------For regular bandaging------
-Remove your bandage after 30 - 60 minutes. Bandage can be worn up to 5 hours so don’t stress if you aren’t in a place to wash your tattoo.
-Wash your tattoo with cool/warm water and unscented antibacterial soap.
-Dry your tattoo with a paper towel or air dry. Do not use a towel as they hold onto bacteria and can leave behind fuzz.
-Once your tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of tattoo specific aftercare like Inkeeze or Hustle Butter. These can be found online so remember to buy them ahead of your appointment. Alternatives to these are a&d or Aquaphor and can be found in most grocery stores. Always remember to check the ingredients to make sure you’re not allergic to what you’re purchasing.
-Repeat this process 2 - 3 times a day.
-IMPORTANT- No pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, hot tubs, bathtubs, etc. for 2 full weeks. Submerging your tattoo in water leaves it open to any bacteria that might be in it and can lead to infection.
-Avoid direct sunlight on your fresh tattoo, it feels like fire and isn’t good for your tattoo.
-If your tattoo gets pet hair, pet dander, excessive sweat or dirt on it, wash as soon as you can to keep from potential infection. Be mindful when exercising as well, try not to let gym equipment touch your fresh tattoo.
-After about 4 - 5 days your tattoo will start to peel. With this comes some itchiness. DO NOT pick at, scratch, or peel your tattoo. Doing so can pull ink out of spots that aren’t quite ready to peel.
-When you start peeling, switch from ointment to unscented lotion. Use lotion regularly when your tattoo is dry and to help relieve itchiness. Patting your tattoo instead of scratching helps as well. If you happen to scab in any spots, wait to switch to lotion until those spots have softened and remember not to pick at them.
-DO NOT USE Vaseline, Neosporin, or anything scented on your fresh tattoo. Vaseline will suffocate your tattoo, Neosporin treats the ink like it’s an infection and tries push it out of the skin, and scented things can irritate and potentially cause allergic reactions.
-The peeling stage lasts 3 - 7 days depending on the size of your tattoo. When your tattoo is fully peeled it will be slightly shiny. This is normal, it’s just your new skin and will even out in a few days.
-During the healing of your tattoo, wear loose clothing as often as possible and avoid tight straps or elastic bands over your tattoo. For foot tattoos, avoid tight fitting shoes. Barefoot or sandals that avoid the tattooed area are best. Keep in mind your feet will be exposed to more dirt than usual, especially with ointment attracting that dirt, so check on your tattoo frequently to make sure it’s clean.
-Remember I’m here to help with your aftercare so if you have any questions or concerns about your tattoo, please contact me with a clear photo and description of what’s going on with it.

------For Saniderm bandaging------
-Not recommended for sensitive skin or those with adhesive allergies.
-After completing your tattoo, I will put an appropriately sized piece of Saniderm on your tattoo. This first piece will be worn for 8 - 24 hours.
-The first piece may fill with blood and/or fluids, this is normal, a second piece of Saniderm will be provided for changing the following morning. If it happens to fill to the point of leaking before the 8 - 24 hour period is up, proceed with the following instructions.
-After the first 8 - 24 hour period, remove the Saniderm under running water. A shower the following morning is the easiest option. Keep in mind that removing it dry will be far more uncomfortable and cause some irritation.
-Once the first piece is removed, wash your tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap and pat dry with a paper towel or air dry. Make sure your skin is completely dry because the new piece won’t stick to wet or damp skin.
-Apply the new piece of Saniderm, pressing from the center out to smooth out any bubbles.
-The second piece of Saniderm will be worn up to 7 days. During this time you will still need to avoid direct sunlight, swimming is also possible but use good discernment on the water you’re getting into and don’t keep your tattoo submerged for too long.
-After the 7 days are up, remove your Saniderm under running water, pat dry with a paper towel or air dry, and moisturize with unscented lotion. Your tattoo will be a little dry and might have a little bit of peeling left to do, so moisturize as needed and remember not to pick or peel any skin off.
- And of course if you have any questions during your healing please don’t hesitate to ask!