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.
• Important Aftercare Disclaimer:
  We are not medical professionals, and while we can provide basic advice on aftercare for tattoos and piercings, we are not able to diagnose infections or other medical conditions. If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as excessive redness, swelling, discharge, or discomfort that doesn’t improve, please consult your healthcare provider. If you suspect an infection, seeking medical attention promptly is essential to ensure proper care and healing.

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 for cleaning. Ideally, you can either purchase a pre-made saline solution from a pharmacy 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 around the piercing.
  • 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 Q-tip fibers behind.
• Cleaning Frequency:
  • Clean your piercing twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. If exposed to sweat or physical activity, rinse with saline solution to keep the area clean.
• Avoid Harsh Cleaning Products:
  • Do not use harsh chemicals such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments. These can cause irritation and slow down the healing process.
• 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 twist it or 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, as these environments can expose your piercing to bacteria and chemicals.
  • Regular showers are fine but avoid submerging your piercing in water for long periods.
• Monitoring Healing:
  • Mild redness, swelling, tenderness, and some clear or white discharge are normal during healing. However, if you experience excessive swelling, pain, yellow/green pus, or heat, consult a professional piercer or healthcare provider for advice.
• Sleeping with Your Piercing:
  • Try to avoid sleeping directly on your piercing during the healing process to prevent irritation and pressure. Use a soft pillow or pillowcase to cushion the area if necessary.
• Avoid Makeup, Hair Products, and Lotions:
  • Keep makeup, lotions, hair products, and perfumes away from the piercing as these can irritate the healing tissue or clog 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, as it may cause allergic reactions.
  • If irritation occurs, consult your piercer about switching to a different option.
• Healing Time:
  • Piercing healing times vary, but initial swelling can be the 3-6 weeks for most piercings. Actual healing time for a piercing may take 6-9 months or longer to fully heal.
  • Healing times can vary from person to person, so be patient and allow adequate time for the piercing to heal.

• Piercing Aftercare Disclaimer:

Please note that we are not medical professionals and cannot diagnose infections. We are happy to assist with basic aftercare advice for your tattoo or piercing, including helping with minor bumps, irritation, or common healing issues. However, if you suspect an infection or notice any unusual symptoms, we strongly recommend that you seek guidance from a healthcare provider. Your health and safety are our top priority.