Aftercare Instructions
Aftercare Instructions
Taking care of your new tattoo or piercing is just as important as getting it. Proper aftercare ensures your skin heals correctly and that your art or jewelry stays vibrant, clean, and free of complications.Here you’ll find detailed guidelines tailored for each type of service — tattoo or piercing — with clear steps to help you protect your investment and your skin.
Tattoo AfterCare
The First 24 Hours:
Sacred Ground
Your tattoo is a fresh wound. Treat it like the masterpiece it is
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Leave the bandage on:List Item 1
Your artist will wrap your tattoo with a bandage once your tattoo is complete. Some plasma, blood, or lymph fluid buildup under the bandage is normal. Do not leave
the bandage on for more than 24 hours.
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The Unveiling:List Item 2
Gently remove the bandage with clean hands 24 hours after your session, depending on how much the tattoo weeps. Find an edge and peel it back over itself in the
direction of hair growth (the shower is ideal for removal)
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The Cleansing:List Item 3
Wash the tattoo very gently with fragrance-free, antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Use your fingertips to remove all plasma/blood carefully, no harsh scrubbing. Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel.
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New Skin Layer:List Item 4
Cut a new bandage to fit around the tattoo (include about 1 inch extra on all sides). Peel off the white paper layer, place the sticky side gently over the tattoo, then remove the top see-through layer and smooth it down. Days 2-14: The Healing Journe
Days 2-14: The Healing Journey
Keep the second bandage on for 5-6 days (6 days is ideal). If the skin looks irritated, there’s fluid buildup, or water has entered the bandage, you can remove it early.
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The Routine (after removing the second skin)List Item 1
- Wash the tattoo gently with unscented antibacterial soap and pat dry with paper towel or clean towel.
- Apply a thin layer of aftercare moisturizer 2-3 times daily for 2 weeks (or until the tattoo is no longer peeling, dry, or cracked)
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DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH!List Item 2
- Your tattoo will begin to flake and itch, like a sunburn. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH! Picking can cause scarring and ink loss. Do NOT reapply more bandages once the scabbing/flaking stage begins
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Wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid irritation. Avoid tight clothing that rubs against the tattoo. Keep it clean and dry and AVOID the followingList Item 3
- Sun Exposure: Completely avoid direct sunlight.
- Soaking: No baths, swimming, saunas, or hot tubs.
- Excessive Exercise: Sweat can irritate the tattoo, please avoid exercise for 1-2 weeks.
- Harsh Chemicals: Avoid any harsh soaps, lotions, or chemicals on the tattoo.
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New Skin Layer:List Item 4
Cut a new bandage to fit around the tattoo (include about 1 inch extra on all
sides). Peel off the white paper layer, place the sticky side gently over the tattoo, then remove
the top see-through layer and smooth it down.
Days 2-14: The Healing Journe
Beyond 2 Weeks: Long-Term Care
The tattoo may look healed on the surface, but deep skin layers continue repairing for 2-4 months.
Continue using aftercare products regularly until fully healed. Keep the tattoo moisturized and
protected from harsh environments (sun, chlorine, dirt, etc.).
Listen to Your Body: If something doesn't feel right, contact your artist or a medical professional
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
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Contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:List Item 1
- Fever
- Chills
- Excessive Pain
- Spreading Redness
- Pus or Discolored Discharge
- Swollen Lymph Nodes
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Disclaimer:List Item 2
- This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding your health or treatment.
Piercing AfterCare
Cleaning Instructions
Clean your piercing 2-3x a day, or as needed for a clean piercing is a piercing that heals!
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Cleaning the piercing:List Item 1
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing. Soak the
piercing in a saline solution: use a pre-made saline solution (sold in the studio) and use a new
clean piece of gauze each time.
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Do NOT touch your jewelry:List Item 2
Do NOT touch your new piercing jewelry until it is fully healed
because your hands can introduce bacteria, causing infection and irritation, slowing down the
healing process.
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Avoid:List Item 3
Avoid using cotton balls, paper towels, and cotton buds/Q-tips when cleaning your
piercing. Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh soaps on top of your piercing
What to AVOID!
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Avoid touching!List Item 1
- Keep hands away from your piercing.
- Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing.
- Do not play with or spin the jewelry.
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Avoid submersion in water:List Item 2
- Pools
- Lakes
- Hot tubs
- Showers (try to keep piercing out of direct water spray)
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Additional things to avoid:
- Do not use makeup around the piercing area.
- Do not use hair products like shampoo, conditioner, sprays, or dye near the piercing.
- Do not change or remove the jewelry until it is fully healed.
- Oral Piercings: Do not smoke or vape during healing, avoid spicy foods, and hot liquids
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How Long to Avoid These Things:
You should avoid all activities and products listed above for
the entire healing period, which can range from 6 to 9
months or longer depending on the piercing and your
body’s healing process.
Even if the piercing looks healed on the outside, the tissue
inside may still be fragile
Healing Timeline & Symptoms
Healing time varies for everyone, but here’s a general guide:
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Initial 1-2 Weeks:List Item 1
The area will feel sore, swollen, tender, and may produce a small amount of clear
discharge.
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1-3 Months:List Item 2
Swelling will gradually decrease. Some discomfort may still be present as the piercing
continues to heal.
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2-3 Months +:List Item 3
The area should feel much better and skin will start to grow tightly around the jewelry.
It will begin to look and feel more natural.
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⚠ Important:
Healing times can vary. Always follow your piercer's specific aftercare instructions
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
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If you notice any of the following signs, see a doctor immediately or contact your piercer for guidance:List Item 1
- Pain that increases instead of decreases.
- Redness and warmth around the area.
- Excessive swelling.
- Thick, smelly discharge.
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IMPORTANT REMINDER:List Item 2
- Do not remove or replace your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed, unless instructed by a professional
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Disclaimer:
- This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding your health or treatment