Aftercare

Tattoo &

Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo!
When you get home: Remove bandage within 2 - 3 hours after getting your tattoo. Do not re-bandage.
Wash your tattoo with an unscented anti-bacterial liquid soap. Be gentle, Only use your hands.
Gently pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel.
The first 3-4 days: Rub a small amount of ointment (Bepanthen Tattoo is what I recommend) on your tattoo. Always use clean hands and do not place your fingers back into the ointment after touching your tattoo. Make sure to rub the ointment in so that it is not shiny, or greasy– you want the thinnest amount possible.
Pat off any excess ointment with a clean paper towel.
Do not use Vaseline, petroleum, Neosporin, or Bag Balm.
Wash, dry, and apply ointment 1-3 times daily, as needed.
On the first night, you may want to wrap your tattoo in saran wrap to prevent sticking to your bedding. Do not use any cloth bandages or pads, as the fibers of this material can adhere to your open tattoo and hinder the healing process.
Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks– nothing abrasive or irritating.
On the 3rd or 4th day your tattoo will begin to peel. This is normal! Do not pick at the skin!
Begin using a mild, white, unscented lotion, free of dyes or Perfumes.
Use lotion for minimum 2 weeks, 1-2 times daily.
Always consult with your tattoo artist for the best aftercare program for you!!

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

Step 1: Daily Cleaning

You should clean your piercing at least once a day. I recommend twice. Once in the morning and once in the evening.

Do not remove the jewelry during cleaning.

Always wash your hands before washing your piercing.

Gently apply an unscented antimicrobial soap to the entry and exit holes of the piercing and wash for at least 30 seconds.

Once thoroughly cleaned, rinse away all soap residue and pat dry with a paper towel or allow to air dry.

Step 2: Sea Salt Soaks

Using a sterile saline or sea salt solution soak the piercing at least once daily.

Soak a sterile gauze pad in the solution and apply gently press it to both sides of the piercing.

Leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

This helps especially if your piercing is red irritated.

Piercing Aftercare Tips

Always consult with your piercing artist for the best aftercare program for you!!
Don’t touch your piercing unless you’re cleaning it.
You do not need to twist, turn, or rotate your piercing during cleaning. Minimize how much your jewelry moves.
For threaded jewelry, check beads daily and tighten if necessary.
Always wash hands before touching your piercing.
Never use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. These are too strong and will irritate your piercing.
Choose initial piercing jewelry that will not move or catch. You can change the initial jewelry after healing.
Mild discomfort, swelling, redness, and itching are normal. Bleeding, scabbing, and even clear/white pus is common during the first week.
Do not apply makeup or fragrances directly on the piercing.