Your artist will apply a fresh piece of Saniderm (or equivalent “second skin” type bandage) to your new tattoo.

Saniderm is a medical-grade, breathable, waterproof tattoo bandage. These bandages alleviate many of the pitfalls that come with other tattoo healing methods by drastically reducing the risk of contaminants entering the wound site of a fresh tattoo.

The result is a tattoo healing experience that is safer, smoother, and more efficient. Read more about Saniderm here!

For the next couple of days, you’ll want to monitor your bandaged tattoo. If it is leaking or peeling up to where the tattoo is exposed, this means the protective seal is broken and you’ll want to take your bandage off right away.

If your bandage remains fully sealed, you can leave it on for 3 to 5 days.

While showering with your new tattoo/bandage is totally fine, you’ll want to avoid soaking it. This means no baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, rivers, etc.

You’ll also want to avoid exercise that involves heavy sweating (HIIT, Bikram yoga, etc.) as sweat can build up and get trapped under your bandage. If this does happen, remove your bandage and wash your tattoo as soon as you can.

Avoid direct sunlight exposure on your fresh tattoo. You can cover your tattoo with longer clothing or bandana at this stage — don’t put sunscreen on a fresh tattoo!

When it is time to remove your bandage, do it slowly and gently (and with clean hands)! Dry-ripping and going fast may damage / irritate your skin.

It is easiest to do this removal in the shower and allow warm water to help you lift up the adhesive.

Again, BE GENTLE!

You’ll want to use a mild, unscented soap to give your new tattoo a good wash, rinsing off the leftover ink and plasma residue.

Let it air-dry or pat dry with a clean paper towel. Don’t use a bath towel, as those things harbor a ton of bacteria!

Continue to make sure the new tattoo area is clean throughout your day to day.

With bandages like this, you’ll notice less flaking/scabbing throughout the healing process, meaning you likely won’t need to apply a heavy ointment.

If you find your tattoo itching or looking dry, feel free to apply a thin layer of a mild, unscented lotion. Rub the lotion in fully, as you never want a product sitting on the surface of your tattoo collecting bacteria.

After about 2 weeks, your skin’s protective barrier is likely all healed up!

To keep your tattoo looking good for years to come, make sure to wear sunscreen or cover up when exposed to the sun!