterial soap on and around the tape to keep the skin around it clean.
DO NOT remove the tape prematurely. You can permanently damage your tattoo this way
after the removal of sticky tape, clean with soap and begin applying Aquaphor or hustle Butter ointment for a minimum of 2 weeks. The sticky residue from the tape can be removed gently with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol.
never use creams containing fragrance/scent which is an irritant to the skin with fresh tattoos. only use products specified to be acceptable by the professional.
If you are not sure about something always ask your artist first.
Traditional Aftercare when Adhesive Tape was NOT used
Always wash your hands with hot water and antibacterial soap before handling your fresh tattoo.
If you wouldn’t share dirty needles with someone, do NOT share aftercare products such as ointments. your tattoo is an open wound and bacteria and germs can transfer
these aftercare instructions are for the traditional healing only. for adhesive tape instructions read at the top of this page.
Remove the bandage after 1-2 hours maximum. All wounds need to breathe if they are to heal properly. Wash the tattoo using a mild antibacterial Dial soap (pump bottle) and warm water. Remove all traces of blood and plasma as this will cause scabbing. Do not wash the tattoo with anything besides your clean hands for the first several weeks. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel and leave It alone for about 20 minutes, till the skin is a little tight and dry. This allows excess moisture from the swelling under the skin as well as moisture introduced by washing the tattoo to evaporate out. It’s very important to let your tattoo “breathe” like this any time you get it wet before it gets into the peeling stage.
You must keep your tattoo clean! However, long showers or baths must be avoided for 2 weeks. Prolonged soaking can and will loosen scabs if any have formed removing ink. This includes swimming in the Ocean or a Pool, Hot Tubs, and Saunas. Short showers are best, under ten minutes if possible.
Once dry, apply a very thin coat of ointment to the tattoo. We recommend using Aquaphor or Hustle Butter ointment. Only use enough to make it shine, a little goes a long way. Too much ointment traps germs into your new tattoo, which can potentially lead to infection. Just a dab will do. Work it In well. Dab off all the excess with a paper towel. There should be just enough to keep the tattoo moist and to keep it from scabbing. Do NOT re-bandage the tattoo.
Repeat the cycle of washing, drying, and applying ointment to the tattoo about 3-4 times per day for the first 5 days (while the tattoo feels tender).
Ointment can be applied whenever the tattoo is feeling stiff or dry but beware of over-moisturizing. Your body will absorb what it needs where it needs it. Apply ointment 2-3 times a day for no less than 2 weeks then you have the option of switching to a regular *Unscented” lotion such as Lubriderm. Apply moisturizer twice a day for the remainder of 3-4 weeks. Do not use lotions that contain color or fragrance at all until the healing is complete. (Typically 6 weeks, Possibly longer for slower healers.) you are ok to continue using Aquaphor and hustle butter for the entire 6 week healing process and beyond that to promote healthy skin which will make your tattoo appear at its best
You must keep your tattoo moisturized. When the tattoo is kept moist it doesn’t have a chance to form a scab, but does form a thin membrane to protect the tattoo while it heals. This layer peels off very similar to a sunburn (do not peel your tattoo, you will pull the ink out) and it is perfectly normal to see small flakes of colored skin falling off during this stage.
Please refrain from scratching or picking at the tattoo. Scrubbing with a washcloth can be very harsh on a tattoo and will cause your colors to fade. Disrupting the tattoo while it’s healing can also cause scar tissue. It is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy during the healing time. Just remember not to pick or scratch no matter what! Washing and reapplying ointment always helps with the itching.
Avoid wearing tight or uncomfortable clothing around the tattooed area. This can lead to irritation and longer healing and possibility of losing ink. Stick with loose breathable clothing the first two weeks whenever possible.
Following all of these simple steps will ensure that you end up with the best result with minimal complications and your tattoo will stay looking bright and beautiful for many years to come.
CONTACT physician at First sign of infection and follow up with your tattoo artist.
Tattoos by Yulia Chekir 