Intro To Healing Your Fresh Tattoo
please note: There are different methods of tattoo healing, this is just my prefence and what i find works best for myself and my clients :)
please remember that if you ever feel something is not healing properly or if you have an irritation, you can always reach out to me personally for guidance. please always trust your gut and see a doctor if your tattoo becomes swollen or infected! there are many factors that can effect the healing process of a tattoo. please read thoroughly through the guide i’ve created to best healing your tattoo & taking care of it post-healing!
now let's dive into it!
here are 2 methods for healing your new ink! traditional healing process & saniderm/recovery derm healing process.
i recommend traditional healing for clients who have skin sensitivities/allergic reactions to medical adhesives and bandages.
Method #1: Saniderm/Recovery Derm Healing
leave the saniderm on for the first 24-48 hours after getting your tattoo. (unless you have a reaction, in which case you’ll remove it immediately after noticing a reaction - usually includes excessive redness and swelling, sometimes blisters)
the best way to remove the saniderm is to do so in the shower. start at the top the the derm, and pull out and down, away from the tattoo… allowing warm water and steam to help loosen the seal of the saniderm.
once the wrap is removed, clean your tattoo with a non-scented, dye-free soap. avoid anything with heavy fragrances, colors, beads/grains as these will irritate and damage your new tattoo. white dove non-scented soap (liquid soap or bar), dial anti-bacterial soap are both safe soap options.
pat your tattoo dry with a papertowel as opposed to a regular towel or washrag to ensure no fibers or hairs get caught in your tattoo. you can let your tattoo air dry for about 10 mins before applying a moisturizer.
after your tattoo is dry, you can either apply another piece of of saniderm if needed (Should you have more at home) OR apply a non-scented moisturizer.
popular among clients because of its affordability and accessibility is plain, white lubriderm, you can also use tattoo butters! my favorite is crybaby tattoo aftercare that we also sell at our front desk.avoid using thick, oily gels like vasoline, a&D, etc. as these can clog the pores and smother the tattoo, preventing scabbing and prolonging healing.
if applying a new piece of saniderm, leave on for 3 days at most. you can replace it every 24 hours if the saniderm fills up with a lot of plasma.
You can shower with the saniderm on. do not submerge in water. no baths, saunas, or swimming.
Method #2: Traditional Tattoo Healing
leave your tattoo wrapped with soaker pads/seran wrap for a few hours at most. do not rewrap the tattoo.
once the wrap is removed, clean your tattoo with a non-scented, dye-free soap. avoid anything with heavy fragrances, colors, beads/grains as these will irritate and damage your new tattoo. white dove non-scented soap (liquid soap or bar), dial anti-bacterial soap are both safe soap options.
be sure to pat your tattoo dry with paper towel (avoid using bath towels and washrags as to not get fibers or hairs in your healing tattoo)
once dry, apply a liberal but thin coat of non-scented moisturizer or tattoo butter. popular among clients because of its affordability and accessibility is plain, white lubriderm, you can also use tattoo butters! my favorite is crybaby tattoo aftercare that we also sell at our front desk.
repeat this process 2 to 3 times daily for the next 1-2 weeks while your tattoo fully heals.
once your tattoo fully scabs and heals over, apply your favorite moisturizer daily to take care of your tattoos freshness and color.
be sure not to go swimming, take baths, go into saunas.
Tattoo Healing Tips 101
Do NOT Pick At Scabs
Please note if you have never had color tattoos before, they do scab and flake more during the healing process in comparison to black and grey. This is a normal reaction especially for solid areas of color due to the amount of trauma to the skin.
Allow the scabs to dry out [once the wrap is removed]. Avoid over moisturizing the skin in scabbed areas to accelerate the healing process.
Be sure not to pick off the scabs or flakes, as it can pull the pigment out of the skin.Do Not Partake In Rigorous Activities That Could Damage or Infect the Tattoo Healing Process.
This would include things like swimming, saunas, beaches, tanning, rock climbing, etc. You can still work out and be out in the sun for short periods of time. Even after a tattoo is healed, the sun and tanning will destroy saturated color work, and risky activities could cause scarring and pigment loss if injury occurs. Keep this in mind, even for years after your tattoo is fully healed!Moisturize Your New Tattoo! But be sure not to OVER moisturize. It’s important to make sure the tattoo isn’t too dry and isn’t too wet. Too much moisturizer can clog the pores of the skin, prevent scabbing, and prolong the healing process. On the other hand, not moisturizing enough will cause the skin to become dry, cracked and flakey which can pull pigment out of the skin. 2-3x a day with 1 pump of non-scented, dye-free lotion is generally what I recommend.
There are tattoo butters you can purchase online from brands like Crybaby (my personal favorite), Mad Rabbit, Hustle Butter….. Or you can simply stop at Dollar General or Drug Store and purchase Lubriderm or Dove non-scented as these are both very affordable and safe options!Use Unscented & Dye Free Soaps & Lotions!
A Tattoo is an open wound, so we want to avoid putting chemicals and artificial colors/ingredients into that wound/blood stream. The reason behind this is to prevent any allergic reactions from occurring during the healing process. In the past, I’ve had clients who have also had reactions to their laundry soap and fabric softeners from clothing rub against a fresh tattoo and cause irritation. Be mindful of this especially if you have skin sensitivities.NO SWIMMING, NO SAUNAS, NO LAKES, NO OCEANS.
Stay Out Of The Sun!
do not expose your tattoo to direct sun for at least 2-3 weeks. Ideally for color tattoos, avoid the sun as much as possible. Always use 60 SPF or higher if you plan to be in direct sun and reapply hourly.Stay Out Of Pools, Baths, Saunas, & Lakes!!
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well to Promote Quick and Efficient Healing