Aftercare

The instructions listed below is how we recommend taking care of your fresh tattoos and/or piercings.

  • Piercing Aftercare

    Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your piercing!

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    Clean your piercing 1 to 2 times daily using either a gentle unscented soap (Dove, Dial, Ivory, or anything gentle & fragrance free) or a basic saline solution (Neilmed, Arm & Hammer, or any basic saline w/o additives like alcohol, peroxide, fragrance, or essential oils).

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    Use either Q-Tips or your clean fingertips to clean your piercing. Be sure to clean away any dirt, debris, or discharge that has accumulated on the skin and the jewelry. Remember discharge is normal, but it needs to be cleaned away!

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    Whether you are using soap or saline, always rinse off your piercing with water after cleaning it. Letting soap or saline dry on your skin will cause irritation.

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    If you have an oral piercing (lip, tongue, cheeks, and smiley), you should rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash twice daily. Lip piercings should be cleaned on the outside as well with either soap or saline.

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  • Piercings: Do this

    1. DO continue to clean your piercing the entire time you have it.
    2. DO take Ibuprofen daily for the first week to treat swelling. Continue that as needed.
    3. DO check tops/balls on your jewelry throughout the day to ensure they are as tight as possible. (not necessary for nostril piercings).
    4. If you have oral piercings: DO rinse out your mouth after eating and smoking with either mouthwash or warm lightly salted water. Mouthwash is preferred.
    5. DO come to see your piercer if you are experiencing any problems or if you have questions.

  • Piercings: Don't do this

    1. DO NOT use alcohol, peroxide, essential oils, bactine, ointment, or scented soap on your piercing.
    2. DO NOT cover your piercing with gauze or bandaids unless otherwise instructed by the piercer.
    3. DO NOT remove jewelry to sleep or to clean it. The piercing will either close, become extremely irritated, or even infected.
    4. DO NOT use rags or loofahs on your piercing.
    5. DO NOT play with or touch your piercing unless you are cleaning it or checking the tightness of the tops.
    6. DO NOT submerge the piercing in water for at least the first 5 weeks.

  • Tattoo Aftercare

    Aftercare for tattoos varies slightly depending on the bandage type. If you were wrapped with an adhesive bandage, remove the bandage within 3 to 5 days and follow the instructions. Otherwise, remove the wrap within an hour or ASAP and continue with the instructions.

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    Remove the wrap after the allotted time. It's best to do this during a warm shower.

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    Cleanse the area using your fingertips, unscented soap, and warm water. After cleansing, PAT the area dry with a clean paper towel. Repeat this twice daily until it is healed.

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    Apply a thin layer of gentle unscented lotion to your tattoo after cleansing and throughout the day whenever it feels dry or tight.

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  • Important Information Regarding Adhesive Wraps

    It is a waterproof bandage so it is okay to shower, but do not submerge it in water. If you have an adhesive allergy, you CANNOT wear this bandage. Let your artist know. 

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  • Important Information Regarding Adhesive Wrap

    Tattoos leak plasma during the healing, which is a normal part of their process. Wearing an adhesive wrap will keep the plasma collected under the bandage. It is seen on social media as an "ink sack." This is normal and will be washed away once you remove the bandage.

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  • Important Information Regarding Adhesive Wrap

    MOST IMPORTANTLY:

    If you notice redness underneath the bandage or plasma leaking outside the bandage, remove the wrap and start aftercare.

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  • Tattoos: Do this

    1. DO wash your tattoo as gently as possible.
    2. DO apply sunscreen daily once it is healed (5-week average).
    3. DO keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight as much as possible
    4. DO apply a thin layer of gentle/unscented lotion as needed. You can use Aquaphor, Lubriderm, Cocoa butter lotion, or Shea butter lotion.

  • Tattoos: Don't do this

    1. DO NOT apply alcohol, peroxide, vaseline, or A&D ointment to your tattoo.
    2. DO NOT submerge the tattoo in water until it is fully healed.
    3. DO NOT rub, itch, or pick at the tattoo while it's healing (peeling and scabbing are normal but do not pick at it).
    4. DO NOT compress the tattoo with tight clothing.
    5. DO NOT rewrap your tattoo unless otherwise advised by your artist.
    6. DO NOT clean your tattoo with anything rough like rags or loofahs.