Tattoo Aftercare
Tattoo Aftercare
Leave the bandage on the tattoo for at least 2 hours.
After removing the bandage, wash gently with an anti-bacterial soap and be sure NOT to use a washcloth.
Pat the tattoo with a clean towel and let it air dry for a few minutes.
Apply an extremely thin layer of aftercare product or antibiotic ointment to the tattoo.
If the tattoo is in a place where it may get dirty or contaminated (ie..hands/feet), use a clean sterile bandage until the threat of infection is gone.
No Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, Lake Water or Soaking of the tattoo for 2 weeks. This includes exposure to the sun and tanning beds.
If there is any problem or expected problem with your tattoo, please contact Big Daddy’s Tattoo first, then consult your Doctor if needed, and finally call the department at 1-888-839-6676
Saniderm Aftercare
Saniderm Instructions
-The first piece of Saniderm can be left on your new tattoo for 8 to 24 hours. If you notice excessive weeping or fluid
under the Saniderm, replace it with a new piece.
-At the 24-hour mark, remove the Saniderm gently. Wash the tattoo area with a mild antibacterial soap and allow the
area to dry. Once dry, apply a second sheet of Saniderm. This will stay on for up to 6 days and see you through the
peeling stage.
Helpful Tips
-Do not use a washcloth, loofah, or sponge to clean your tattoo. These can be painful to clean a new tattoo with and
may harbor bacteria.
-The best way to remove Saniderm is to find an edge of the bandage and then to pull it back over itself in the direction
of hair growth. Pulling upward on the Saniderm can be painful, so we don’t recommend it. We suggest removing the
Saniderm in a warm shower. The warm water will loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove.
-Make sure that you properly apply the Saniderm bandage (all edges are sealed) and leave at least 1 inch of buffer
area around the tattoo.
-Rounding the corners before application will help reduce pulling or peeling of the adhesive edges.
Step by Step
Washing instructions
After the tattoo artist is finished with the tattoo, the artist will clean the tattoo for one final time. The tattoo will be covered with an approved aftercare product. The aftercare will be applied generously and then a bandage will cover the tattoo. The bandage needs to be on the tattoo for two hours, or if it’s late, the bandage can stay on until morning.
When taking the bandage off of the tattoo be sure that it is not sticking to the tattoo. If the bandage seems to be sticking, it is best to soak the bandage with water before removing the remaining bandage. Once the bandage is removed, clean the tattoo with Anti-bacterial Soap and water. Be sure NOT to use a washcloth. It is recommended to use your fingertips to scrub the tattoo clear of all contaminants.
Now that the tattoo is clean, you need to blot the tattoo with a clean towel, then let it air dry for a few minutes. Only an approved aftercare like “Tattoo Stuff” or A&D ointment should be applied thinly to the tattoo. When applying the aftercare, always have clean hands, and apply the ointment very thin. You want the ointment to cover the tattoo but not too thick. The skin should just glisten and you should not be able to see any excess ointment on the tattoo. A good rule of thumb is...think of how you apply chapstick. You put on enough to do some good, but not thick enough to be seen!
This process should be repeated at least three times a day, or after any time the tattoo needs to be cleaned. After four to six days of treatment the tattoo will start to peel. This is from all of the skin cells that were damaged in the tattooing process. When this happens, the tattoo might itch. DO NOT SCRATCH IT!!!!. A non-scented, non-colored hand lotion can then be applied as often as needed. This can be repeated for the remainder of the healing time.
If the tattoo stays red after the third or fourth day, call the tattoo shop to get additional instructions. If any other questions arise you can also call the tattoo shop for added advise. DON’T listen to your neighbor, friend, or anyone else who thinks they know about tattoos! ALWAYS ASK A TATTOO PROFESSIONAL!!!!