Aftercare
This is general advice, if you have any specific questions please contact your artist directly.
Saniderm
Leave your Saniderm on for 1-5 full days after getting your tattoo. It is water resistant, so go ahead and shower as usual - however it’s best to avoid soaking/submerging in water. Avoid exercise of any kind while the Saniderm is in place. Sweat and friction will peel the edges up and sweat can react more strongly with the adhesive.
Its normal for your saniderm to fill with plasma, ink and blood. It typically creates a dark brown liquid that sits on your tattoo under the plastic. Leave it alone. Some people produce more fluid and some produce barely any at all.
If you experience redness around the Saniderm that lasts longer than a couple of days, develops into a rash, or causes significant discomfort, you may be having a slight reaction to the adhesive on the bandage. You can always remove the saniderm if you feel like you’re having a reaction - you know your body best and nothing bad will happen if you remove the bandage before 5 days. But, if something feels wrong, please reach out to your artist directly with a photo of the area you’re concerned about as this may save you unnecessary worry.
If the liquid leaks out the bottom of the Saniderm, the Saniderm peels and exposes the tattoo, or there is a puncture made in the plastic, you need to remove the Saniderm and proceed with the next steps of aftercare found below. Do not leave Saniderm on if it leaks. Bacteria can get in and leave you susceptible to infection. Please do not tape Saniderm back on, this is not a sanitary way to re-attach the bandage. Please do not buy your own Saniderm and reapply it yourself- at this point in the healing, re-applying new Saniderm can cause more harm than good.
To remove Saniderm, peel it off in the shower allowing some water to flow over the area as you peel. You can also use unscented soap to help dissolve the adhesive. It can be painful to pull the bandage off, but rest assured it does not stick to the open tattoo, it sticks to the dry skin around it.
Your removed Saniderm may have an imprint of the tattoo left on it - don't worry you didn't tear out any ink.
If adhesive residue sticks around, use some coconut oil on clean hands and remove the excess.
Your tattoo may peel, it may not. Clients often experience quite a bit of itchiness. You can moisturize with an unscented lotion if it is dry and itchy, but otherwise you are safe to leave it alone other than to give it a good wash once per day with unscented soap.
Recommended unscented liquid soaps: Dial Antibacterial, Dove, Dr. Bronner’s
Recommended unscented lotions: Cerave, Lubriderm, Aveeno
Do not use: Scented products, products with essential oils, vitamin E oil, coconut oil
Plastic wrap
Leave the bandage on anywhere from 4 hours to overnight.
Remove and throw away the bandage, wash your hands – then gently wash the new tattoo with Dial Antibacterial hand soap and warm water. You will want to do this 3 times a day for about a week after getting the tattoo. Carefully dry the tattoo with clean paper towels using a soft dabbing motion, or let it air dry. Massage a very thin, almost translucent layer of Aquaphor or A&D ointment on the tattoo.
After three or four days, switch from the ointment to a gentle unscented lotion.
In 4-7 days, your tattoo will start to peel. Do not pick or scratch at the scabs!
Continue to use the lotion for the following two weeks. Your tattoo will be healed in about 2-4 weeks. Protect the tattoo from the sun and do your best to keep it clean and moisturized.
Avoid: Direct sun exposure, soaking in water, abrasive fabrics, dirty clothes, pet hair, and dirty surfaces
Recommended unscented liquid soaps: Dial Antibacterial, Dove, Dr. Bronner’s
Recommended unscented lotions: Cerave, Lubriderm, Aveeno
Do not use: Scented products, products with essential oils, vitamin E oil, coconut oil