The way your tattoo looks when you walk out of the shop is how your tattoo should look when it’s completely healed. (Providing you follow these instructions) Infections do not come from the tattoo process; they begin after leaving the shop and not caring for your new tattoo. It is perfectly normal to develop some scabbing, have itching and peeling, and tightness around the tattoo. Your tattoo will look worse before it looks better.

Wash your new tattoo 2-3 times a day with anti-bacterial soap
Pat the area dry with a clean towel
Use a tattoo-specific cream or ointment sparingly 2-3 times a day
DO NOT OVER SATURATE this can cause other issues in the healing process
Do not re-cover your tattoo with plastic wrap or Band-Aids
Resist the urge to pick or scratch your tattoo. This will damage the tattoo
After 4-5 days you can switch to an unscented lotion

Learn About Tattoo Care Mistakes

Tattoo FAQs

What you can expect and why

Day 1 It looks perfect

Day 2 Slight redness may appear around the edges as skin begins to heal

Day 3 Scabbing starts to form, and color appears lighter

Day 4 A whitish haze begins to form over tattoo (the worst day)

Day 5 Flaking/shedding of whitish skin is apparently

Day 6 Areas of hard scabbing in certain areas remain, itching

Day 7, 8, 9 Starting to look normal again

How long do I leave saniderm on?

The amount of time you should leave your protective layer on will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of protective layer used, the size and location of the tattoo, and your own individual skin type. In general, however, it is recommended that you leave the protective layer on for at least 3-5 days after leaving the tattoo shop. The longer you can leave it on, the better your tattoo will heal.

Is an ink sac normal?

An “ink sac” or “ink bubble” is a normal part of the healing process for a new tattoo. The sac that forms under the protective layer is filled with blood plasma, which helps to keep the tattoo area healthy and free from infection. You may think the ink is coming out of the tattoo as the liquid looks black or dark green. This is normal.

What happens if I take saniderm off early?

If you remove Saniderm too early, you may experience some irritation, redness, bleeding, seeping, and scabbing. This is because the adhesive bandage will not have had enough time to heal and protect the tattoo. If you remove it before 24 hours have passed, you may also damage your tattoo and cause permanent scarring.

Does saniderm pull ink?

Saniderm does not pull ink. Ink is deposited into the skin during the tattooing process, and Saniderm does not disturb or remove any of the ink that has been inserted. The adhesive will form a protective barrier over the tattoo and keep plasma and excess ink from building up on the surface. This allows the area to heal properly and prevents any damage or extraction of the ink. You may think the ink is coming out of the tattoo as the liquid looks black or dark green. This is normal.

Do you sell all the aftercare products I'll need?

Yes! We offer a variety of high quality products to care for your new tattoo. Tattoo aftercare is a very important factor in the end result of your tattoo appearance.

I want a tattoo, but I'm on a limited budget. How do you determine pricing?

Size and placement are the biggest factors in pricing your tattoo. We can not price accurately over the internet. Most tattoos start at $100.

Do tattoos hurt?

There is minimal pain associated with getting a tattoo. In fact, some clients have reported “I didn’t feel a thing!” Some areas are more sensitive than others.

Can I swim with my new tattoo?

We highly recommend that you stay out of the ocean & pools for about a week after you get your tattoo. We do offer a waterproof cover for your tattoo that will also assist in the healing process. Please tell your artist if you think you are going to be in the water shortly after your tattoo is completed.

Am I too old or too young to get a tattoo?

We firmly believe that age is just a number. We have had clients of all ages get their first tattoo. Sometimes the urge hits you later than others. Don’t let your age deter you from getting what you want.

The legal age to get a tattoo in Key West is 17 with parental consent. You will have to have a parent or guardian present and they will be required to fill out a parental consent form. We can notarize the form in the shop or you can download the form below. We will not tattoo a minor’s hands, fingers, neck or face unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Download Aftercare Guide Notarized Consent Form