Aftercare

Tattoo Aftercare

Proper Cleaning
Your tattoo artist will properly apply the bandage over your new tattoo. Keep this wrap on for 4-7 days. You will notice a brown liquid inside the wrap. This is your bodily fluid (plasma) mixed with some tattoo ink. Don't Worry! This is normal, and it's what helps speed up the healing process.

After 4-7 days, remove the wrap with antibacterial soap and warm water. DO NOT scrub your tattoo. Softly clean the area and pat the area dry. When the wrap is removed and your tattoo is cleaned you will notice your tattoo will become dry and will flake like a sunburn. You may notice some scabbing. DO NOT pick your scabs. Let them naturally fall off. Once you have dried your new tattoo. Apply a non-scented lotion 2-3 times daily or when needed for dryness.

DO NOT

• Expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for 2-3 weeks or until the healing process is complete. After that, remember to always use sunscreen when out in the sun
• Pick or scratch your tattoo when it itches during the healing process as premature removal or a scab or larger piece or skin can remove ink trom the tattoo.
• Submerge your tattoo in water. Showers are fine, but NO: POOL, NO LAKES, NO PONDS, AND CERTAINLY NO BEACHES.
• Use a scented lotion as it may burn it there is an area or the tattoo that Is still open skin.
• Exercise for the first 24 hours after getting your tattoo.
• Shave over the tattoo until it is fully healed.
• Use anything petroleum-based creams like Vaseline, A&D, or Neosporin.

If you need to remove your bandage early:

If you notice excessive redness around the edges of the bandage and it seems more painful after a couple of days, you might have an allergy to the adhesive bandage. Don't worry! This will not affect your tattoo. Remove the bandage and clean the area with antibacterial soap and warm water. The redness will likely take a couple of days to go away. In some rare cases, it could take up to a few months, which is very unlikely. If the adhesive bandage leaks or pulls up to where the tattoo is exposed, remove the bandage and clean the area with antibacterial soap and warm water. You can begin using unscented lotion 2-3 times a day. DO NOT rewrap your tattoo.

For better healing make sure to always stay hydrated!

Piercings Aftercare

For the first 3-4 weeks, your piercing may be sore and swollen, along with some minor pain. This is normal.  Clean your piercing twice daily with a sterile saline solution.  Spray the piercing and then allow it to air dry or gently pat dry with a clean paper towel.  Cloth towels harbor bacteria and may cause the piercing to be snagged out.  

• Avoid any harsh cleaners such as alcohol, bactine, peroxide, tea tree oil, etc.
• Avoid touching your piercing.  Touching it will cause irritation and infection and/or prolong your healing time.  There is no need to move it, not even while cleaning.
• Do not submerge your piercing underwater for four weeks. Showering is ok, but avoid any unclean bodies of water.   NO POOLS, NO LAKES, NO PONDS, NO OCEANS. If bathtubs are used, ensure the tub is clean to prevent any contamination of the piercing site.  
• Exercise is fine, but listen to your body and keep the piercing clean.  Certain piercings have different aftercare, and each is described below.

Most of your basic piercings

Ears, nostrils, eyebrows, etc.

4-6 months full healing time.  Cartilage-type piercings may take up to a year to heal completely.  Be patient.  Try to avoid sleeping on a fresh piercing, and always keep your linen clean.

Oral Piercings

3-5 months full healing time.  While it is advisable not to smoke after getting an oral piercing, if you must, then please keep it clean.  Rinse with a nonalcoholic mouthwash after eating, drinking, or smoking.  Avoid spicy, sour, acidic foods and take it easy with dairy while healing oral piercings for the first few weeks.  Dental damage may occur from these piercing types, so use caution while eating.

Navel/Nipple

6-9 months full healing time.  Avoid sleeping on a fresh piercing.  Avoid overly tight clothing that will press against the piercing, but snug yet breathable sports bras may be worn to support the nipples during the healing process.

Other Piercings

Some specialty piercings may require alternate care, so please see your piercer for specific aftercare for these types of piercings.