Previously artists would use plastic wrap after a fresh tattoo to protect it from dirt and debris. This would kick off the beginning of the healing process by keeping it on for up to 24 hours. If you’ve gotten a tattoo in the past you may realize how inconvenient cling wrap was as it wouldn’t always stay on or having a larger tattoo resulted in a higher chance of leaking. Nowadays you don’t see many artists still using cling wrap and rather they use a breathable bandage such as Saniderm.
Saniderm is a medical-grade, breathable, waterproof tattoo bandage.This type of bandage allows for the skin to remain moisturized and protected from any outside bacteria. When using the bandage on your client there are many things to keep in mind. Before starting be sure the area was shaved more than 1 inch around the tattoo so that there are no hairs getting caught in the adhesive causing your client pain or irritation when removing the bandage. Clean the area after the tattoo is complete without products containing isopropyl alcohol or glycerin as it can cause the tattooed skin to dry out under the bandage as well as rashes.
In order to apply the bandage, simply cut the bandage to the size of the tattoo with at least an inch on all sides. It is recommended that the edges be rounded to feel more comfortable and adhere better. Peel the white paper wrapping from the sticky side and place over the tattoo. Once the adhesive side is placed, remove the see through second layer from the top side, gently smoothing the bandage on the tattoo. If there are air bubbles locked in underneath the bandage you can pop them and add smaller pieces to cover the holes up since it is possible to layer bandages. Saniderm recommends that you only leave the first bandage on from 3 – 24 hours. Since your client won’t generally be back the next day it is good to inform them on how to remove and replace the bandage.
In order to remove the bandage it is ideal to be in the shower or near running water as it will help loosen the adhesive and make for a more comfortable removal. Pull the bandage back over itself in the direction the hair grows. Once removed the tattoo should be washed with fragrance free soap, towel dried or air dried. When changing pieces, make sure to leave a gap of no more than 30 minutes between removal and reapplication. When that step is complete it is safe to add a thin layer of petroleum-free moisturizer to help the tattoo retain moisture and itch less. Be sure just the moisturizer is only being applied to the tattooed area as it will affect the adhesiveness of the bandage since it has trouble sticking to moisture.
The second bandage can be kept on for 3 – 6 days unless the skin looks irritated. Do not apply another bandage once the scabbing or flaking faze of the tattoo healing has begun. If there is any adhesive residue coconut oil or baby oil are helpful for removal. Avoid extreme heat, long showers, excessive exercise, and swimming as this could severely affect the adhesiveness of the bandage and lead to a possible infection.
Click here to pick up some Saniderm bandages or here for further detailed usage information.
