cleaning, safety, & comfort procedures.

• Surfaces in the shop are disinfected on a daily basis, needles and tubes are opened from sterilized packaging in front of clients, and disposed of in appropriate sharps container receptacles in front of clients at the end of the procedure. All surfaces and items within the booth are cleaned and disinfected in between clients, with hospital grade disinfectants. 

• Single use, disposable items are used as much as possible, so as to reduce the risk of cross-contaminants (such as needles, tubes, barrier films, gloves). All other tools (such as tattoo machines, furniture) are disinfected with high-grade EPA registered, hospital grade disinfectants. 

• During COVID we ask that all clients and staff wear masks for their appointments. You may now bring 1 guest/support person with you to your appointment.

• Booths are individual at the shop, so as to offer you privacy and comfort. We have covered windows which offer both privacy and natural light, lovely little plants everywhere, and a shared speaker so that you can help choose the music to make your experience comfortable. 

saniderm aftercare.

• Do not use Saniderm if you have a sensitivity to adhesives.

• Keep the Saniderm on for a minimum of 48 hours, and a maximum of 4–5 days. The longer you’re able to keep it on, the more your tattoo will be able to heal while bandaged.

• During this time there will be a buildup of fluid (plasma, ink, blood) underneath the bandage. This is normal and should remain contained within the Saniderm. Though your tattoo may look blurry, remember that it’s just the fluid. Your tattoo is fine.

• If your bandage does leak (the seal between the Saniderm and your skin is broken), remove the bandage and replace or continue to heal with traditional aftercare instructions.

• To remove Saniderm, slowly peel or roll the Saniderm up and down, side to side, but not away.

• Thoroughly wash tattoo with soap and warm water with clean hands (no washcloths or towels).

• Allow to air dry or use a clean paper towel.

• Moisturize with lotion daily until healed. Apply in THIN layers. Avoid lotions that contain perfumes, synthetic pigment, glitter, or alcohol.

• Avoid sunburn, salt or chlorine water, hot tubs, lakes, and rivers until your tattoo is healed.

• Seek medical attention if your tattoo site becomes infected or painful, or if you develop a fever shortly after being tattooed.

• You may be allowed to donate blood within the standard deferral period if you present a copy of your client record provided by balm.

traditional aftercare.

• Remove the covering applied by your tattoo artist after 1–2 hours.

• Wash your tattoo with an unscented, mild antibacterial soap and warm water using clean hands. Do not use a washcloth or towel.

• Allow your tattoo to air dry or use a clean paper towel.

• Apply a very THIN coat of aftercare product to your tattoo (avoid products containing petroleum—it will dry out your tattoo).

• Do not re-bandage your tattoo. Tattoos need to breathe in order to heal properly.

• Repeat approximately 3 times a day for the first 3–5 days, while your tattoo feels tender.

• After applying an aftercare ointment for the first 3–5 days, you can switch to a lotion if you prefer.

• Avoid lotions that contain perfumes, synthetic pigment, glitter, or alcohol.

• Remember to apply a THIN layer of lotion as over-moisturizing can negatively impact your tattoo.

• The initial healing of your tattoo will take up to 2 weeks. During this time you can expect your tattoo to start peeling or flaking in a similar way to sunburn. Some inked skin may flake away as the tattoo peels, but this is entirely normal.

• After light peeling, your tattoo will look glassy and feel tight. Your tattoo may also have a cloudy look with discolored patches of skin that you may be tempted to peel. Do not peel! Moisturizing will help.

• If you follow your tattoo aftercare, you can expect to be fully healed in 4–6 weeks.

written & used with permission by Shamber Davis at SparrowsNest.