Tattoo Aftercare
Heal your new tattoo right — the Traditional and Saniderm aftercare methods, step by step.
Traditional Method
The classic heal
If you're not using Saniderm, follow these steps closely. You'll need antibacterial soap (Dial), and Vitalitree or Aquaphor ointment. Never touch your new tattoo without washing your hands first.
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1
Remove the bandage after 8 hours
Gently wash with antibacterial soap (Dial) and pat dry. Apply a very small amount of Vitalitree or Aquaphor and rub it in. For the first three nights, keep it covered with saran wrap while sleeping only — leaving wrap on longer smothers the tattoo and causes heat bumps or infection.
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2
Each morning, unwrap & wash
Remove the saran wrap, wash with antibacterial soap and water, pat dry, apply a thin layer of ointment, rub it in, and let it get plenty of air.
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3
Wash 2–3 times daily
Use warm water and antibacterial soap, then a thin layer of ointment. Do not glob the ointment on — too much smothers the tattoo and you risk losing ink.
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4
Stay out of the sun & water
No sun. No pools, lakes, hot tubs, or any chlorinated/salt water for at least 2 weeks. Chlorinated and salt water will eat your tattoo and cause serious infection.
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5
Don't pick or scratch
If it itches, it's dry — wash and apply ointment (see step 3). Picking risks pulling the ink out, and the artist isn't responsible for that damage. Your tattoo will peel like a sunburn around days 4–5 — that's normal, the ink isn't falling out.
Skip the gym — sweat and dirty equipment risk infection. Cover at work? Unwrap to air it out every 4 hours.
Recommended ointments: Vitalitree or Aquaphor. Petroleum-based products may be used but are not preferred.
Saniderm Method
Advanced healing
Saniderm is a breathable, protective film that locks in your body's natural healing. The visible tattoo takes 4–6 weeks to heal; deeper skin layers can take a few months. Every tattoo is unique — size, placement, style and care all affect the timeline.
Oozing & swelling
Your tattoo is an open wound. Expect redness, swelling, and some oozing of plasma, blood and ink under the film — this is normal and reduces over the first week. You'll feel sore, like a sunburn.
Itching & flaking
The surface begins to itch and lightly flake as it closes up. Resist scratching — keep it clean and moisturized once the film is removed per your artist's instructions.
The cloudy phase
The tattoo may look dull or cloudy as the deeper layers continue to heal beneath the surface. Keep moisturizing — the vibrancy returns as it settles.
Fully settled
The surface is healed and bright. Deeper layers finish over the following weeks. Keep it moisturized and sun-protected to preserve the work for life.
Report any infection immediately
Call us right away with any questions or concerns. All infections must be reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Drug & Medical Devices Group at 1 (888) 839-6676.