Tattoo Aftercare Guide: How to Heal Your Tattoo Properly (Saniderm + Non-Saniderm Instructions)

Written By Adam Makharita

If you want your new tattoo to heal clean, stay crisp, and keep its detail for years, proper tattoo aftercare is essential. The way you care for your tattoo during the first few weeks directly affects how it heals — which means brightness, line sharpness, smooth shading, and long-term quality all depend on your healing process.

This is your complete tattoo aftercare guide, including Saniderm healing instructions and traditional Aquaphor/lotion healing instructions. Follow the method your artist recommended

Why Tattoo Aftercare Matters

A tattoo is a fresh wound. Good aftercare helps you:

  • Prevent infection & irritation

  • Minimize scabbing and patchy healing

  • Maintain crisp lines and smooth shading

  • Reduce fading over time

  • Get the best long-term results from your tattoo

Getting the tattoo is step one — healing it properly is step two.

Option #1 — Second Skin Tattoo Aftercare Instructions (Bandage Method)

Best for smaller pieces or anyone wanting a low-maintenance healing option.

Days 1–3: Keep the Saniderm On

  • Leave the Saniderm bandage on for 3 full days

  • It’s waterproof + breathable — shower normally, just drop the temperature to lukewarm (no steam)

  • Slight plasma/ink buildup under the film is normal


Do not peel, pick, or lift the edges.

Day 3: How to Remove Saniderm Safely

This step is important — the way you remove the bandage affects healing.

Remove like a 3M Command Strip:

Stretch the Saniderm low and parallel to the skin, not upward

The stretch breaks the adhesive bond gently

Slow, low removal = less irritation

Never rip it off quickly or pull straight away from the skin.


After Removing Saniderm — 2 Week Care Routine

Once the bandage is off:

  1. Wash the tattoo twice a day with antibacterial soap (Dial, Softsoap, etc)

  2. Pat dry immediately with a clean paper towel

  3. Let the tattoo air dry 5–10 minutes

  4. Apply a very thin layer of Hustle Butter

Rub it in gently — the skin should look moisturized, not slathered in ointment.


Too much ointment is worse than too little. Light layers heal cleaner.


Follow this routine for 2 weeks. TATTOO HEALING IS NOT COMPLETE AFTER PEELING. The top layer of your skin is now gone. Your tattoo is now extra vulnerable to water and sun in this stage as the top layer of skin has not yet grown back. It is important to keep your tattoo moisturized and away from prolonged water and sun exposure during this period.

Option #2 — Traditional Tattoo Aftercare (Aquaphor + Hustle Butter)

Great for larger tattoos, multi-session work, or clients who have sensitive skin.

Day 1-2:

When you remove the wrap (timing varies by artist - You may wait until the next morning):

  • Wash hands first

  • Clean the tattoo gently with antibacterial soap (2 times per day)

  • Pat dry — no rubbing

  • Air dry for 5-10 minutes before applying ointment

  • Apply a THIN layer of Aquaphor. Putting no ointment at all is better than putting too much ointment. Rub the ointment into the skin with light pressure then get rid of any excess. (2 times per day)

Days 3 - Fully Peeled:

  • Wash your hands first (2 times per day)

  • Clean the tattoo gently with antibacterial soap

  • Pat dry — no rubbing

  • Air dry for 5-10 minutes before applying ointment

  • Apply a THIN layer of Hustle Butter. Putting no ointment at all is better than putting too much ointment. Rub the hustle butter into the skin with light pressure then get rid of any excess. (2 times per day)

  • Light peeling/flaking is normal — do not pick

Over-moisturizing can clog pores, delay healing, and trap moisture. Please do not “over care” for your tattoo.

Tattoo peeling should look like a sunburn shedding, not thick scabs.

Day 5 of healing - About to peel

Universal Aftercare Rules (For Both Methods)

To protect your tattoo during healing:

Avoid:

  • Sun exposure (UV = fading)

  • Tanning beds

  • Swimming (ocean, pools, lakes, hot tubs, baths, long showers)

  • Direct soaking

  • Sweating

  • Tight clothing rubbing on the tattoo

  • Picking or scratching flakes

Do:

  • Keep washing gently & moisturizing lightly

  • Wear loose, breathable clothing

  • Stay patient during peeling

  • Use SPF 50+ once fully healed

Sun is the #1 cause of tattoo fading long-term.

How Long Does Tattoo Healing Take?

  • Surface healing: 7–14 days

  • Full internal healing: 4–6 weeks

  • Longevity: moisturize regularly + protect from UV

Proper aftercare = brighter tattoos that stay crisp.

If Something Looks Off — Ask

Every body heals differently. If you notice redness that spreads, unusual discharge, excessive swelling, or anything that feels wrong, reach out — it’s always better to ask than guess.


Your tattoo is an investment.

Good aftercare protects your art.

Adam Makharita