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Care Guide

Aftercare Instructions

Proper aftercare is the most important part of getting a great result. Follow these guidelines carefully — your artist's work deserves it.

Tattoo Aftercare

Do
  • ✓Keep the bandage on for 2–4 hours after your session (or as directed by your artist).
  • ✓Wash gently with unscented antibacterial soap and lukewarm water 2–3 times per day.
  • ✓Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never rub.
  • ✓Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion (Lubriderm, Aveeno, or similar) 2–3 times daily once the tattoo starts to dry out.
  • ✓Keep it moisturized but not over-saturated — a thin layer is enough.
  • ✓Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo.
  • ✓Stay out of direct sunlight for the first 2–3 weeks.
  • ✓After healing, always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect the color.
Don't
  • ✗Do not re-bandage the tattoo after removing the initial wrap.
  • ✗Do not soak in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or the ocean for at least 3–4 weeks.
  • ✗Do not pick, scratch, or peel the flaking skin — let it fall off naturally.
  • ✗Do not apply petroleum-based products (Vaseline, A&D ointment) — they can pull ink.
  • ✗Do not expose the fresh tattoo to direct sunlight.
  • ✗Do not shave over a healing tattoo.
  • ✗Do not let pets lick or touch the area.
Healing Timeline

Surface healing takes 2–4 weeks. Full deep-tissue healing takes 2–6 months. The tattoo may look dull or cloudy during healing — this is normal. Color and contrast return once the skin fully settles.

Piercing Aftercare

Do
  • ✓Clean 2–3 times daily with sterile saline spray (NeilMed Wound Wash or similar).
  • ✓Rinse gently — spray, let it sit for 30 seconds, then pat dry with a clean paper towel.
  • ✓Leave the jewelry alone as much as possible — touching spreads bacteria.
  • ✓Sleep on a clean pillowcase; use a travel pillow if you have an ear piercing.
  • ✓Eat soft foods and rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash after meals for oral piercings.
  • ✓Keep hair products, makeup, and perfume away from the piercing site.
  • ✓Wear loose, breathable clothing over body piercings.
Don't
  • ✗Do not twist, turn, or rotate the jewelry — this tears healing tissue.
  • ✗Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Bactine, or Neosporin.
  • ✗Do not remove the jewelry during healing — the hole can close within hours.
  • ✗Do not submerge in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or the ocean.
  • ✗Do not use cotton balls or Q-tips — fibers can snag and irritate.
  • ✗Do not change jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.
  • ✗Do not touch the piercing with unwashed hands.
Typical Healing Times
Earlobe6–8 weeks
Ear Cartilage (helix, tragus, etc.)6–12 months
Nostril4–6 months
Septum6–8 weeks
Eyebrow / Surface9–12 months
Navel6–12 months
Nipple6–12 months
Oral (tongue, lip)4–8 weeks

Warning Signs

Some redness, swelling, and tenderness in the first 48–72 hours is normal. Contact us or seek medical attention if you notice:

  • ⚠Excessive swelling, redness, or warmth that worsens after 3 days
  • ⚠Thick yellow or green discharge (not clear fluid)
  • ⚠Red streaks radiating from the site
  • ⚠Fever or chills
  • ⚠Severe or increasing pain beyond the first few days

Have a question about your healing? We're happy to help.

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