Ensuring the longevity and vibrancy of your new tattoo requires proper care. Proper tattoo care is not difficult, but if you are not careful, it can be easy to ruin or fade your tattoo, or even get an infection.

Keep the tattoo covered

Your artist will clean and cover the tattooed area with Saniderm or similar bandage. This IS waterproof, so you can shower with it on. You will notice a bit of liquid forming under the bandage, aka an ink sack, which is your plasma mixed with ink. This is completely normal and healthy for your tattoo. For larger tattoos, you will replace the bandage within 24 hours to keep the ink sack from breaking. For smaller tattoos, you will not change the bandage. You do not want to place a new bandage over an already scabbing tattoo, because it will likely take out the ink. The bandage will stay in place for 3-7 days. Your artist will help you decide how long to leave the bandage on for.

Do NOT workout for the first 7 days after getting a tattoo

In the summer months with sweat and sun exposure, it is more common to have a rash with the Saniderm. If you get a rash, you can take the bandage off. Note that just because you get a rash once, does not mean you will always get a rash.

To remove the bandage: remove the bandage under warm water. You will want to pull (not peel) the bandage. Think of a 3M strip, when you pull it parallel to the wall, the strip will slowly release itself from the paint. If you peel the 3M strip off the wall, it will rip the paint off the wall with it. Be slow and careful when getting the bandage off to avoid peeling any dried ink.

Wash your tattoo

Once the bandage is off, you’ll want to gently wash your tattoo with fragrance free, antibacterial soap and water. Do NOT use a towel or scrub the fresh tattoo. Lightly clean the tattoo with your hands. It is normal if you notice some excess ink running off into the water. To dry, either air dry or lightly pat your tattoo with a dry clean paper towel. Avoid using towels, which harbor bacteria.

Moisturize

After cleaning your tattoo, you will want to keep it moisturized! This is a CRUCIAL step. For the first 2-4 weeks you will want to use a non-scented moisturizer that is between a vaseline and a lotion — so Aquaphor is great. Do not smother it, so use a little bit of Aquaphor frequently throughout the day to let it breath. Keeping the area moist will protect it from cracking and drying. Peeling and itching is a natural part of the process, especially for bigger tattoos. Whatever you do, do not scratch or pick at your tattoo.

My favorite moisturizers: Hustle Butter or Aquaphor, 100% Pure Argan Oil was also a lifesaver for larger tattoos.

PSA: the truth is, there are lots of things that “could potentially harm your tattoo” just like how all foods can potentially be bad for you. Some artists do not like Aquaphor, and Aloe Vera can be a natural bleach.

Over the next few weeks

-Avoid sun exposure or tanning

-Avoid bodies of water that have bacteria in them (bathtubs, oceans, hot tubs, lakes, etc)

-Avoid sunscreen until the tattoo is fully healed, then you can FOR SURE use sunscreen on your tattoos

-Avoid strenuous activity

-Do not pick or itch

-Do not shave your tattoo until it is fully healed

-Stay hydrated

Signs of infection

Infections can be caused by drinking alcohol, sweating, or exposing your fresh tattoo to bodies of water, pets, or other things. To avoid this, make sure you are washing your tattoo frequently and practicing good hygiene.

-A rash or hot raised skin around the tattoo

-Fever

-Increased pain

-Chills and sweats

-Pus or discharge coming from the wound

-Pimples forming up around the tattoo

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or local urgent care for antibiotics.