Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

PRODUCTS NEEDED:

*DIAL LIQUID ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP

*Aquaphor

*Aveno (Fragrance-Free)lotion

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 

How to Wash and Treat Your Tattoo

Wash the tattoo twice a day for the next 3 to 4 weeks once in the morning and once at

night until full head. Wash your hands thoroughly with

*DIAL LIQUID ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP before each wash of the tattoo. Get your sink

water to as hot as you can stand to the Tattoo without burning yourself. After you

remove the bandage, you will want to wash your tattoo. Taking half a pump of*DIAL

LIQUID ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP lather it up in your hands (make it bubbly) only using

the tips of your fingers you will want to gently wash away any ointment, blood, and/or

plasma and to completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive

when washing the Tattoo. Your hand is your best tool in this case. (If your tattoo feels

slimy and slippery, you have probably been oozing plasma. Try to gently remove it as

much of this as possible - when the plasma dries on the skin surface, it creates scabs.)

Once washed and rinsed. Then pat/press (do not rub) the area firmly with a CLEAN

paper towel NOT A CLOTH TOWEL (cloth towels tend to leave cloth fibers in the tattoo

causing the cloth to retain ink causing fading in the tattoo) to get it completely dry and

free of all moisture (for bacteria can spawn in moisture and be prone to infection).

Now once fully dry I recommend *Aquaphor for the 1st seven to ten days after every wash ( really unto where the tightness and soreness in the tattoo are gone you will use

the *Aquaphor ) you will apply one pea-size drop for every 3 to 4 square inches. After

applying the *Aquaphor grab a few more paper towels and same method use to remove

moisture will be used to remove excess *Aquaphor. So then pat/press (do not rub) the

area firmly with a CLEAN paper towel (NOT A CLOTH TOWEL) do this till the *Aquaphor

is a thin film over the tattoo (slightly visible). After the tightness and soreness is gone

from the tattoo, you will still wash twice a day for the next 2 weeks or until full heald

but after every wash at this rate, you will start to use the lotion. A lot of artists

recommend Lubriderm, but I have found that Lubriderm stings when I apply it. Instead,

I have had great success *Aveno (Fragrance-Free)lotion. Apply a thin layer of  *Aveno

(Fragrance-Free)lotion after every wash at this rate until fully healed.

How to Shower with your Tattoo 

    !!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. 

 MY TATTOO ITCHES

 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.

THEY DO NOT'S OF YOUR TATTOO

   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.**

Healing Tips for Your New Piercing: What You Need to Know

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.

1. Follow Your Piercer’s Instructions First

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.

2. Hands Off! Avoid Touching It

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.

3. Clean It Gently, Twice a Day

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.

4. Don’t Remove or Change Jewelry Too Soon

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.

5. Avoid Sleeping on Your Piercing

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

6. Watch for Signs of Infection

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.

7. Avoid Pools, Lakes & Hot Tubs (At First)

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).

8. Stay Healthy = Heal Faster

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.

Final Thoughts

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.