Standard aftercare is different than Saniderm aftercare. These instructions are meant to be used only if you do not have Saniderm on your fresh tattoo. 

What you will need:

• fragrance-free antibacterial hand soap (such as Gold Dial, off-brands work just as well)
• plain, white, fragrance-free lotion (any brand will do)
• Aquaphor healing ointment or an equivalent off-brand such as Kroger or Equate 
• DO NOT USE Neosporin or Vaseline! Neosporin or Vaseline can and will damage your tattoo!

Tattoos take anywhere from 2-6 weeks to heal.

*Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo*

Immediately after your appointment:

• remove bandage or Saran wrap after 1-4 hours
• wash with warm water and antibacterial hand soap, using only your fingers, no sponges, loofas or wash rags etc
• pat dry with paper towel, do not rub dry
• do not rebandage your tattoo at any point during the healing process

Days/weeks following your appointment:

• wash your tattoo 1-2 times daily (using the same process listed above)
• wait 1-2 days then start to apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor 1-3 times daily
• your tattoo will eventually scab up, flake and peel
• keep applying Aquaphor daily until it is no longer flaking, then you can switch to lotion
• continue moisturizing daily until your tattoo is fully healed

If your clothing or sheets stick to your healing tattoo, be sure to damp it with warm water and very carefully peel off the stuck fabric.

What to avoid for 3-4 weeks:

• picking, scratching, smacking, bumping or rubbing your tattoo
• tight clothing that may rub or irritate your tattoo
• tanning beds, absolutely no exceptions
• excessive sun exposure
• submerging in water such as baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, etc

I expect you to follow all recommended instructions when healing your tattoo.

Sometimes, regardless of good aftercare strategies, tattoos will have areas that didn’t heal as great as others. This is nothing to worry about. I offer one free touchup with every tattoo, only if necessary. I do not do touch ups just for the sake of doing a free touch up. 

Your skin is a living organ, and tattoos are forever settling. They will look different as they age. This natural aging is not something that requires a touch up. Tattoos settling into your skin is inevitable and should be appreciated as they are becoming part of your body.