• 1. Please inform your artist prior to your appointment if you have a skin condition that may interfere with the healing of your tattoo. They can give you advice on how to mitigate any adverse affects your condition may cause.

    2. If you are planning to get vaccinated, please ensure that you do so at least two weeks before or after your appointment to avoid risk infection.

    3. Plan to avoid excessive sweating (i.e., working out, sports, hot yoga, etc.) immediately after your appointment and while the Saniderm bandage is on. Sweating can weaken the adhesive and cause the bandage to come off early.

    4. We recommend that you avoid swimming, taking baths or soaking the tattooed area in water for at least 3 weeks after you get your tattoo. Please try to schedule your appointment accordingly.

    5. On the day of your appointment, please wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing that allows the artist to easily access the area to be tattooed. If you are uncertain what clothing is appropriate for this, please ask your artist in advance.

    6. Once you have your new tattoo, avoid wearing tight clothing that could rub on or chafe your tattoo. Chafing can affect the longevity and/or the appearance of your tattoo. If possible, wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing around your tattoo for the first few weeks after removing the bandage.

    7. We recommend that you eat a good meal before and after you get tattooed. If necessary, bring snacks to your appointment. Please bring a water bottle with you on the day of your appointment, and make sure to drink plenty of water in the hours and days after getting tattooed.

    8. If possible, plan to rest after your tattoo appointment. Your body will be working hard to heal its new addition, and a good rest afterwards will help with its recovery.

  • 1. Leave on the Saniderm bandage that your artist puts on your tattoo for 2-5 days after your appointment. The Saniderm is a breathable bandage that will protect your tattoo through the initial healing stage. It also retains the fluids your body produces to help your tattoo heal.

    2 If your tattoo has a large filled area, it will tend to weep a lot (secrete blood and plasma). This is normal! However, this also means that you should take off your bandage 24 hours after your appointment. After removing it, rinse your tattoo gently and let the area air-dry. If you have another Saniderm bandage, you may put it on and leave it on for 2-5 days. If you do not have another bandage, take the original bandage off and start the steps of regular tattoo care (steps 5-7 below).

    3. If the skin under the bandage starts to look red, irritated, or to feel very itchy, remove the bandage immediately, and start your regular tattoo care (steps 5-7 below). Some people have sensitivities to the adhesive in the bandage.

    4. You may shower with the bandage on but avoid soaking it in water, which will loosen the adhesive. If any water gets under the bandage while you’re showering and comes into contact with your tattoo, take the bandage off and start the regular tattoo care (steps 5-7 below).

    5. After the suggested amount of time has passed, carefully remove your bandage with clean hands. Water will help remove the bandage more easily. Wash the area with unscented soap. You may repeat this step for two weeks after removing your bandage. Let your tattoo air-dry, or pat gently with a clean towel.

    6. 2 to 3 days after removing your bandage, with clean hands, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion to moisturize after you wash your tattoo. Make sure that you wait for your tattoo to dry completely before you apply the lotion. You can continue to moisturize forever! Moisturizing will only help ensure the longevity of your tattoo. There is no need to buy an expensive moisturizer for your tattoo- any store brand will suffice, so long as it’s unscented.

    7. Your tattoo will get dry, flakey, and itchy while it is healing. There may also be some scabs that fall off. This is normal. Do not scratch or pick scabs off your tattoo. Doing so may cause permanent damage.

    8. Your tattoo should most likely be healed in about 4-6 weeks, depending on your skin and your body’s natural ability to heal.

    9. If you have questions during the healing process, don’t hesitate to contact your artist.

    10. Do not put petroleum-based products on your tattoo. They will prevent oxygen from reaching it, and your tattoo needs oxygen to heal.

    11. Do not wrap your tattoo in saran wrap for the same reason.

    12. Please try to avoid exposing your tattoo to the sun as much as possible for the first 3 months. After this time has elapsed, always apply sunblock generously when you do go in the sun.