Aftercare Instructions
Tattoo Aftercare
Congrats on the new tattoo! Please keep in mind that your body is treating your new addition just like it would any other open wound. That means you should be conscious of aftercare, as well as your surroundings while it heals. Please keep in mind that different professionals provide variations on aftercare. Just because it’s different doesn’t necessarily make it wrong, but please reach out to us if you have questions about deviating from our recommended aftercare.
- Your fresh tattoo was bandaged upon completion. Try and keep that on for at least a few hours, ideally until the end of the day; if Saniderm or Tegaderm was used (the medical saran wrap), keep this on for at least a couple of days – if it naturally begins to peel up, you can remove it sooner.
- Once you’ve removed the bandage, rinse and wash it thoroughly using warm water, antibacterial soap and your hands (try and avoid anything that is going to be textured or abrasive to your skin).
- Pat (don’t wipe) dry with a paper towel. You can use a cloth towel, but be mindful that the ink has an opportunity to stain whatever fabric you’re using.
- After drying, lightly apply lotion. This should be done 1-2 times a day. We recommend Lubriderm or Jergens – you can use pretty much anything, just make sure it’s unscented. Remember, apply lightly - there is such a thing as too much and too heavy, which can negatively impact healing.
- Again, treat it like you would anything else that’s healing – keep it clean! Normal showers are fine, but avoid soaking the tattoo, particularly as it’s scabbing.
- A tattoo can take anywhere between 2 and 4 weeks to heal entirely, based on the individual. Quickest way to know that it’s healed: it’s no longer shiny.
And now for the list of what to make sure you avoid:
- Don’t soak, don’t over moisturize.
- Avoid scratching (expect a little bit of an itch) or picking any scabs that form. They’re normal, and scratching them off may lead to slight scarring and loss of ink.
- If it’s standing water, stay away from it. No pools. No hot tubs. No Oceans, definitely no rivers.
- Avoid direct sunlight and once your tattoo has healed, try and remember apply sunscreen (don’t worry, we forget about that one too).
Piercing Aftercare
- Clean your piercing two-three times daily with Sterile Saline Wound Wash. DO NOT manually rotate the jewelry. DO NOT use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil or anything else for cleaning.
- Spray a light amount of Sterile Saline Wound Wash on the entrance and exit holes.
- DO NOT remove any debris if it is attached to the skin, allow it to detach naturally. DO NOT use Q-Tips or cotton balls on the piercing.
- Shower as normal. DO NOT put shampoo, body washes, etc on the piercing. Before getting out, rinse the piercing under water to wash away any chemicals.
- After you shower, spray piercings as instructed with Sterile Saline Wound Wash and then dry the area off with a blow dryer on the lowest setting or a fan.
- DO NOT submerge your new piercing in any kind of water such as pools, hot tubs, oceans, or baths for at least 6 weeks. There are bacteria in these bodies of water that can cause infection in the new piercing.
- DO NOT TOUCH THE PIERCING!
- Allow (typically) 4-8 weeks before having jewelry professionally downsized or changed to a new stud and 6 months before having jewelry professionally changed to a ring.
- Downsizing is very important to properly heal piercings. You will be pierced with a longer piece of jewelry to accommodate for initial swelling and inflammation. About 4-8 weeks after, you will need to contact us for a follow-up consultation where we may install a shorter piece of jewelry. Charges will apply for any new pieces needed.
- Allow the piercing to fully heal before changing jewelry yourself. We are always happy to help you with any jewelry changes!
- DO NOT sleep on the jewelry as this can lead to extra swelling and irritation. This will cause the piercing to heal at improper angles.
- We guarantee all our jewelry against manufacturer defects.
- If you have any issues or concerns with your piercings, you are advised to contact us ASAP.
- We are here to help with any problem small or large!