Tattoo After Care
1. After tattoo session, your tattoo will be bandaged with Saniderm or with Saran Wrap. Saniderm - is a very thin, transparent, flexible film used to protect new tattoos against fluids, friction, bacteria, and viruses. Unlike plastic films, Saniderm is breathable which allows moisture vapor and oxygen exchange while providing a moist wound environment for enhanced healing. It’s okay if you’ll see some liquid inside.
2. Leave your Saniderm bandage for 1-3 days. You can take a shower with this bandage. Saniderm stays on the skin even when it's wet. But I don't r take a bath or go swimming after applying your Saniderm and when your tattoo is healing. In 1-3 days pill off the bandage very slow under the water.
3. Start washing the tattoo using your fingertips or cotton pads only 2-3 times per day. Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo If you don’t have access to the water and it’s time to clean your tattoo just use cotton pads. One should be with water, another with water + soap, other cotton pads should be just with water to clean the soap and dirty surface from the skin. Use a mild antibacterial soap and warm water. Take care to remove all traces of blood as this will cause scabbing. Do not scrub the tattoo with a washcloth during the two week healing period. Always gently pat the tattoo dry with a paper towel.
4. In 2-3 days, when your tattoo is becoming dry apply a thin coat of ointment (Hustle butter, Lubriderm) to the tattoo. Be sure that your tattoo is clean and well dried. Use just enough to make it shine– a little goes a long way. If this is the case, then you’ve put too much on and should dab off all the excess with a paper towel. Too much ointment will only suffocate the tattoo and liquify any scabs that may have formed– which causes the ink to fall out and leaves the piece looking blotchy.
5. An ointment can be applied whenever the tattoo is feeling stiff or dry but beware of over-moisturizing. In my experience usually 3-4 times per day or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight. Your body will absorb what it needs where it needs it.
6. On the third and forth week apply moisturizer twice a day for the remainder of two weeks. Do not use lotions that contain color, fragrance or sparkles until the healing is complete (usually anywhere from ten days to two weeks; possibly longer for slower healers).
7. Your skin will form a protective layer no matter what you do (even if you put too much or too little moisturizer on it). It’s a personal balance; different for each individual. it will form a thick, hard scab that may crack when you move. When you form this kind of a scab, the ink sits within it and slowly heals into the skin. 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. Do not peel your tattoo as you will pull the ink out! and it is perfectly normal to see small flakes of colored skin falling off during this stage of healing.
8. 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, or will soak through the soft tissue turning it into a soggy mess and cause your ink to flow down the drain (this includes swimming in the ocean, using a pool, hot tub or sauna). Short showers are best – under ten minutes if possible.
9. Please refrain from scratching or picking at the tattoo. Scrubbing with a washcloth can be very harsh and will cause your colors to fade. Disrupting the tattoo while it’s healing can also create scar tissue. It is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy during the healing time. To relieve this, spray the tattoo with rubbing alcohol or slap it with your hand (this will sting and take away the itch).
10. Avoid the sun ! Sunburn on a new tattoo can cause a lot of problems. It will dry it out and cause it to form a horrendous scab and will result in the piece fading before it’s even had a chance to heal. Plus, sunburns drastically prolong healing time and promote scarring in a new tattoo. Wait until your tattoo is fully healed to go back into the sun or use a tanning bed and make sure you put on a high-quality sunblock (not sunscreen). Remember not to make the mistake of applying sunblock while the tattoo is still healing. The tattoo is under your skin, and your tan will form above it. If you get too dark, some colors (white, yellow, pink, and orange) may not show up as brightly as they could. Over time, excessive exposure to sunlight will cause your tattoo to fade no matter what colors are used.
11. I recommend using moisturizer or oil even when your tattoo is healed completely. Apply it once per day and your tattoo will always look bright!