Taking Care of Your New Tattoo or Piercing
Aftercare is essential for the longevity of your new piercing or tattoo. Please be sure to ask your artists any specific questions or concerns regarding your specific care for your tattoo or piercing.
Any and all aftercare provided on this page is for general educational purposes and should be consulted with your piercer or artist. This advice is not intended to replace, nor should it be used as, medical advice. Please consult a licensed physician at the first sign of infection or an allergic reaction!
Tattoo After Care
General Care
What we recommend for most tattoos. We will never recommend dry healing.
- Wash 2-5 times daily (2-3 for most people) with liquid antibacterial soap and apply light layer of a non-petroleum-based ointment/salve/balm.
- We recommend Dove and Dial gold for the soap.
- We recommend a Palmer’s coco butter, Lubriderm, or our in-shop balms.
- If you are using Saniderm/Recovery Derm Shield;
- Leave the bandage on for 24 hours. Pooling of liquid or plasma is normal.
- Remove in shower under warm water to loosen the adhesive. Pull the bandage off in the direction of the hair growth.
- After removing, wash as instructed under General Care. You can apply a second skin again for an additional 3-6 days, 6 being optimal, if you choose. After removing the second, continue to wash and moisturize as General Care advises.
- If you are using Ink Beetle;
- Leave the product on for recommended product time (12-24 hours max). Pooling of liquid or plasma is normal.
- Remove in shower under warm water with your antibacterial soap.
- After removing, wash as instructed under General Care.
Do
For the best care.
- Pat gently with a paper towel once cleaned.
- Use sunscreen AFTER the tattoo has fully healed when spending prolonged periods in direct sunlight. (Do not apply it to a fresh tattoo).
- Ask questions if you have any or have concerns. We are here if you need to reach out to us.
Don’t
Not recommended.
- Use petroleum-based products, as they can clog the pores and can promote infection.
- Scrub or rub your new tattoo with a towel or rag.
- Scratch your new tattoo or pick your scabs. It may pull ink out of the skin and will cause you to bleed.
- Use body wash, lotions or shampoos that have fragrances.
- Apply sunscreen to a fresh tattoo.
- Sun tan, swim or go into a public body of water for at least 2 weeks.
- Place your tattoo in direct exposure to the sun.
Notice regarding your tattoos
Tattoos can be uncomfortable. Some discomfort and redness is expected. The area may also appear temporarily raised.
Watch out for the following signs
- Fever
- Feeling waves of heat and cold
- Abnormal shivering
- Abnormal redness, warmth, pain, swelling of the tattooed area
- Red lesions around the tattooed area
- Pus coming out of the tattooed area
- Areas of hard, raised tissue.
If these occur, seek care from a licensed medical professional asap. Life threatening conditions are quite rare, but it can cause permanent damage to the area.
Piercing After Care
Care for your new piercing;
- Avoid touching the new piercing to avoid the exposure of germs. If you must, use clean hands or gloves.
- Always thoroughly wash and dry your hands before touching your new piercing.
- Clean as advised by your piercer.
- Use a saline solution with a Q-tip to clean your piercing.
- Sparingly, you can use Bactine for any discomfort.
- Oral piercings should be rinsed with a mild, alcohol free mouthwash like Oral B Sensitive.
Notice regarding your piercings
- Polyps can appear on new piercings; this is due to knocking the piercing site or pressure on the site. To avoid this, please keep your piercing free of obstacles.
- Avoid drinking any alcohol for the first 4-5 days after receiving your piercing, as it can promote bleeding and increase swelling. The use of any recreational drugs should also be avoided as it may slow the healing process.