Congrats on your new tattoo!

Your artist applied a breathable second-skin bandage and gave you verbal instructions on aftercare, here’s a written guide to our basic aftercare just in case!

Alternatively, you may have been wrapped with a traditional bandage. If you received a traditional wrap, skip to step 3.

1. Leave your DermShield/Saniderm on for 24 hours (or 3–5 days, depending on artist instructions). Fluid buildup under the bandage (especially with color or solid blackwork tattoos) is normal. If you notice irritation or redness around the edges, remove it early and switch to traditional aftercare. Make sure to remove all remaining adhesive.

2. Removing your bandage:
Wash Hands. Peel the bandage off slowly under warm running water (shower works best). Stretch gently like a command strip. Do not rip it off. Traditional bandages should be removed within 24hrs, then follow steps 3-7.

3. Wash the tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap (e.g., Dr. Bronners or Dial Gold).

4. Let it air dry. Use a clean paper towel to blot if needed—avoid cloth towels. Make sure the area is completely dry before moisturizing.

5. Moisturize lightly with an unscented lotion or tattoo balm. Reapply only when the tattoo feels dry, tight, or itchy. Keep it clean and lightly moisturized; healing takes 2–4 weeks.

6. Showers are fine, but no soaking—avoid baths, pools, lakes, hot tubs, and oceans. Stay out of the sun until fully healed. Use sunscreen on healed tattoos.

7. Recommended moisturizers: Aveeno, Lubriderm, Cerave, or Cetaphil (all unscented). For balms: Hustle Butter, Redemption, or CryBaby (cruelty-free). Coconut oil is okay for fine line/small tattoos, not for solid or color work. Double check with your artists if you want to use a product not listed here.