TATTOO AFTERCARE

• Bandage: If a sterile gauze bandage is applied to your tattoo when you leave the studio, leave it on for 1-4 hours. After this time, carefully remove it and clean the tattoo.
• Cleaning: Gently wash the tattoo with warm water and mild antibacterial soap using only your hands (not a washcloth). Be sure to remove all blood or plasma to avoid scabbing.
• Drying: After cleaning, gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft paper towel. Do not rub or scrub.
• Moisturizing: A few days after your new tattoo, apply a thin layer of moisturizer (such as Jergens, Keri Lotion, Tattoo Goo, or Cherry Balm). A little goes a long way—dab off excess with a paper towel. The tattoo should remain moist, not wet or shiny.
• Avoid Over-Moisturizing: If the moisturizer becomes runny or overly glossy, this indicates too much product. Dab off excess to prevent suffocating the tattoo or causing ink loss.
• Avoid harsh lotions: Do not use lotions with fragrance, color, or glitter during the healing process (usually two – 4 weeks).
• Sun Exposure: Avoid sun exposure on the tattoo until fully healed. A sunburn can significantly delay healing and cause the tattoo to fade.
• Keep it clean but avoid soaking: Avoid long showers or baths for two weeks. Prolonged soaking can loosen scabs or wash away ink. Short showers (under 10 minutes) are ideal.
• No scratching or picking: Your tattoo may get itchy as it heals. Instead of scratching, gently slap or tap the area to relieve itching.
• Avoid friction: Especially on tattoos in high-movement areas like hands or feet, excessive friction can extend healing time and affect the tattoo’s appearance.
• Avoid Pools, Beaches, Lakes, Hot tubs: Submerging your new tattoo in a swimming pool, beach, lake, or hot tub introduces bacteria and increases the risk of infection.

PIERCING AFTERCARE

• Clean Hands First: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing or jewelry to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria.
• Cleaning the Piercing:
  • Use a saline solution or a mild, non-alcoholic, fragrance-free soap to clean the piercing. Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments can irritate the piercing and delay healing, so avoid using them.
  • Saline solution is the most recommended option. You can purchase a pre-made solution or make your own by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 8 oz of warm distilled water.
• Soaking & Cleaning:
  • Soak the piercing in saline solution or apply it with a clean gauze pad or paper towel. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soften any crust or discharge.
  • Gently wipe away any buildup using the soaked gauze or paper towel. If you use cotton swabs or Q-tips, make sure you don’t leave any fibers behind.
• Cleaning Frequency: Clean your piercing twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. If exposed to sweat, rinse with saline solution to keep the area clean.
• Do Not Touch or Twist the Jewelry: Avoid touching, twisting, or moving the jewelry. Doing so can irritate the piercing, cause scarring, or lead to an infection. Clean your jewelry only if necessary, using saline solution or a soft cloth, and never rotate it while cleaning.
• Let It Breathe: Avoid covering the piercing with tight bandages or clothing that might restrict airflow. Let the piercing breathe and heal naturally.
• Avoid Submerging the Piercing: Do not swim in pools, hot tubs, or any other bodies of water until the piercing has fully healed. Regular showers are fine but avoid submerging your piercing for long periods.
• Monitoring Healing: Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, and clear/white discharge are normal. However, if you experience excessive swelling, pain, yellow/green pus, or heat, consult a professional or healthcare provider.
• Sleeping with Your Piercing: Try to avoid sleeping directly on your piercing during the healing process to prevent irritation and pressure.
• Avoid Makeup, Hair Products, and Lotions: Keep makeup, lotions, hair products, and perfumes away from the piercing.
• Jewelry Care: Make sure your jewelry is made from non-reactive, hypoallergenic materials like surgical steel, titanium, niobium, or gold. Avoid jewelry with nickel.
• Healing Time: Initial swelling can be 3-6 weeks, but full healing may take 6-9 months or longer. Be patient.