How Long To Keep Tattoo Wrapped?

Julia
15.08.2022
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You’ll need to keep your tattoo wrapped in cling film from one to three days. Depending on the size of your artwork this may be longer and your artist will let you know but a general rule of thumb is: Small line-work pieces – keep the cling film on for one to two days.

Contents

0.1 What happens if you leave the wrap on your tattoo too long?

1 Should I keep my tattoo wrapped for 5 days?
2 Should I let my tattoo breathe?
- 2.1 Can I drink 2 days after getting a tattoo?
3 What happens if I take my Saniderm off early?
4 How long after a tattoo can you shower?
- 4.1 Can I wash my tattoo after 48 hours?
  - 4.1.1 How often do you moisturize a new tattoo?
  - 4.1.2 Should I cover my tattoo with plastic wrap?
- 4.2 What should you not do after a tattoo?
5 Can tattoos make you tired?
6 Can I drink coffee after tattoo?
7 How long after a tattoo can I give blood?
- 7.1 Can I leave my tattoo wrapped overnight?
  - 7.1.1 Can you leave Saniderm on too long?
- 7.2 Can Saniderm ruin a tattoo?
8 What happens if I take my Saniderm off early?

What happens if you leave the wrap on your tattoo too long?

Fresh tattoos can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to heal. During this healing phase, there are 7 things that can ruin your new tattoo before it has even healed. Bad art from a bad artist It’s possible to ruin your new tattoo by choosing an unskilled artist.

When speaking about skills, I’m not referring to their artistic skills. This would be about the artists’ tattooing procedure and application skills. Everyone’s skin is different skin. Healthy, unhealthy, plump, loose, tight, oily, or dry.

Our skin’s surface, thickness, and tightness are also different throughout our bodies. These differences can have a detrimental impact on how the ink lays into your skin. An inexperienced artist can further implicate this. Finding and choosing an experienced artist goes without question 2.

Keeping your fresh tattoo covered too long Fresh tattoos are open wounds, and after the tattoo session, the artist will cover your new tattoo;
Every artist has a different preference for what they use;
Some still use the old school plastic Saran Wrap crap made for sandwiches;

Try to avoid using this food cellophane wrap on new ink. Fresh tattoos should be wrapped with a sterile bandage. The best options are medical-grade adhesive bandages and protective tattoo films like Saniderm or Dermalize. Wrapping a fresh tattoo is essential to help the initial healing while providing protection from environmental contaminants like dirt, germs or anything else that should not go near an open wound.

After the wrap has been on for a few hours, you will start to see blood and plasma underneath. Once this happens, it’s time to remove the wrap, as this can block your skin pores from breathing. This can ruin your new tattoo before the first day is over.

And trust me, I’ve ruined two tattoos by leaving the wrap on too long as per the artist’s instructions. The bandage or wrap should stay on no longer than 6-8 hours max. If using products like Saniderm or Dermalize, you can always remove it, clean the tattoo and apply a new layer.

Tattoo Infections As discussed above, the post-procedure wrapping helps protect your skin from getting infected. Once unwrapped, keep your skin clean and follow proper tattoo aftercare instructions. This will ensure your new tattoo heals without getting infected.

During tattoo healing, avoid touching your ink unless washing or applying aftercare. It’s very easy to transfer dirt and germs onto your fresh tattoo (open wound) from dirty hands. Sleeping with a fresh tattoo Getting a goods night’s sleep can be awkward during the tattoo healing process.

Even more awkward is the size and location of your new tattoo;
Try to avoid laying on the tattoo, and or having it covered under the sheets or blankets;
Covering a fresh tattoo under blankets or sheets can cause a risk of infection;

The bed is a great place for hidden germs that you do not want to get into an open wound. The same as above, your skin needs to breathe, so not covering up under the sheets helps. Then there’s the issue of laying on the tattoo. You risk having the tattoo stick to the bed or pick up dirt and germs.

You can always lay down a clean towel on the bed if you need to. Another option for sleeping is applying a breathable medical wrap like Saniderm. Make sure to remove it as soon as you wake up so that there’s not too much blood and plasma accumulation.

Cleaning and excess water exposure Keeping a fresh tattoo clean goes without question. So never submerge a fresh tattoo underwater. Also, avoid excessive water exposure while showering. Our skin is like a sponge and it will absorb the water, which can damage the tattoo.

When it comes to cleaning your new tattoo, make sure you do this several times a day;
You can read our 17 Best Tips To Heal New Tattoos here;
Picking or scratching itchy or peeling skin During the tattoo healing stages, some people experience itchy and scabby skin;

The reason for this to happen is part of your skin’s healing process. But whatever you do, resist the urge to pick or peel your skin as this can damage the color and lines of your new tattoo. To avoid or end any itchy peeling skin during tattoo healing, always use a good aftercare product.

Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized several times throughout the day;
Don’t let your tattoo get dry, and only apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare after every cleaning;
Now, in regards to peeling and itchy skin, I have never suffered from this;

I followed the above directions and none of my 21 tattoos have ever peeled or got itchy. Excessive sun exposure Excessive sun exposure is a fast way to ruin a new tattoo. Be aware of any direct sun exposure on your fresh ink. If you must be outside, always keep your tattoo covered, for at least the first 40 days.

Cover Up with clothing or try to stay out of the sun. Never apply any sunscreen on a fresh tattoo. Some of these products have ingredients that are not good for your fresh ink during healing. A list of nasty skincare ingredients will be for another blog.

After your new tattoo has healed, make sure to keep it protected with quality sunscreen product if going outside. Excessive direct UVA/UVB sun exposure accelerates skin aging, which causes tattoo fading.

Should I keep my tattoo wrapped for 5 days?

⏳ How long should I keep my tattoo covered with cling film? – After you leave the salon or your tattoo artist, you need to keep the tattoo wrapped for 2-4 hours if you use simple cling wrap (plastic foil). If you have a protective tattoo film, then keep it for 3-5 days.

Should I let my tattoo breathe?

Your tattoo needs to breathe, so once you remove the original bandage — usually it’ll be bandaged in clear plastic or surgical wrap by the artist — it’s best not to cover it. Wrapping it may result in extra moisture and a lack of oxygen, which can cause scabbing and slow healing.

Can I drink 2 days after getting a tattoo?

Drinking before or after – That drink beforehand is not smart. Bruno Vincent/Getty Images If you’re thinking about downing some liquid courage before taking the plunge, think again. Drinking before and after getting a tattoo is a no-no. Alcohol thins your blood, which means excess bleeding. When you bleed more than normal, it can cause visibility issues for the artist, potentially compromising the quality of the design.

Excess bleeding can also thin the ink;
Of course, there’s also the fact that alcohol impairs judgment, and you don’t want to make permanent decisions while impaired;
And it’s not cute if you have to stop and puke in the middle of a four-hour tattoo session;

Furthermore, drinking after the fact can compromise the healing of the tattoo because of its effects on your blood, so take it easy for a bit.

What happens if I take my Saniderm off early?

Saniderm Aftercare To purchase Saniderm and Sanibalm please visit Saniderm. com and use the code rosenoir at checkout for a 10% discount! Day 1: So you got a new tattoo? It’s probably on fire- use ice packs or ibuprofen to reduce the stinging. Your first piece of Saniderm applied by the artist must be worn for 24 hours, do not remove it early.

You will have irritation, redness, bleeding, seeping, and ink collect under the bandage;
You will notice plasma (looks like clear watery liquid), ink, and blood trapped in the bandage, and it may leak out of the Saniderm;

This is NORMAL and part of the healing process. Don’t freak out over this. Day 2: Remove 1st bandage after 24 hours- peel off slowly (this will likely be uncomfortable). Wash thoroughly with plain anti-bacterial hand soap – no exfoliating beads, no oils, no scents.

(You may consider removing your Saniderm under luke warm or cool soapy water in the shower to loosen the adhesive;
) Pat dry with a paper towel and let air dry for 2-5 minutes;
Blot with paper towel;
To apply 2nd Saniderm remove the paper backing first, apply sticky side to tattoo, then remove plastic backing (it’s ok if there are air bubbles/wrinkles);

Day 2-6: Leave on for 6 FULL DAYS – During the next 6 days you may still have some plasma, ink, or blood. (If you have an excessive amount of liquid collecting under your bandage and feel replacement is necessary please check out the web link https://www.

rosenoirstudio. com/alternate-aftercare-instructions for replacements. ) You may notice the skin looks dry/peeling/crusty/”cracked”- this is normal. The bandage and area may smell a little bit, this is ok. DO NOT REMOVE BEFORE THE SIXTH DAY.

Doing so will result in color loss and can require a touch up at an additional cost. It is harmful to the tattoo and to your health to leave a healing tattoo untreated. If your Saniderm peels up before the 6th day, carefully cut the excess off. If the tattoo is exposed place another small piece of Saniderm (or similar product) to cover it.

(See drugstore products at QR code link;
) Day 6: Now it’s time to remove;
Wash again and apply a thin layer of Sanibalm or lotion/moisturizer to your tattoo;
Day 7 +: Use thin layers of Sanibalm/lotion/moisturizer for several days or weeks until skin is smooth again;

You will most likely experience peeling and itchiness. Your tattoo is fully healed when your skin is smooth and no longer shiny. This can take several weeks or several months. Everybody’s skin is different. Long term care: Keeping your skin moisturized will keep your tattoo looking fresh and bright. While your Saniderm is on DO NOT:

DO NOT soak your new tattoo- no baths/swimming (running water/showering is ok). Soaking can lead to major infections.

DO NOT apply soap, lotions, oils, on or around the patch.

DO NOT expose you tattoo to direct sunlight, this will be painful and can damage the skin until it is healed over.

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DO NOT allow shampoo/conditioner to run down the patch.

DO NOT sweat excessively- this can push ink out and weaken the adhesive- sweat will collect under the Saniderm and smell bad and clog your sweat glands resulting in bumpy skin, raised scarred tissue, color loss, and possible infection.

DO NOT move or stretch your tattooed skin excessively until it is fully healed (up to 14 days).

DO NOT allow pets or animals to come into contact with your healing tattoo (if contact occurs with exposed (uncovered) skin, wash immediately with antibacterial soap, then apply plain lotion).

DO NOT allow plants (such as when gardening) to come into contact with your healing tattoo (if contact occurs with exposed skin, wash immediately with antibacterial soap, then apply plain lotion).

Most importantly, do not listen to your friends who say you can’t have a tattoo wrapped that long. This product is much different from what they’ve used before. It is intended for long wear. This is not saran wrap.

Signs of Infection: Signs and symptoms of an infection include but are not limited to, redness, swelling, tenderness of the procedure site, red streaks going from the procedure site to towards the heart, elevated body temperature, or pus-filled drainage from the procedure site. Seek medical care if you have a fever, extreme pain 3 or more days after the tattoo procedure, spreading rash well outside of the tattooed area, worsening and spreading redness around the tattoo, blisters on the tattoo, red streaking around tattoo, or foul odor and pus drainage.

I highly recommend Sanibalm or Sanibalm+ from the makers of Saniderm;
Always wear sunscreen, tanning and sun fading will make a tattoo look dull and will diminish the pigments;
How it works: After a tattoo your skin is left damaged so your body begins working immediately to heal itself by sending liquid enzymes and plasma to your skin’s surface;

These dry out and become scabs. With a tattoo, it is vital to avoid scabs. The healing patches allow the enzymes and plasma to stay moist and therefore heal your skin without drying out. The patches are breathable so your skin is not suffocated. Saniderm also keeps your new tattoo clean and safe from outside bacteria, dirt, lint from clothing, etc.

which will help prevent infection. Furthermore, the patches help to protect your clothing and bedding from ink and blood that seeps out during the first several days. Long term care: Keeping your skin moisturized will keep your tattoo looking shiny and bright.

Always wear sunscreen, tanning and sun fading will make a tattoo look dull and will diminish the pigments. Frequently asked questions: Q: What do I do if my skin looks irritated around the edges of the Saniderm? A: Irritation can occur for several reasons such as:

Saniderm has been applied too tight
There is excessive movement of the skin around the Saniderm
The area wasn’t washed clean of the adhesive from the previous Saniderm piece
Too much sweat.

Irritation can look like:

Bumps, hives, clogged pores/pimples • Blisters • Redness • Itchiness

When this happens, gently clean the area with antibacterial soap. Then use some rubbing alcohol on a paper towel to wipe the area. Apply some light moisturizer and give the skin a few days to heal. Q: What do I do if I take my Saniderm off early? A: If for any reason you remove your Saniderm early, it is extremely important to take necessary steps to prevent infections and to ensure your tattoo heals properly. Q: Why is my tattoo oozing liquids after the first day? A: This can be caused by several factors:

Some people bleed and/or excrete plasma more than others during the healing process.
Too much movement and stretching of the skin.
The area was not cleaned well enough before application.

If there is excessive liquid, your Saniderm should be replaced again. HELP! My Saniderm was removed early- Alternate Instructions for Early Removal: If you have removed your Saniderm wrap early or it has peeled up on its own, exposing your tattoo and you do not have enough Saniderm for a replacement, you have two options to ensure your tattoo heals properly and vibrantly.

Scroll down for further instructions;
Early means before a total of 7 days wrapped, 6 days for second set;
OPTION 1 (best and easiest option): Go to your local Walgreens/CVS and purchase Tegaderm (usually near the bandaids);

Do not purchase anti-bacterial bandages, they look similar. See photos below for different product packaging, and look for similar products. Apply and wear the Tegaderm for the remainder of the week. Make sure to apply it to your freshly cleansed tattoo, lease use antibacterial soap.

Follow all instructions provided on your aftercare sheet (listed above). OPTION 2: You must keep your tattoo clean and prevent it from drying out and scabbing. To do this, wash your tattoo thoroughly with antibacterial soap 3 times a day.

Immediately following use Sanibalm or plain lotion to moisturize (plain lotion should be unscented, free of oils, perfumes, butters, etc. Apply a thin layer and rub into skin well, do not leave excess lotion on skin. Try Aveeno, Cetaphil or Lubriderm. I do not recommend petroleum based products like Aquaphor.

It is vital to wash a full 3 times daily until your tattoo is fully healed;
Washing removes infection causing bacteria;
Moisturizing is important to prevent think scabs from forming;
Scabs will pull out ink and dull or eliminate color;

You will have peeling for several days, this is normal. Your tattoo is fully healed once your skin has peeled completely and is smooth again which may take several weeks..

How long after a tattoo can you shower?

How Soon After a Tattoo Can I Shower? – Your first shower after a new tattoo can be the day after you got the tattoo. That could be between 12 and 48 hours. Sometimes, the tattoo becomes messy after a night of oozing blood and ink. In order for the tattoo to start healing properly, you need to give it a light wash with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water.

After 48 hours, your tattoo should be good for water exposure, but only once or twice a day;
During the first week, it is essential not to expose the tattoo to the water for longer periods;
This will prevent the tattoo from drying and forming a new skin layer;

In such a case, your tattoo could get infected. Note : we also recommend you avoid sweat-inducing activities, like working out, jogging, etc. Sweat carries bacteria that can infect the tattoo. Furthermore, sweating prevents the tattoo from drying out, which could also lead to an infection.

Can I wash my tattoo after 48 hours?

You Can Shower After Getting a Tattoo, But Remember to Use Mild Soap – When it comes to showering after a new tattoo , it’s best to ask your tattoo artist when you can lather up. Their answer will depend on the type of bandage they use to seal their work before sending you off.

“Depending on what type of bandage you receive determines when you can shower,” Metz-Caporusso tells Bustle;
“If you get Saniderm or Tegiderm, then you can shower immediately;
This type of covering is waterproof;

If you get a classic bandage or cling wrap, then you must wait anywhere from two to 12 hours, depending on what your artist recommends. After you take that off, you can shower anytime. ” But it’s important to use a mild, fragrance-free soap when you do shower or wash your new ink.

Think classic Dial soap or anything anti-bacterial and gentle;
After a gentle washing, Brooklyn-based tattoo artist John O’Hara recommends applying Aquaphor to hydrate the skin and create a barrier to prevent infection;

“The key is to apply a very thin layer, let the skin absorb the Aquaphor for about 10-15 seconds, and blot off the excess with a sanitary paper towel,” O’Hara tells Bustle. “This will give you the right amount.

How often do you moisturize a new tattoo?

Should I apply lotion to my tattoo? What kind of tattoo care products do you recommend? – Yes! Moisturizing your tattoo regularly is extremely important. You should moisturize your clean tattoo 3 – 6 times per day, for roughly two weeks (though proper skincare is always important, and most tattoo enthusiasts moisturize their tattoos daily for life!). A white cream lotion or moisturizer, preferably unscented, should be used! We recommend these fragrance-free, white cream lotions: Aveeno , Curel , and Eucerin . Be warned: your favorite fragranced lotion is not a good option for moisturizing your tattoo – this can cause an excruciating burning sensation when applied to the tattoo, which is essentially an open wound. The fewer chemicals in the product, the better! Pure cocoa butter or shea butter is also popular for darker skin tones and is a fine option. There are some manufacturers who design products specifically for tattoo aftercare that work well for long-term care (such as Tattoo Goo , H2Ocean , and Hustle Butter ). Do NOT use aloe vera gel to moisturize, and we don’t recommend A&D ointment either, as the oil in these products can extract some of the ink from your tattoo.

Should I cover my tattoo with plastic wrap?

According to tattooist Harv Angel, caring for a new tattoo begins before the needle touches skin. His first piece of advice to anyone looking to get their first tattoo or add some new ink to a collection: Do your research. “Make sure that you’re not getting tattoo in somebody’s carport or their kitchen or their spare bedroom.

Go to a licensed tattooer, somebody’s who certified, somebody who has a track record,” he explained. Angel has been on island since 1977 and a serious tattooist since 1982, he says. Low Tide Tattoo, which his business cards bill as “Guam’s Only Fully Certified Tattoo Shop,” opened in its Tumon location across from the Pacific Island Club in 2001.

The point of doing research before getting a new tattoo is to ensure that a tattooist is using clean, safe practices. “Make sure they’re using aseptic procedures,” Angel explained. “Make sure that they’re using disposable needles, disposable tubes. Make sure that they’re wearing gloves — and not just latex gloves, because some people are allergic to latex.

You wanna use Nitrile (gloves);
” PIKA: Family gets matching tattoos to honor late father PIKA: Tips for those getting their first tattoos When your new tattoo is done, it will need to be wrapped up with a sterile bandage or absorbent covering;

“Never let a tattooer wrap your tattoo in Saran wrap,” Angel warned. “Saran wrap does not absorb the blood and other body fluids that come from a fresh tattoo. So you want, you want the tattoo wrapped in a sterile bandage, something that’s absorbent. Saran wrap is a no-no.

” And the tattoo shouldn’t stay covered for too long. “Tattoo care is gonna vary a little bit from shop to shop, y’know?” he advised. “Generally, you leave the tattoo wrapped up for at least a couple of hours.

And after removing the sterile bandage, you wash the tattoo — soap and water. It doesn’t matter what kind of soap. ” When drying off a new tattoo, make sure to pat it dry. “You don’t wipe it dry,” Angel said. A tattooist may give some ointment for new tattoos, or you can buy A&D ointment, Neosporin or Bacitracin over the counter.

There are specialized tattoo-care products like the H2Ocean brand, but Angel doesn’t think it’s necessary to spend that kind of money. Angel said he’s even heard of people using Listerine or Preparation H, though he couldn’t say he would recommend those.

No matter what product is used, people with new tattoos should remember to keep their hands clean before touching the tattoo. Angel also advised against using too much ointment: “You wanna put (the ointment) on thin. You don’t glob it on real thick. ‘Cause if you put it on real thick, that keeps air from getting to the tattoo. “There’s probably going to be a little scabbing, similar to — I tell people, similar to like a peeling sunburn,” Angel said. “It’s not a thick scab, but there’s going to probably be a little bit of scabbing. That’s not something you want to pick or scratch at. ” The best advice is to use common sense and mostly leave the new tattoo alone. “Don’t turn it into some difficult science project,” Angel said.

And air’s a real important component to the healing process;
” Expect your tattoo to ooze some fluids, including blood and ink, and then to scab over;
“It’s not like you’re healing up after open-heart surgery;

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It is a wound — it’s a controlled wound, if you want to look at this way. ” For those particularly worried about infection, make sure to do research, but also relax. Angel has been in the business for over three decades and has never seen a tattoo go bad.

“In all the years I’ve been in tattoo shops and tattooing, I’ve never seen an infected tattoo,” he said;
Aside from germs, there are other things new tattoos should be protected from;
“Sun is the worst thing for your skin, it’s the worst thing for tattoos;

Look what the sun does to car paint. You should never sunburn yourself. Stay out of the sun. You want to show off your tattoo, but you don’t want to sunburn it,” Angel said. Angel said people with tattoos eventually find a routine that suits them. “After you get several tattoos, you find a routine that works well for you,” Angel said, “‘cause you’re going to hear different things from different tattooers.

What should you not do after a tattoo?

Can tattoos make you tired?

Symptoms Of a Tattoo Flu – Getting sick after a tattoo is also known as having a ‘tattoo flu’. But, how do you know you’re not dealing with an ink allergic reaction or a tattoo infection? What are the symptoms of tattoo flu? Well, just like the regular sickness of flu, the tattoo flu manifests through the following symptoms;

Fever
Cold chills
Fatigue and tiredness
Soreness
Feeling weak
In some cases, stomach issues and diarrhea
Tattoo swelling
Nausea and possible vomiting

Can I drink coffee after tattoo?

Can You Drink Caffeine After Getting a Tattoo? – Unfortunately, the same applies to after getting tatted. During the healing period, your body is reliant on the blood to clot to help with skin repair. Since caffeine increases blood pressure , you should refrain from caffeine until your tattoo has healed. Keep in mind that caffeine is also present in many other common foods and drinks , some of which you may not be aware of:

Breakfast cereals
Frozen yogurt
Decaffeinated drinks
Chocolate — mmm, chocolate!
Tea
Energy drinks

How long after a tattoo can I give blood?

Yes, but if it was recent you may need to wait for a bit. It depends what you got, where and when.

Tattoos: You can donate plasma (and show off your new ink!) straight away after a tattoo, as long as it was done in a licensed tattoo parlour in Australia. But, you’ll need to wait four months to give blood or platelets , no matter how big or small the tattoo is — that means cosmetic tattoos, too.
Ear piercing: You can only donate plasma for the first 24 hours after having it done. After that, you can donate blood or platelets too.
Body piercing: You can only donate plasma for the next 4 months after having it done. After that, you’re good to give blood or platelets.

Whether it’s your ear or anywhere else, the piercing should be done with clean, single-use equipment. If it wasn’t or you aren’t sure, you’ll need to wait at least four months before you can donate anything. So, how about it? Book your donation in now ..

Can I leave my tattoo wrapped overnight?

This info should guide you through the care of healing your tattoo, but if you have any other questions while it is healing, do not hesitate to contact your artist directly or call the shop for immediate reply. There are no stupid questions about healing.

– After your tattoo is completed, your artist will bandage your tattoo for your trip home;
Leave the bandage on for one to three hours;
When you take the bandage off, wash it with very warm water (as hot as is comfortable) and mild liquid hand soap (like Dr;

Bronner’s, Dial or Softsoap, just no perfumed or exfoliating body washes). Pat it dry gently with a paper towel, and let it air dry the rest of the way (never scrub the tattoo with a towel or sponge). Then you will apply a very small amount of Aquaphor Ointment or plain, unscented skin lotion (we recommend Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel, or any of their generics) to the tattoo, just enough to lightly moisturize.

Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
Every day from then on, you will wash the tattoo in the morning and at night, and apply lotion 3 times a day or so, or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight.
Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
DO NOT apply Vaseline, Neosporin, Bacitracin or any other medicated or perfumed product to your tattoo.
After a few days, the tattoo will form a thin scab over it, and in about a week the scab will begin to flake off in the shower. DO NOT pick or scratch at the scab, just keep it clean and moist and the scabs will all fall off by themselves in about two weeks. Picking any of the scabs off will cause faded color and damage to the skin.

During healing do NOT:

Wrap the tattoo after the first night (wearing breathable clothes over it is fine as long as they are not causing friction. (Keeping tattoos wrapped in plastic or bandages will stop air from getting to the tattoo, slow healing, and make gross stuff grow in there. )
Submerge the tattoo in water. This means baths, pools and oceans. Regular showering is fine.
Expose it to strong sunlight (Like outdoor activities or beach days. Walking to your car is fine)
Shave over the tattoo (ouch!)

When all the scabs fall off and the skin feels smooth again to the touch, it is all healed and you can shave over it again, and swim and everything else. Sometimes after the scab falls off there is a secondary shiny, raised or waxy coat over the tattoo. This is just another healing layer of skin. Continue to moisturize it and it will smooth out by itself over time. If you have any questions about your tattoo while its healing you are always welcome to come by the shop and have us check it out, or email the artist who did the tattoo with “AFTERCARE” in the subject line for an immediate response.

Do not slather a big, thick coat of product over it; just enough for it to stay moist and flexible;
If you are using Aquaphor, you can switch to a plain lotion after the first few days;
Lotion is generally fine for everyone, your artist will recommend if you would benefit from ointment;

If something doesn’t look perfect After your tattoo is finished healing, we’ll do our best to make it right. Sometimes with excessive scabbing, or other unpredictable reactions during healing, your skin can reject some ink, leaving a “light spot” that is closer to your skin color in the tattoo (or a line might get thinner or lighter in one spot).

This is common as its unlikely your body will accept every spot of pigment uniformly, so just contact your artist via email after your tattoo is finished healing with a photo to see if a small touch up is in order;

Unless you were negligent during the care of your tattoo, touch-ups are very minor and quick, and guaranteed by our artists if you contact them about it within 3 months of getting the tattoo. Because older tattoos that have settled in fully and aged require more work to make uniform, we suggest coming in as soon as possible when it’s healed, as touch ups are performed for a fee at the artist’s discretion after 3 months.

Can you leave Saniderm on too long?

So, How Long Should I leave It On? – According to the Saniderm’s website instructions, here’s everything you need to know about leaving the bandage on your new tattoo;

After applying the first Saniderm bandage, you should leave it on your new tattoo anywhere between 8 and 24 hours. This is generally when your tattoo will stop oozing and bleeding, and start healing. Everyone’s healing time is different, which means that the so-called weeping stage of the tattoo will vary in duration.
You should definitely remove your Saniderm bandage when the adhesion of the bandage starts to weaken. This is a bad sign, which means dirt, germs, water, and all the other infection-causing particles can enter the tattoo area and potentially cause an infection – if the adhesion is weakened, your tattoo is no longer protected.
You should remove or change your Saniderm bandage if you notice your tattoo bleeds or oozes more than expected (regardless of the time the bandage has been on). This generally occurs in tattoos with colorwork and heavy saturation, since there’s more damage to the skin and more excess ink the tattoo is getting rid of in the first few hours.
Regardless of the fluid buildup, you should NOT leave your Saniderm bandage on for more than 24 hours. After the first 24 hours, you need to clean the tattooed area, and only can you actually replace the bandage, using a new one obviously.
It is recommended to apply s thin layer of aftercare product or moisturizer between the bandages just to keep the tattoo hydrated and moisturized. This is especially recommended to people living in low humidity climates, or those who have dry skin. Now, we are not sure about this Saniderm recommendation, since it is generally recommended not to apply any ointment onto a new tattoo, so make sure to consult your tattoo artist about this one.
Now, the second bandage can be worn for up to 6 days, according to Saniderm instructions. They still recommend you change the bandage if you notice a tattoo leaking. In that case, you should clean the tattoo again, and apply a third bandage. Make sure to leave the third bandage on for approximately 5 days.
Saniderm bandage should not be worn for more than 7 days total, according to Saniderm website instructions.
Once you’ve removed your final Saniderm bandage, make sure to clean the tattoo area using lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. Then, tap-dry it using a clean paper towel and leave it to air-dry as well. At this point, you should be fine using thin layers of tattoo lotions to keep the tattoo hydrated. But, do NOT overdo the moisturization, since you can cause moisture buildup, prolonged healing, and infection of the tattoo.

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Can Saniderm ruin a tattoo?

Getting a new tattoo comes with many worries—keeping it clean and free of contaminants, using the correct healing products at the right time, and staying out of the sun, water, and harsh elements. How are you going to get through the awkward peeling stage of tattoo healing? Many of these worries can be put at ease by using Saniderm.

The adhesive film protects your tattoo from numerous risk factors;
There is no need to worry about applying ointment frequently to keep the tattoo from drying out;
You don’t have to worry about foreign bacteria entering the wound from an outside source;

Your tattoo is protected. Saniderm’s adhesive will not attach to your tattoo as it will be in the weeping phase of the healing process when you apply the initial piece. During this phase, your body will be pushing excess ink and plasma to the surface, preventing the adhesive from attaching to the freshly tattooed area.

This means Saniderm can never damage or extract your ink. Of course, you may be wondering what happens when you apply the following piece(s) of Saniderm, as the tattoo will have moved out of the weeping phase of tattoo healing.

This is where applying a non-petroleum, non-greasy aftercare lotion comes into play. Our favorite is Sanibalm. This helps to prevent the adhesive from sticking directly to the fresh tattoo until the tattoo begins to peel. Once this stage occurs, the peeling skin will cling to the film itself.

What happens if I take my Saniderm off early?

You will have irritation, redness, bleeding, seeping, and ink collect under the bandage;
You will notice plasma (looks like clear watery liquid), ink, and blood trapped in the bandage, and it may leak out of the Saniderm;

(You may consider removing your Saniderm under luke warm or cool soapy water in the shower to loosen the adhesive;
) Pat dry with a paper towel and let air dry for 2-5 minutes;
Blot with paper towel;
To apply 2nd Saniderm remove the paper backing first, apply sticky side to tattoo, then remove plastic backing (it’s ok if there are air bubbles/wrinkles);

(See drugstore products at QR code link;
) Day 6: Now it’s time to remove;
Wash again and apply a thin layer of Sanibalm or lotion/moisturizer to your tattoo;
Day 7 +: Use thin layers of Sanibalm/lotion/moisturizer for several days or weeks until skin is smooth again;

DO NOT soak your new tattoo- no baths/swimming (running water/showering is ok). Soaking can lead to major infections.

DO NOT apply soap, lotions, oils, on or around the patch.

DO NOT expose you tattoo to direct sunlight, this will be painful and can damage the skin until it is healed over.

DO NOT allow shampoo/conditioner to run down the patch.

DO NOT sweat excessively- this can push ink out and weaken the adhesive- sweat will collect under the Saniderm and smell bad and clog your sweat glands resulting in bumpy skin, raised scarred tissue, color loss, and possible infection.

DO NOT move or stretch your tattooed skin excessively until it is fully healed (up to 14 days).

DO NOT allow pets or animals to come into contact with your healing tattoo (if contact occurs with exposed (uncovered) skin, wash immediately with antibacterial soap, then apply plain lotion).

DO NOT allow plants (such as when gardening) to come into contact with your healing tattoo (if contact occurs with exposed skin, wash immediately with antibacterial soap, then apply plain lotion).

Most importantly, do not listen to your friends who say you can’t have a tattoo wrapped that long. This product is much different from what they’ve used before. It is intended for long wear. This is not saran wrap.

I highly recommend Sanibalm or Sanibalm+ from the makers of Saniderm;
Always wear sunscreen, tanning and sun fading will make a tattoo look dull and will diminish the pigments;
How it works: After a tattoo your skin is left damaged so your body begins working immediately to heal itself by sending liquid enzymes and plasma to your skin’s surface;

Saniderm has been applied too tight
There is excessive movement of the skin around the Saniderm
The area wasn’t washed clean of the adhesive from the previous Saniderm piece
Too much sweat.

Irritation can look like:

Bumps, hives, clogged pores/pimples • Blisters • Redness • Itchiness

Some people bleed and/or excrete plasma more than others during the healing process.
Too much movement and stretching of the skin.
The area was not cleaned well enough before application.

Scroll down for further instructions. Early means before a total of 7 days wrapped, 6 days for second set. OPTION 1 (best and easiest option): Go to your local Walgreens/CVS and purchase Tegaderm (usually near the bandaids).

Follow all instructions provided on your aftercare sheet (listed above). OPTION 2: You must keep your tattoo clean and prevent it from drying out and scabbing. To do this, wash your tattoo thoroughly with antibacterial soap 3 times a day.

It is vital to wash a full 3 times daily until your tattoo is fully healed. Washing removes infection causing bacteria. Moisturizing is important to prevent think scabs from forming. Scabs will pull out ink and dull or eliminate color.

You will have peeling for several days, this is normal. Your tattoo is fully healed once your skin has peeled completely and is smooth again which may take several weeks..

Julia