BLUE JACKET TATTOO COMPANY
Tattoo Aftercare
Follow these instructions to protect your investment and keep your tattoo looking its best for life.
Your Tattoo Is a Wound — Treat It Like One
A fresh tattoo is an open wound and needs proper care to heal correctly. How you care for it in the first few weeks directly affects how vibrant and crisp it looks for years to come. Follow these guidelines closely and don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions.
SANIDERM / TEGADERM
If Using Second Skin
Second Skin (also called Saniderm or Tegaderm) is a breathable, waterproof bandage that protects your tattoo during the critical first days of healing. If your artist applied it, follow these instructions instead of the standard wrap steps.
- 1Leave the Second Skin on for 3–5 days. Your artist will advise the exact timeframe based on your tattoo.
- 2It's completely normal to see fluid, ink, and plasma pooling under the bandage — this is part of the healing process.
- 3Keep the bandage dry and avoid submerging it in water. Showers are fine; baths, pools, and hot tubs are not.
- 4If the bandage lifts, peels at the edges, or leaks, remove it carefully and switch to the standard aftercare routine.
- 5To remove: find an edge and slowly peel it back in the direction of hair growth while holding the skin taut. Do this in the shower with warm water to ease removal.
- 6After removing, wash the tattoo gently with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water, pat dry, and apply a thin layer of unscented lotion.
- 7Do not apply a second piece of Second Skin at home unless your artist specifically instructed you to.
Not sure which method your artist used? Check your aftercare sheet or give us a call — we're happy to walk you through it.
The Healing Process
Days 1–3: The First Wrap
- Leave the bandage or wrap applied by your artist on for the time they recommended — typically 2–4 hours, or up to 24 hours for a second-skin wrap.
- When removing the wrap, wash your hands thoroughly first.
- Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap using only your fingertips — no washcloths or sponges.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.
- Apply a very thin layer of unscented lotion or tattoo-specific aftercare ointment.
- Let the tattoo breathe — do not re-wrap unless instructed by your artist.
Days 4–14: The Peeling Phase
- Wash the tattoo 2–3 times daily with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water.
- Moisturize with a thin layer of unscented lotion after each wash — Lubriderm, Aveeno, or a dedicated tattoo aftercare product work well.
- Your tattoo will begin to peel and flake — this is completely normal. Do NOT pick or scratch.
- Itching is normal. Gently slap the area if needed — never scratch.
- Avoid soaking the tattoo in baths, pools, hot tubs, or the ocean.
- Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight.
Weeks 2–4: Surface Healing
- The outer layers of skin will appear healed, but deeper layers are still healing.
- Continue moisturizing daily.
- You can now shower normally, but avoid direct high-pressure water on the tattoo.
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) is essential any time the tattoo is exposed to sunlight.
- Avoid tanning beds entirely during this period.
What to Avoid
Long-Term Care
Once fully healed, your tattoo still needs care to stay vibrant. Moisturize regularly, always apply sunscreen before sun exposure, and stay hydrated. Well-maintained skin means a well-maintained tattoo. If you notice any signs of infection — excessive redness, swelling, discharge, or fever — contact a medical professional immediately.
Questions About Your Tattoo?
We're always happy to help. Give us a call or stop by the shop — we want your tattoo to heal perfectly.
Call (508) 746-2460