TATTOO AFTERCARE GUIDELINES

DAY 1 (SANIDERM or TEGADERM):

• Leave the film for up to 3 days.  
• Fluid will build up inside the film. This is normal.
• You can wear the film in the shower.
• The film should not leak.
• If leaking occurs, remove the bandage immediately and instead follow STANDARD AFTERCARE guidelines in the following section.
• If tears or leaks DO NOT occur, remove the film on day 3, wash the tattoo thoroughly and apply fragrance-free lotion.
• ‍DO NOT RE-BANDAGE THE TATTOO.
• Skip to DAYS 3-14 instructions for next steps.

DAY 1-3 ( STANDARD AFTERCARE):

• Remove bandage after 1-3 hours or before going  to bed. 
• Wash your tattoo, carefully removing all traces of blood and plasma.
• Pat tattoo dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Apply a very thin layer of Vitamin A&D or other tattoo aftercare products recommended by your artist.
• Gently dab off excess  with a clean paper towel. Your tattoo should not look glossy.
• Prevent excess scabbing by applying only enough ointment to keep it moist.
• ‍DO NOT RE-BANDAGE THE TATTOO.
• Continue to wash, dry, and apply a thin layer of ointment to the tattoo 1-3 times per day for the first 2-3 days.
• It is normal for your tattoo to feel sore and tender during the first few days. You may see redness, swelling, and some mild bleeding.
• Your tattoo is most vulnerable on the first few days, be sure to keep your tattoo clean during this time and throughout the healing process. 

DAYS 3-14 (or until healed):

• Discontinue ointment and switch to fragrance-free lotion for the remainder of two weeks or until the tattoo is fully healed.
• Do not use lotions that contain color or fragrance until healing is complete.  
• Apply lotion twice a day or as needed – whenever the tattoo feels dry/tight. 
• Do not over moisturize!
• You may start to experience dryness, itchiness, scabbing, peeling (like a sunburn), and flaking.
• Avoid risking infection and/or losing color by NOT PICKING OR SCRATCHING at peeling skin or scabs.
• To relieve itching, drink plenty of water and if you must you can gently slap your tattoo.
• During the healing process, ALWAYS KEEP YOUR TATTOO CLEAN.
• We recommend a high SPF sunblock ONCE YOUR TATTOO IS FULLY HEALED to help protect it from premature fading.

THINGS TO AVOID DURING HEALING PROCESS:

• Scratching or picking at your tattoo.
• Tight clothing that can cause irritation. 
• Tattoo exposure to direct sunlight for two weeks.
• Sunning/Tanning, Camping, Gardening.
• Tight clothing that can cause irritation.
• Submerging your tattoo in water (Swimming, Hot Tubs, Saunas, Baths).
• Strenuous activities.
• Avoid letting your tattoo come into contact with pets, people, non-sanitary surfaces, dirt, standing water, chemicals, abrasive clothing, and your own unwashed hands. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR TATTOO CLEAN.