Instructions for Tattoo Aftercare
Aftercare by tattoo artist Willow Thomason located in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
Getting a new tattoo is exciting—it’s a bold expression of your identity, your story, or simply your love for beautiful art. But once you leave the artist’s chair, the real work begins. Proper tattoo aftercare is essential to ensure your ink heals cleanly, looks vibrant, and lasts a lifetime. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your tenth, this guide will walk you through exactly how to care for your skin from Day One to fully healed. Let's keep that masterpiece looking fresh.
Dry Heal (Spray-On Bandaid)
The spray-on bandaid helps the healing process by protecting your tattoo from dirt, germs, and other bacteria. I use the spray-on bandaid for smaller black and grey tattoos, linework, and fine line. Here is how to properly care for a tattoo using a spray-on bandaid:
1) Leave the bandaid on for 24 hours.
2) After 24 hours, wash the tattoo twice a day with unscented antibacterial liquid soap. Do not use bar soap. Any brand of soap will work as long as it is unscented and antibacterial. Once you remove the Saniderm, your tattoo is fresh and open for infection, as if it were just done. Keep it clean and wash it if you think it has come into contact with anything dirty.
4) If the tattoo feels dry or stiff, apply a thin layer of unscented skin lotion. Do not use a large amount of lotion, otherwise the tattoo will scab. Any basic brand of moisturizer will work as long as it is unscented and does not contain any weird ingredients like retinol. Scented lotions and soaps will burn when applied to the tattoo.
5) Continue to wash the tattoo twice a day (or when you think it has gotten dirty), and continue to apply moisturizer when it feels dry until the tattoo has healed. It typically takes one month for a large or full-colour tattoo to heal. You will know the tattoo is healed when it is no longer shiny.
Rules:
While the tattoo is healing, do not submerge it in water. (This means if you have a wrist tattoo, no washing dishes!) You can still shower.
To ensure that your tattoo lasts, keep it out of the sun and consistently apply sunscreen after the tattoo has healed.
Signs of infection are if the tattoo hurts more than the day it was done, any growing redness or discolouration, or if there is a spot that is healing a lot slower than all the other spots. If you notice any signs of infection, contact your artist right away.
Wet Heal (Saniderm)
Saniderm is a global leader in wound healing and premium tattoo aftercare products. Unlike Saran Wrap, Saniderm is a medical-grade, breathable, waterproof tattoo bandage. It helps the healing process by protecting your tattoo from dirt, germs, and other bacteria. I use Saniderm for bigger pieces or tattoos that have colour. Here is how to properly care for a tattoo using Saniderm:
1) Leave the Saniderm wrap on for three days. If you experience redness, itchiness, or discomfort around the actual Saniderm (and not the tattoo), then remove the Saniderm and switch to Saran Wrap. If you are allergic to bandaids, do not use Saniderm.
2) After three days, take the Saniderm off slowly in the shower with warm water. Do not rip it off like a bandaid. Pull slowly starting from the bottom. If the tattoo is located in an unreachable spot, such as your spine or backside, you may need someone else to help you do this.
3) Wash the tattoo twice a day with unscented antibacterial liquid soap. Do not use bar soap. Any brand of soap will work as long as it is unscented and antibacterial. Once you remove the Saniderm, your tattoo is fresh and open for infection, as if it were just done. Keep it clean and wash it if you think it has come into contact with anything dirty.
4) If the tattoo feels dry or stiff, apply a thin layer of unscented skin lotion. Do not use a large amount of lotion, otherwise the tattoo will scab. Any basic brand of moisturizer will work as long as it is unscented and does not contain any weird ingredients like retinol. Scented lotions and soaps will burn when applied to the tattoo.
5) Continue to wash the tattoo twice a day (or when you think it has gotten dirty), and continue to apply moisturizer when it feels dry until the tattoo has healed. It typically takes one month for a large or full-colour tattoo to heal. You will know the tattoo is healed when it is no longer shiny.
Rules:
While the tattoo is healing, do not submerge it in water. (This means if you have a wrist tattoo, no washing dishes!) You can still shower.
To ensure that your tattoo lasts, keep it out of the sun and consistently apply sunscreen after the tattoo has healed.
Signs of infection are if the tattoo hurts more than the day it was done, any growing redness or discolouration, or if there is a spot that is healing a lot slower than all the other spots. If you notice any signs of infection, contact your artist right away.
How Infections Happen
Tattoo infections can occur when harmful bacteria enter your skin—usually through improper aftercare or unsanitary conditions. A fresh tattoo is essentially an open wound, and like any wound, it needs to be kept clean and protected. Touching your tattoo with dirty hands, skipping your washes, or using heavily scented lotions can all introduce bacteria. Even seemingly harmless things like tight clothing, sweaty workouts, or letting your pet cuddle against your fresh ink can pose a risk. Infections can also happen if your tattoo artist didn’t use sterile equipment, which is why it’s so important to choose a reputable studio. The good news? With proper aftercare and hygiene, infections are easy to avoid. If you notice any signs of infection during the healing process (exsessive pain, growing redness or discolouration, a spot healing slower than the other spots) contact your artist immediately.
