Aftercare

---

While your tattoo is healing, treat it as an open wound. Always wash hands before and after handling fresh tattoos.

Dry Method of Healing

Fresh tattoos have traditionally been healed using plastic wrap and petroleum-based ointments,  this method can slow healing and increase irritation. Petroleum products may clog pores, trap bacteria and impurities, and reduce oxygen flow that skin needs to heal properly. Plastic wrap and heavy ointments also do little to prevent scabbing caused by drying blood and plasma, which can lead to itching, ink loss, irritation, or scarring.

It is sometimes required because of the conditions of the clients skin or location of tattoo. If Saniderm is available, we suggest this method of healing.

Remove bandage as soon as you’re home and discharge has slowed. With clean hands, remove plastic wrap under running water.

With clean hands, wash your tattoo with unscented Antibacterial liquid soap, We recommend Dial Gold Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap. Rinse and air dry.

After your tattoo is dry, and as needed, apply a thin layer of your aftercare product, we recommend Aquaphor or your choice of professional tattoo aftercare ointment. Continue this routine for 2 weeks, or until peeling, dryness, and sensitivity have fully stopped.

Saniderm Healing

Unlike traditional plastic wrap, Saniderm is a sterile, medical-grade bandage designed specifically for tattoo healing. Its breathable, waterproof, and oxygen-permeable design protects the tattoo while still allowing the skin to heal properly. By trapping the body’s natural blood and plasma during the early healing stages, Saniderm helps prevent scabbing, speeds up recovery, reduces the risk of contamination or infection, and minimizes the need for constant washing and ointment application, creating a cleaner and more comfortable healing process.

After 6 days, remove the bandage slowly under running water. Stretch the bandage as opposed to peeling it off. Gently with clean hands, wash your tattoo with unscented Antibacterial liquid soap, We recommend Dial Gold Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap. Rinse and air dry.

After your tattoo is dry, and as needed, apply a thin layer of your aftercare product, we recommend Aquaphor or your choice of professional tattoo aftercare ointment. Continue this routine for 1–2 weeks, or until peeling, dryness, and sensitivity have fully stopped.

Saniderm bandages are waterproof, allowing normal daily showers while your tattoo heals. Avoid excessively hot water, as it can weaken the adhesive and allow bacteria or contaminants underneath the bandage. Do not fully submerge the tattoo in baths, pools, hot tubs, or similar water sources for 2–4 weeks after getting tattooed. If water gets under the bandage, remove it immediately, clean the tattoo thoroughly, and either apply a new bandage or switch to traditional open-air healing.

Saniderm is also durable enough for light exercise and daily activities. However, heavy sweating, excessive movement, or friction around the tattoo can loosen the bandage and compromise the seal. If this happens, replace the bandage or continue healing with a standard topical aftercare method.

Long Term

Even when your tattoo looks healed on the surface deeper layers of skin continue healing for up to 6 months. During this time, it’s important to keep the tattoo moisturized regularly to support long-term healing and maintain the tattoo’s appearance. If you’re ever concerned or have questions about the process of your tattoo healing or how it looks, we encourage you to reach out to us or come into the shop so your artist can ensure your saftey and the best quality of your tattoo.

Avoid

• sun exposure and tanning completely

• Excessive and strenuous physical activity

• Alcohol and drug use

• Swimming and submerging your tattoo

• Tight fitting clothing

• itching and picking at scabs

• Sunscreen and scented products until tattoo is fully healed