FOR TATTOO RECOVERY/SANIDERM STYLE BANDAGES
- Leave your bandage on for 1 day (It is important that you listen to YOUR artist on bandage time. Not all bandages are the same and not all artist's work heals out the same).
- Wash your hands with liquid antibacterial soap (NEVER touch your fresh or healing tattoo with dirty hands).
- Remove bandage over the sink or in the shower (there will be blood and plasma in the bandage).
- Wash the tattoo with liquid antibacterial soap (dial or softsoap are great). Gently rub your tattoo with your fingers or hands, rinse with lukewarm or cool water.
- Blot dry with a clean paper towel (NEVER rub or wipe your healing tattoo with anything).
- Apply a SMALL amount of a fragrance free lotion (Fragrance Free Curel or Lubriderm work but you can really use any gentle fragrance free lotion- be cautious when using creams, ointments or lotions that are greasy and don’t absorb well, they can leave a film on your skin and dust, dirt, bacteria, and animal dander can cling to that film).
- REPEAT 2-3 times a day (wash, blot dry & lotion) for the first 2 days AFTER you’ve removed your bandage.
- After the first 3 days you can switch to washing only once a day, continue applying lotion as needed (3-4 times a day) until your tattoo is completely healed.
FOR SOAKER PADS OR CLASSIC NON-STICK BANDAGES
- Leave your bandage on for 3-5 HOURS (it is important that you listen to YOUR artist on bandage time. Not all bandages are the same and not all artist's work heals out the same).
- Wash your hands with liquid antibacterial soap (NEVER touch your fresh or healing tattoo with dirty hands).
- After you remove the bandage, wash the tattoo with liquid antibacterial soap (Dial or Softsoap are great). Gently rub your tattoo with your fingers or hands, rinse with lukewarm or cool water.
- Blot dry with a clean paper towel (NEVER rub or wipe your healing tattoo with anything).
- Apply a SMALL amount of a fragrance free lotion (Fragrance free Curel or Lubriderm work but you can really use any gentle fragrance free lotion. Be cautious when using creams, ointments or lotions that are greasy and don’t absorb well, they can leave a film on your skin and dust, dirt, bacteria, and animal dander can cling to that film).
- REPEAT 2-3 times a day (wash, blot dry & lotion) for the first 2-3 days AFTER you’ve removed your bandage.
- After the first 3 days you can switch to washing only once a day, continue applying lotion as needed (3-4 times a day) until your tattoo is completely healed.
The skin around your new tattoo will be red and tender for the first few days. As the the tattoo heals it may scab and peel. DO NOT pick, scratch, play with or touch your new tattoo! Scabbing, peeling and itching is normal. Slapping an itchy tattoo is a good way to relieve itchiness associated with healing.
Do not go into hot tubs, saunas, lakes, pools or baths for at LEAST 3 weeks after getting tattooed.
Do not use Neosporin, hydrogen peroxide, scented lotion, or alcohol on your new tattoo or anything other than what your artist has directed.
Avoid direct sunlight, excessive sun exposure and tanning beds until your tattoo is completely healed.
Avoid wearing jewelry or clothing that will rub or chaff your healing tattoo.
DO NOT RUB OFF THE PEELING SKIN.
LEAVE THE DAMN THING ALONE.