Bandaging Your Tattoo:

• Unless otherwise specified, we use a clear micro perforated second skin bandage called Saniderm 

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• Saniderm allows your skin to breathe while keeping it covered & protected, and retaining your bodily fluids.

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• We recommend leaving the bandage on for a minimum of 24 hours, and up to a maximum of 3 days.

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• Keep an eye on your tattoo under the bandage. If after 24 hours there is just a small amount of blood & fluid under the bandage, you can leave it on for 3 days. This will allow for a fast and safe healing time.

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• If after 24 hours the bandage is filled with a pocket of blood/murky fluid, remove the bandage with clean hands and wash with soap & warm water. Be aware you have an open wound and act accordingly. The amount of blood under the bandage can be due to the placement on the body, heavy shading/colour, if alcohol was consumed prior, etc.

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• If the bandage happens to come off prior to the 24 hours, don't panic. Just wash the tattoo with soap & warm water and be aware you have an open wound.

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• You can shower with the bandage on, but no bathing/soaking it in a body of water.

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• Do NOT sweat with the Saniderm bandage on. The sweat can get trapped under the bandage leading to a rash. If you are allergic to Saniderm/adhesives, please advise your artist of this.

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• If a sweat rash/allergic reaction occurs, remove the bandage immediately. A reaction to the bandage differs from an infection- it is characterized by a perfect red square where the bandage was. It should clear up on its own in a few days. If not, you may apply a small amount of polysporin to the affected area. If rash persists, contact your doctor.

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Removing Your Bandage:

• When it is time to take off your bandage, slowly peel the Saniderm bandage off with clean hands, starting at the edges and stretching the bandage out from itself, away from your tattoo. It is important you remove it slowly, and do not rip it off quickly as you would a bandaid. 

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• For easier removal, warm the bandage up in the shower.

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• Gently wash the tattoo with unscented soap & warm water. Make sure to wash away any traces of blood & plasma. Pat to dry with a clean towel. Repeat this at least once a day, more if you feel the tattoo has gotten dirty.

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• Do NOT re-bandage your tattoo.

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Moisturizing Your Tattoo:

• Allow your tattoo to air dry for 24 hours after the bandage is removed before applying any lotion.

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• To moisturize your tattoo, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion no more than twice a day. Do NOT saturate your tattoo in lotion as drying is part of the healing process. You just don't want the tattoo to be so dry that it is cracking or you are resisting the urge to scratch it. We recommend Aquaphor, Aveeno, Cetaphil, or CeraVe lotions. Anything gentle & unscented that your skin is used to.

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• Do NOT apply any ointments or creams with healing properties to your tattoo such as Polysporin.

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• I advise against using Coconut Oil as a moisturizer, as it is an allergen and can cause skin allergies such as eczema (trust me). 

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What To Avoid:

• Absolutely NO hot tubs, swimming pools (lakes, rivers, oceans, etc), bathtubs or soaking your tattoo in any body of water for 2 weeks after receiving your tattoo. The bacteria in the water may lead to infection and ruining your tattoo.

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• Absolutely NO direct sun exposure or tanning for 2 weeks after receiving your tattoo. A sun burn will cause serious damage to your fresh tattoo, aside from fading it.

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• Avoid clothing that rubs against your fresh tattoo.

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• Avoid heavy workouts/physical activity for the first week after receiving your tattoo.

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Summer Aftercare Reminders:

• Make sure to not sweat with your bandage on, which is tough in the summer months. Refrain from any strenuous outdoor activity. If you work outdoors, plan accordingly.

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• Absolutely no beach days for 2 weeks after receiving your tattoo. The bacteria in the water may lead to infection.

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• Absolutely no direct sun exposure or tanning. If you have to be in the sun, keep your tattoo covered with clothing.

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• Do not plan any camping trips for when you are healing your tattoo. You need to keep your fresh tattoo as clean as possible, which means washing it daily with potable water & soap.

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Winter Aftercare Reminders:

• Keep in mind if you are a skiier/snowboarder you may want to avoid getting tattooed in places where your ski boots or equipment may rub/ high impact areas.

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• Be aware if you sweat in your snow gear, the sweat can get trapped under your bandage leading to a rash.

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• Absolutely no hot tubs/hot springs for 2 weeks after receiving your tattoo.

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• If you are planning on a vacation to a foreign destination, wait until you are back from your trip before getting tattooed. You do not want to get an infection while travelling.

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If Infection Occurs:

• If proper aftercare instructions are not followed, and infection occurs, contact your doctor.