Taking care of your new tattoo

Immediately after
- Make sure to buy your aftercare supplies if you haven't already. I recommend a basic antibacterial liquid soap like Dial Gold and a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer like Aveeno daily moisturizing lotion or Lubriderm daily moisture lotion.

1-2 hours after
- If your tattoo is wrapped with plastic cling wrap, take it off. You may notice your tattoo is red, swollen, and has leaked fluids like blood/plasma. That is completely normal. When you wash and dry your tattoo, you might even notice a little ink appearing to come off. This is also normal and is just the ink that is sitting on the surface. You are not "rejecting" or losing any ink.
- Wash your tattoo with your hands, warm water, and antibacterial soap. Be sure to get a good lather then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Do not use a wash cloth or sponge. Pat tattoo dry with a paper towel then allow to air dry for about 30 minutes, then apply a thin layer of your moisturizer.
- Do not rewrap your tattoo with plastic cling wrap, but do be sure to keep it clean and wear loose-fitting clothing.
-Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol that night.

The next day
- Repeat washing process 3-4 times per day exactly as instructed above. When washing, be sure to thoroughly lather with your hands to remove any residual fluids and moisturizer. Continue doing this 3-4 times per day for another 2-3 days.
- Continue drinking plenty of water and avoid the sun.

Days 4-14
- After about 4 days, your tattoo will probably begin to flake/peel. This is when it's safe to switch to washing your tattoo 2-3 times per day. Continue to use your moisturizer as instructed.
- Do not pick off, rub, or scratch any skin that is peeling. This may damage your skin/tattoo and prolong healing.
- Your skin will be itchy. Again, do not scratch your skin!
- Continue to avoid sun until at least day 14. After this day, use sunscreen to when going outside.

Days 14 and beyond
- The layers of your skin will continue to heal over the next month or more, even though it will appear to be done around 2 weeks.
- Fully saturated color tattoos may take longer to heal.
- It is important to always wear sunscreen when going outside to protect your skin. Daily moisturizer will also keep your skin hydrated and healthy, which will keep your tattoo looking vibrant.

If you are using Saniderm
- Disregard all above instructions.
- You will leave your initial piece of Saniderm on for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, gently remove your Saniderm in the shower by slowly peeling it off under running water. Wash your tattoo with your hand, warm water, and antibacterial soap. Get a good lather to remove all residual fluids. Rinse thoroughly with cool water then pat dry with a paper towel. Allow your tattoo to air dry for 15-30 minutes before applying a new sheet of Saniderm.
- The second sheet will stay on for 3-6 days. If too much fluid builds up, your skin is irritated, or the bandage begins to peel off during this time, remove the bandage. Do not apply a new bandage if your skin has reached the flaking/peeling phase.
- Once your bandage has been removed, continue to care for your tattoo by washing it 2-3 times daily with antibacterial soap and applying a very thin layer of your moisturizer until your tattoo is 2 weeks old.