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Aftercare

 I know this looks lengthy, but you just put yourself through a lot of pain and paid a good chunk of money for your tattoo(s), so please read through and follow these Aftercare instructions so it heals correctly!

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Regular Aftercare

After leaving the shop, you can leave the wrapping on for 1-2 hours. When you get home, wash your tattoo with CLEAN hands using Antibacterial Soap (Dial yellow bar or liquid). Let the tattoo air dry or pat dry with a clean PAPER towel. 

Repeat this process 1-2 times a day for the first 2 days. When your tattoo becomes dry after the second or third day, you can begin to moisturize.

After washing your tattoo, put a LIGHT layer of unscented lotion (Aveeno, Lubriderm, Sensitive Skin Hempz, etc). Rub the lotion in carefully until it is gone.  Repeat this entire process for 2 weeks. 

I personally do not recommend A&D or Aquaphor. Your body is not able to break down petroleum jelly. Any petroleum jelly based moisturizer can cause issues in the healing process (ink being pushed out/rejected, heavy scabbing, clogged pores)

You can loosely wrap your tattoo the first night with saran wrap to avoid blood or ink on your sheets and avoid your tattoo adhering to your clothing/sheets.

Saniderm Aftercare

Saniderm is a clear, breathable bandage that keeps your tattoo safe while healing! 

Once the saniderm is on, it can stay on for up to 5 days. Please do not take off the bandage before 24 hours. After a few days, take it off in the shower. Pull it off slowly, letting the water come in between the bandage and your tattoo. Don’t rip it off like a bandaid, it is painful on a fresh tattoo. Instead of peeling the bandage off, try pulling it in the same direction, similar to a command strip. 

Once the saniderm is off, wash the tattoo with CLEAN hands using Dial Antibacterial Soap (yellow bar or liquid), let it air dry, and put a LIGHT layer of unscented lotion. Rub the lotion in carefully until it’s gone. Clean and lotion the tattoo 1-2 times a day for another week. 

During the first 5 days,  the saniderm will fill with any blood, ink, or plasma that comes out of your tattoo. This is normal (it’s called wet-healing) and will not damage your tattoo! It is also water-resistant so you can shower with it, but DO NOT soak it or take it into the ocean, pools, or hot tub. 

If your saniderm begins to leak through the sides , take it off! It is no longer sealed which means other germs and bacteria can get in. 

*** DO NOT USE SANIDERM IF YOU HAVE AN ALLERGY TO ADHESIVE ***

Tattoo Do's and Don'ts

DO

  • Drink lots of water

  • Keep your tattoo clean

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with Dial antibacterial soap before doing anything with your tattoo

  • WASH YOUR SHEETS & TOWELS

  • Contact your artist if you have any questions! 

DON’T

  • Don’t use medicated products like Neosporin and Bacitracin 

    • It can cause the body to reject the tattoo or heal too quickly, causing an allergic reaction that could involve a rash or series of tiny red dots

  • Don’t scratch, peel, pick, or rub your tattoo. 

    • Moisturizing, slapping lightly and blowing on it will help with the itching and not damage the tattoo!

  • No direct exposure to sunlight for 2-3 weeks

  • Don’t soak your tattoo in the shower, avoid hot water while it is healing.

  • Don’t shave over a fresh tattoo

  • Don’t dry your tattoo with a towel or washcloth

    • ALWAYS air dry or pat dry with a paper towel.

  • Don’t go into pools or the ocean for 2-3 weeks

    • This includes just being on the beach. Sand is not tattoo friendly.

  • Don’t wear tight clothing. Your tattoo needs to breathe and not be constricted

  • Don’t over moisturize or glob lotion on.

    • You can clog your pores resulting in ink falling out

  • Avoid excess sweating and heavy gym sessions

  • Don’t let your pets touch your tattoo. Pet dander is a common cause of infection.

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THINGS TO EXPECT

  • It will look swollen after getting it done. This is completely normal.

  • Your new tattoo will ooze all sorts of fluids the first few days including blood, clear plasma, lymphatic fluid, and ink. These are signs your body recognizes the trauma, and is sending cells to repair it.  

  • Your tattoo will scab, itch, and flake. This is a good thing, just don’t pick at it.

  • You may experience “tattoo flu”. You may feel under the weather for a bit because the stress of a tattoo can affect your immune system.

SIGNS OF INFECTION

  • Infections are not as common as some make it seem, however, if you experience the following, seek medical attention and contact your tattoo artist Immediately. 

  • These are NOT normal:  

  • Intense pain 

  • Worsening swelling 

  • Pus draining 

  • Firm bumps  

  • Excessive bleeding 

  • Photosensitivity (sunlight is painful) 

  • Fever, chills, sweats

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