Yes, you can shower with a new tattoo if it's covered in a waterproof, medical-grade bandage (like Saniderm or a "second skin"), allowing you to keep it on, but you must avoid direct, harsh water flow and hot temperatures; however, if it's wrapped in plastic wrap, you must remove it before showering to prevent a swampy environment that traps bacteria. Always follow your tattoo artist's specific instructions, as they know best for your tattoo.
If water gets under the bandage, remove it immediately and continue with the normal aftercare routine. Ink and plasma may come to the surface under the bandage and you may see some splotches or what appears to be double lines.
It's recommended you wait at least 24 hours before showering after getting a new tattoo. This allows the tattooed area to begin the healing process and reduces the risk of infection. Showering too soon after getting a tattoo may expose the open wound to bacteria and increase the chances of complications.
Saniderm tattoo wrap creates a barrier around your freshly tattooed skin, protecting it from dust, bacteria, moisture, and other external irritants. This transparent tattoo aftercare bandage is completely waterproof yet breathable to ensure that the skin receives the airflow it needs to heal and remain sweat-free.
You can usually shower after a new tattoo, but wait at least 24 hours if it's wrapped in a regular bandage, or shower immediately if it has a special waterproof bandage (like Saniderm), following your artist's specific instructions for both types of coverings. When showering, use lukewarm water, mild unscented soap, keep it short, avoid direct pressure, gently pat dry with a clean towel, and don't soak it.
Your skin needs airflow to heal properly, and removing the bandage at the right time is essential for this process. But take it off too soon, and you run the risk of exposing your tattoo to bacteria and dirt. Once the bandage is off, your tattoo begins the process of drying and forming a protective layer.
Use lukewarm or cold water, and keep the tattoo from heavy shower flow, instead opting to gently rinse the area of your tattoo. Make sure the bandage is secured to your skin before you expose it to water pressure from the shower.
The most crucial step is to use waterproof medical tape to seal every edge of the plastic wrap, ensuring there are no gaps or wrinkles where water can sneak in. For an arm or leg, you might even wrap the tape around the entire limb at the top and bottom of the wrap to create a secure, watertight cuff.
Immediately after removing the bandage, wash with lukewarm water and an antibacterial soap. Use only your fingers when washing a tattoo for the first time, with a gentle circular motion to rub off excess ink and crusties, rinsing as you go.
Why is my new tattoo fading after just a few days? It's not unusual for your new tattoo to appear to fade shortly after application. During the healing phase, the top layer of skin may dry out and flake, causing the tattoo to look dull or less vibrant. This is a normal reaction as your skin begins to heal.
After getting a tattoo, avoid picking or scratching it, submersion in water, tight clothing, and exposure to direct sunlight. Avoid harsh products, including scented soaps, petroleum jelly, and medicated ointments, unless your artist or dermatologist recommends them.
Steam and hot water can potentially cause the color to fade prematurely. Avoid getting shower gel/cleanser and water on the area as much as possible.
Light exercise while wearing Saniderm is fine, but avoid activity that causes excessive sweating. Just as water will weaken the adhesion of the bandage, so will sweat and any other significant amount of fluid. Try to keep the bandage as clean and dry as possible until it's time to remove it.
Saniderm works by locking in your body's natural healing fluids so your tattoo stays hydrated and heals quickly and efficiently with no scabbing and reduced scarring.
If your tattoo is accidentally submerged in water for more than a few seconds: Wash with anti-bacterial tattoo wash. Allow the area to air-dry. You could also pat it dry with a non-fluffy towel or cloth.
The original tattoo bandage! SecondSkin™ is a medical-grade, transparent, adhesive barrier that protects new tattoos. It is latex-free, waterproof, breathable, and hypoallergenic. This roll is 6" x 8 yds.
Taking off the adhesive bandage:
Peel the adhesive bandage back close to your body (like you're peeling a banana) using warm water to help break down the adhesive from the skin. Dispose of the used bandage once removed. Wash tattoo as directed above. Let air dry or pat dry with a paper towel.
Yes, a wound heals better when it's kept moist under a bandage, but you don't actually want to get it totally wet. So when you shower or swim, change your bandage to a hydrocolloid or waterproof bandage, like a BAND-AID® Brand WATER BLOCK® bandage, to keep it protected.
After you leave the studio you will have been cleaned and bandaged; remove the bandage after 3-4 hours. Don't remove the bandage until you can properly clean the tattoo with mild soap and warm water.
Submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub can cause serious damage. So avoid doing that for at least two to three weeks. However, showering is perfectly fine, as long as you don't saturate your tattoo. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo, wash it quickly with water.
Once the final Saniderm bandage is removed from your tattoo, continue to care for it by gently washing it at least twice daily (morning and night) with a gentle antibacterial soap and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
After 3 days, your tattoo should show reduced redness and swelling. It will appear slightly dry with a thin film forming over it. Some clear fluid and ink may still seep out, but significantly less than the first day. The colors will appear bright but may have a shiny, tight feeling.
If fluid leaks out or water leaks in, you must remove the bandage immediately and instead follow STANDARD AFTERCARE instructions below. If no leaking occurs, remove the film on day 3 and wash the tattoo thoroughly then apy a thin coat of unscented hand lotion.