Tattoo Aftercare
- 01
On the day of your tattoo appointment:
- Remove the bandage 2-3 hours after receiving your tattoo. Be sure that you are in a clean, safe environment. Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Using only your hands, wash your tattoo with fragrance-free antibacterial liquid hand soap—such as Dial Gold or Soft Soap, Aquarium Series and warm water. Wash until all blood and plasma is off the tattoo (your tattoo should no longer feel slimy).
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- 02
For the first three days:
Wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day, pat dry, then apply a light layer of Aquaphor.
- 03
Before bed on the first three nights:
Wash your tattoo, pat dry, and wrap/secure your tattoo with plastic wrap. Sleep with the plastic wrap on. In the morning you will find blood, ink, and plasma trapped under the plastic wrap. This is normal.
Remove the plastic wrap, wash your hands, and thoroughly wash your tattoo. Pat the tattoo dry, and then moisturize your tattoo.
- 04
Following the third night:
Discontinue Aquaphor and plastic wrap use.
Continue to wash and moisturize your tattoo using white, unscented hand lotion for the remainder of 2 weeks. Your tattoo will peel and flake as part of the natural healing process. Do not pick or scratch your tattoo.
Avoid direct sunlight (including tanning beds) and any water other than your shower for 2 weeks.
- 05
Healing with Saniderm or Tegaderm:
- The bandage stays on for 3 to 5 days as long as it stays intact. Remove it sooner if it ruptures.
- Plasma pooling underneath is normal and will reabsorb.
- Remove it in the shower by rolling it down gently. Avoid pulling it straight away from the skin.
- Afterward, follow the standard washing and lotion routine for the remainder of the two weeks.