TATTOO AFTERCARE

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Instructions

A tattoo takes 3-5 weeks to heal. As your tattoo heals, it will leak, scab, and peel. This is natural! All tattoos itch as they heal, but it’s important to NEVER scratch or pick at the tattoo. If you must, you can lightly pat the skin to alleviate the itch.

To minimize the risk of infection, wash your hands before bandaging or cleaning the tattoo, and don’t go swimming or use hot tubs. Sunlight fades tattoos, so after your tattoo heals keep it covered or use sunblock when you’re in the sun. Remember: NO swimming. NO suntanning. NO picking. Period!

Small Sessions

DAYS 1-3

Leave the bandage on until you can get to a clean location with soap and water. Wash hands, then remove and discard bandage. Wash the tattoo thoroughly with unscented, anti-bacterial soap. Pat dry, then apply a THIN coat of Vitamin A&D Ointment (found at most stores in the baby section). Do not re-bandage. Repeat two or three times a day for the next 72 hours.

DAY 4+

Clean your tattoo once or twice a day and moisturize with a light, non-scented, water-based lotion like Lubriderm or Aveeno (NOT Aquaphor or A&D Ointment—those are too heavy). You don’t want to over-moisturize your tattoo..

Saniderm

If your artist provided a second bandage, please proceed with step 1. If a second bandage was not provided, skip to step 4.

  1. Remove original Saniderm bandage after 24 hours.

  2. With clean hands, wash your tattoo thoroughly with liquid non-scented anti-bacterial hand soap. Let your tattoo air dry completely for 15-20 minutes. DO NOT apply lotions and ointments during this process.

  3. Peel off the paper backing to reveal the adhesive side of your new bandage. Using light pressure, apply new Saniderm bandage to your dry tattoo with your skin in a neutral position (not bent). Remove the plastic backing, leaving only Saniderm on the skin.

  4. Wear the bandage for 4-6 days.

  5. Remove bandage, clean your tattoo once or twice a day and moisturize with a non-scented, water-based lotion. Something like Lubriderm or Aveeno (NOT Aquaphor or A&D ointment—those are too heavy). You don’t want to over-moisturize your tattoo.

Saniderm application tip: If needed, you can cut the Saniderm bandage to fit better. Allow at least 1 inch of Saniderm beyond the edge of your new tattoo.

Have questions?

Email us at info@black13tattoo.com or call 615-750-3741.