AfterCare

IMPORTANT:
Neglecting your tattoo care can lead to infection or damage. Look out for signs of infection, such as unusual swelling and redness around the tattoo, heightened pain or sensitivity, fever, or thin red streaks coming from the area. You might also notice oozing, pus, or unusual bleeding. If you suspect your tattoo is infected, seek medical help right away. 
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to your artist. Our team is here to assist you and ensure your tattoo remains as beautiful as possible!

RESTRICTIONS ON CONTACT:

With animals, gardening, and duration of the restriction  
Limit activities such as gym workouts, contact sports, recreational water activities, gardening, and interaction with animals, as these can lead to infections. If you notice any signs of infection, seek medical attention. Symptoms may include fever, persistent pain and redness, swelling and tenderness at the tattoo site, sores with thick white or yellow discharge, body-wide muscle aches, extreme thirst, raised red bumps or wounds, nausea, and vomiting.  
Avoid tanning or prolonged sun exposure. If you need to be in the sun, apply a high-quality sunscreen with a high SPF. After your tattoo has healed, continue using a good sunscreen while tanning outdoors to maintain the tattoo's color and appearance.

AVOID:

Thick petroleum products like Vaseline during the healing phase. Generally, antibiotic ointments such as Polysporin are unnecessary and should be avoided. Do not pick, scratch, peel, rub, or irritate your tattoo in any way.

Refrain from strenuous activities or heavy sweating that could impact the tattooed area for the first 10 days after getting your tattoo. Avoid baths, swimming, hot tubs, saunas, or soaking the tattoo for 2 weeks. Quick showers are acceptable.

Do not over-apply Tattoo Goo or any approved unscented moisturizer.

Stay out of the sun for 3-4 weeks. After that, use sunscreen to prevent premature fading.

Avoid wearing rough clothing, jewelry, or shoes that may rub against the tattoo.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your artist! NeedleNay's Tattoo Shop is eager to assist you and wants your tattoo to remain vibrant and beautiful!

FIRST DAYS WITH SANIDERM BANDAGE:  
Saniderm is a flexible, breathable, and waterproof bandage specifically designed for tattoo aftercare. 

Keep your Saniderm bandage on overnight and ideally for the next day, lasting up to two to four nights, depending on how much your tattoo bleeds. It's normal for blood and fluids to accumulate under the bandage. If the bandage starts to leak or peel, exposing the tattoo, remove it as soon as possible. If you take off the bandage on the first night, the tattoo might stick to or stain your bed sheets. Ensure your bedding stays clean during the healing period, which lasts about 3-4 weeks. 

If you notice any unusual redness, swelling, or blistering under or around the bandage, you might be reacting to the adhesive. In that case, remove the bandage immediately and continue with the regular tattoo care instructions. 

When it's time to take off the bandage, wash your hands first, then gently peel off the Saniderm slowly. Avoid ripping it off, as this may cause discomfort since your skin is still sensitive after getting the tattoo. Dispose of the bandage and wash your hands again. 

Next, create a lather with soap and warm water in your hands. Carefully clean the tattoo in a circular motion until all ink, blood, and lymphatic fluid are gone. Rinse the tattoo and wash it gently again until the skin is clean. Finally, pat the tattoo dry with a paper towel. You might prefer to remove the Saniderm while in the shower.

AFTER REMOVING THE BANDAGE:  
Keep the tattooed area clean and dry. Clean it gently with unscented soap at least once a day. Always use CLEAN HANDS to wash your tattoo. Avoid using washcloths, bath towels, sponges, or loofahs on a fresh tattoo.  

In the first few days, fresh tattoos may "weep," which means plasma and ink can create a thin, moist layer on the skin. You can gently DAB this with a clean paper towel. Just press the towel against the skin and lift it off. Do not wipe or scrub the tattoo. If you notice tattoo colors on the paper towel or your hands while cleaning, don’t worry; this is just excess ink coming off the surface of the skin.  

Wear loose clothing, preferably cotton, over the fresh tattoo if needed. Tight straps, waistbands, sweaty shoes, or itchy sweaters can cause healing issues.  

After a few days, the tattoo will start to develop flaky scabs that will fall off naturally. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH YOUR TATTOO. At this stage, you can start using the Tattoo Goo you received or a gentle, unscented lotion 1-2 times a day. Apply a thin layer, rub it in, and then dab off any excess with a clean paper towel. The scabs will eventually come off on their own, and they may match the color of the tattoo. The initial healing process usually takes at least 3-4 weeks to complete.