General rules:

Please avoid submerging your new tattoo in water (bath tubs, hot tubs, and pools/open water). You should also avoid tanning, as well as scratching/picking the tattoo. The healing process typically takes around two weeks, and varies per person. I recommend taking a look at your tattoo after three weeks to see if any touch ups need done. I offer free touch ups for the first year, as long as there was no negligence on care in the healing process. Anything past a years time, I offer a discounted fee. 


Traditional Aftercare:

If you have sensitive skin, or any type of allergy to adhesives/bandages please let me know at the time of your appointment so that I may offer special tape/wraps to keep your skin from any irritants. Most times I apply a traditional bandage after your tattoo unless Saniderm is requested/suggested. 

Directly after a tattoo is finished and any photos have been taken, I’ll apply a testimonial bandage that is to be left on for AT LEAST one hour after your tattoo appointment. This can be left on for up to three hours but may not exceed three hours. Bandage should be removed and tattoo washed before going to bed. 


How to Clean:

  • After an hour, wash your hands with warm water and an antibacterial soap BEFORE removing your bandage.

  • Wash your tattoo with an antibacterial soap, such as Dial or Dr.Bronners, using your fingertips. Please avoid using any fragranced soaps or bar soaps, as well as loofas, wash cloths, and fingernails while washing on your fresh tattoo. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.

  • Repeat this washing process 2-3 times a day for the next 1-2 weeks while tattoo is healing. 


What to Apply:

After 24 hours from the time of your tattoo session, you’ll be able to start applying an unscented lotion to your tattoo after washing. My favorites include Gold Bond Healing lotion, Eucerin, Aveeno, and Griffin tattoo salve. 

  • Be sure to only apply a small amount so that your skin is moisturized, but still able to breathe. Some people choose to start their lotion after their first wash, this is okay too but I prefer to wait the 24 hours so that my skin is able to form a barrier and begin healing sooner.


Tips on Healing:

  • After a week, you may notice small scabs forming/peeling off, this is totally normal and part of the healing process. Be sure to not pick at them or pull any scabs off as this can remove pigment from your tattoo. 

  • After two weeks of healing time, you may stop washing outside of your normal routine, but keep using your unscented lotion until your skin returns to its normal state (no peeling, flaking, itching, dryness).

Saniderm Aftercare:

I don’t typically use Saniderm on my clients after a tattoo due to the number of people with skin sensitivities towards bandages like this. However, I think this is a wonderful option for clients who are getting high abrasion areas such as fingers/hands/knees/elbows, or if your profession may expose your new tattoo to potential infection (hairdressers, dishwashers, welders, etc).

I will give you a few pieces of pre-cut Saniderm to change throughout your healing process. Please be sure to change these, I’ve noticed a lot of clients being misinformed by others to leave this on for the duration of their healing process and these should not be used this way. 

  • Leave your first bandage (the one applied at the end of your first session) on for 8-24 hours depending on how much the tattoo is weeping. It’s fine if there is any plasma build up in the bandage. 

  • A shower is the most ideal place to remove your bandage. I typically slowly pull under the water towards me. Be sure to be gentle as pulling too fast could affect the healing of your tattoo.

  • Discard the bandage and wash tattoo with a fragrance free soap. 

  • Apply your next bandage immediately after washing, do not apply lotion as this may make the adhesive not work correctly.

  • Second piece can be worn for 3 days, and if you’re given three pieces you can leave the third piece on for 5 additional days.


Saniderm is waterproof, so showering with it is fine. No submerging your tattoo during this time please. If you notice any type of allergic reaction such as redness around the outside, rash, acne, take off your Saniderm IMMEDIATELY! Do not exercise with Saniderm as your sweat may get trapped under the bandage. Please do not hesitate to contact me about your healing.