aftercare instructions

• Always wash your hands before touching your healing tattoo!
• When you get home: Remove bandage 2-3 hours after getting your tattoo. Do not re-bandage. Your tattoo needs to breathe, just like an open wound.
• Wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial liquid soap. Be gentle, do not use a washcloth or anything that will exfoliate your tattoo. Only use your hands.
• Gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel. Do not rub, or use a fabric with a rough surface.
• The first 2 weeks: Rub a small amount of lotion on your tattoo (as recommended by your artist). Always use clean hands. Make sure to rub the lotion in so that it is not shiny, or greasy– you want the thinnest amount possible (should absorb into the tattoo within ten seconds).  Do not use Vaseline, petroleum, Neosporin, or Bag Balm. Wash, dry, and apply lotion/ointment 1-3 times daily, as needed.
• Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks– nothing abrasive or irritating.
• After day 3 or 4: On the 3rd or 4th day your tattoo will begin to peel. This is normal! Do not pick at the skin. Continue using a mild, white, unscented lotion, free of dyes or Perfumes.
• Use lotion for minimum 2 weeks, 1-2 times daily.

Things to Avoid

• Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo.
• You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, soaking, or hot tub.
• You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sunblock.
• Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.
• Do not let anyone touch your tattoo unless they wash their hands.
• Beware of gym equipment; wash it well before using it.

You Can Also

• Ice your tattoo to reduce swelling.
• Elevate your tattoo, to reduce swelling.
• Take short showers.

When it comes to caring for your piercings, less is more! 

First thing’s first, always wash your hands! 

Then, using either a sterile saline solution or warm, running water, thoroughly rinse your new piercing 1-2 times a day, every day, for the duration of your healing period.

Use a clean, disposable product (like a q-tip, paper towel, or non-woven gauze) to gently wipe away any residue and excess moisture.

Once your swelling goes down, come in for your downsize (if necessary)! 

Other tips for a happy piercing:

• Do not touch your piercings with dirty hands. 
• Do not put alcohol, peroxide, witch hazel, neosporin, or essential oils on your new piercing. 
• Only take aftercare advice from quality professional piercers. 
• Keep makeup at least a dime-sized circle away from your new piercing for the duration of the healing period.
• Avoid submerging your new piercing in bodies of water that aren't your shower for the duration of the healing period.
• Avoid hats, headbands, or other tight clothes that may put pressure on your new piercing.
• Stay hydrated, get the rest you need, and eat a nourishing diet to help the healing process along.

For oral piercings: In addition to the above, rinse with water for 30 seconds any time you eat, drink, or smoke. Keep up with your oral hygiene, but avoid products with teeth whitening solutions or baking soda. 

Don't forget your downsize! These are especially important for your long term oral health. 

For more detailed aftercare information, please see the Association of Professional Piercers website.

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with us!