COLLECTIVE
Hey There
Now that you've got a new tattoo, it's time to make sure you're doing everything right to keep it looking fresh and clean.
We know that getting a tattoo is an exciting time—we love seeing our clients' reactions when they get their first ink. However, we also know that once the buzz wears off, the real work begins: keeping your skin in tip-top shape so your new ink stays bright and beautiful for as long as possible. That's why we want to equip you with the best instructions for how to care for your new body art.
AFTERCARE
Our job is to make sure you leave our studio with awesome artwork, but once you leave the doors, it's up to you to make sure it's taken care of! Use the following tips to make sure your art stays clean and bright:
TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING YOUR TATTOO
WHEN YOU GET HOME
Remove your wrap within 2-4 hours after getting your tattoo. Do not re-bandage.
Your tattoo needs to breathe just like any open wound.
FOR 2-4 WEEKS
Gently wash your tattoo with anti-bacterial liquid soap. Use only your hands.
Gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel.
Rub a thin layer of unscented lotion on your tattoo.
Gently pat off any excess lotion with a clean paper towel.
Do not use vaseline, petroleum, Neosporin, or anything similar.
Repeat this process 3-5 times daily, and more as needed.
Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks - nothing abrasive or irritating.
Your tattoo may peel. This is normal. Do not pick at the skin.
THINGS TO AVOID
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Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub, or irritate your tattoo.
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You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks.
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NO SWIMMING, BATH, OR HOT TUB.
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You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for three weeks. After that,
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You must use sun block to protect your tattoo from fading.
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Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.
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Beware of gym equipment while healing; wash equipment well before using.
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DO NOT LET ANYONE TOUCH YOUR TATTOO WHILE IT IS HEALING.
TO REDUCE SWELLING
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Ice your tattoo
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Elevate your tattoo
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Take short, mild temperature showers
SANIDERM AFTERCARE
Your first piece of Saniderm should stay on for 8-24 hours, depending on how much the tattoo weeps.
It is normal for blood, plasma, and fluids to collect under the bandage.
The next day, you may come back during business hours for a replacement Saniderm bandage. This
can be worn for 3-5 days. Do not wear any Saniderm for longer than 7 days.
If the bandage becomes compromised and part of the tattoo is exposed, no matter how small, remove
it and follow standard aftercare instructions. You may come in for a replacement during business hours.
HOW TO REMOVE SANIDERM
Always wash your hands with your antibacterial soap before, and keep your antibacterial soap and
clean paper towels nearby. Using a wet paper towel to lift the edges, very gently pull the bandage
back over itself in the direction of hair growth. Avoid pulling upward and never “rip it off like a Band-
Aid.” Incorrect removal can result in scarring of the tattoo and/or surrounding areas. We recommend
removal in the shower for easier clean-up. Once the Saniderm is removed, follow standard aftercare
instructions.
FAQs
- FLUID IS COMING OUT OF THE BANDAGE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
While weeping inside of the bandage is completely normal, excessive weeping may affect the adhesion of the bandage and allow bacteria and other outside elements under the bandage, especially if it leaks out of the bandage. Simply follow removal instructions. You may come in for a replacement during business hours.
- CAN I GET SANIDERM WET?
While submerging your tattoo in any body of water (including but not limited to baths, lakes, pools,
hot tubs, rivers, or oceans) is extremely dangerous, taking a shower is perfectly okay. Still, it is
important to monitor the time you spend in the shower. Prolonged exposure to water, especially when
hot and steaming, will weaken the adhesion of the bandage.
Do not go swimming with Saniderm; there is no guarantee it will protect your tattoo from bacteria after prolonged exposure to water or submersion.
- WHAT DO I DO IF THERE IS AN AIR BUBBLE UNDER MY SANIDERM?
It is important that you keep your tattoo completely sealed. If the air bubble does not extend to the
edges of your Saniderm, there is no need to worry. If the bubble does extend to the edges of your
tattoo, it is exposing your tattoo to outside bacteria and elements, which can lead to infection. Based
on this information, use your judgement to decide if you need to remove the bandage. Feel free to call
or send questions and pictures to your artist or our Instagram if you have any doubts.
If you believe your tattoo may be infected, please contact your doctor and then let your artist know.
Feel free to send us pictures if you aren't sure.
