Proper Aftercare instructions for Arlington Texas serving DFW
Now, you have your fresh new tattoo, and you want to take good care of it! From this point on, your Tattoo
Artist is not responsible for any infection or problems you may have with your tattoo if you don't take proper care of it. You must follow these guidelines. A really
beautiful tattoo can turn into a disaster if the proper aftercare is not taken.
Leave That Bandage Alone!
Your artist took the care to cover up your new tattoo for a very good reason - to keep air-born bacteria
from invading your wound. Yes, as pretty as your new tattoo is, it is still a wound. Open flesh is a breeding ground for bacteria and infection. Leave the bandage on for a minimum of two
hours, but no longer than ten hours. The excitement of having a new tattoo will make you want to remove the bandage so you can show your friends, but your friends will just have to
wait until later. (hope you got a pic before the bandage was applied to show your friends.)
The only exception to this rule is if your artist covered your tattoo with saran wrap or some kind of plastic. This is extremely detrimental to a tattoo (and is not a proper aftercare ethic), so it should be removed immediately. You're better off not having anything covering than suffocating your new tattoo with plastic wrap
!!NO!! baths, only until the tattoo is fully healed. When in the shower save the tattoo for the last thing
to be washed and wash it the same way you would outside of the shower Make sure the
*DIAL LIQUID ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP is with you in the shower and washes the tattoo just
before exiting the shower. (the only reason I state this is your body wash shampoo conditioner all have
Fragrance and leaving this on your tattoo can cause infection). When out of the shower dry the
tattoo with a CLEAN PAPER TOWEL ON YOUR TOWEL (no baths till fully heald bath can
cause the tattoo to soften causing the tattoo to fade). Do not use perfume or cologne on or
around the Tattoo will cause infection.
If at any time during the healing process of the tattoo, might itch slap, or pat the Tattoo do not itch or rub the tattoo for this will pull the ink out.
No swimming, NO tanning, NO saltwater, NO chlorine water, or NO lakes until 4 weeks or
fully heald. avoid DIRECT sunlight on the tattoo during the healing process and after healing
the process is complete so the tattoo does not fade if you choose to be in the sun once heald apply the
the strongest form of sunblock to keep from fading.
**Do not use Neosporin. This is a wonderful product for cuts and scrapes, but not for tattoos.**
Getting a new piercing is exciting—but proper aftercare is crucial to avoid infection, speed up healing, and keep your piercing looking its best. Whether it's your ear, nose, lip, or something more adventurous, knowing how to care for it can make all the difference.
Here’s your go-to guide for healing tips to keep your new piercing safe, clean, and healthy.
Every professional piercer will give you specific aftercare instructions based on the type of piercing you get. Always follow their advice over anything you read online, as they’ve assessed your anatomy, jewelry, and skin type in person.
As tempting as it is to play with or twist your new jewelry, don’t touch it unless you’re cleaning it. Your hands carry bacteria that can lead to infections or irritation. Always wash your hands thoroughly before doing any piercing care.
Use a sterile saline solution or piercing aftercare spray to clean the area. Avoid using harsh products like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol—they can dry out the skin and delay healing.
To clean:
Spray or soak the area with saline solution
Use a sterile gauze pad if needed (no cotton balls—they leave fibers!)
Pat dry gently
Never over-clean; 2–3 times per day is usually enough.
Even if your piercing looks healed, that doesn’t mean it is. Removing or changing jewelry too early can cause irritation, trauma, or even close the hole entirely.
Here’s a rough idea of average healing times:
Earlobe: 6–8 weeks
Cartilage: 3–6 months
Nose: 2–4 months
Lip: 6–8 weeks
Navel: 6–12 months
Ask your piercer before making any changes.
This one’s especially important for ear and facial piercings. Pressure can lead to swelling, shifting, or embedded jewelry.
Try this:
Sleep on the opposite side
Use a travel pillow to relieve pressure
Consider a silk pillowcase to reduce friction
Some redness, swelling, or tenderness is normal at first. But watch out for these signs of infection:
Yellow or green discharge with odor
Persistent swelling after several days
Heat or excessive pain
Fever or chills
If you notice any of these, contact your piercer or a healthcare provider.
Bodies of water can introduce bacteria into a fresh piercing. It’s best to avoid swimming for at least 2–4 weeks, depending on the location. If you must swim, use a waterproof wound-sealant bandage (ask your piercer for recommendations).
Your body heals best when you:
Stay hydrated
Eat nutritious food
Get plenty of sleep
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
Taking care of your overall health will help your piercing heal more quickly and cleanly.
Healing a new piercing doesn’t have to be complicated—as long as you stay consistent, gentle, and patient. Listen to your body, follow your piercer’s aftercare plan, and don’t rush the process.
The result? A beautiful, healed piercing that you can enjoy for years to come.
Thinking of getting pierced or have questions about healing? Feel free to reach out or stop by our studio—our team is always happy to guide you through the process.