Aftercare
Tattoo Aftercare
Alright, here’s the deal: your tattoo is an open wound, and how you treat it in these first few days matters. This isn’t just about keeping it pretty — it’s about healing clean, staying safe, and making sure all that detail and color sticks.
The First Few Days (Day 0–3)
Wash your tattoo gently with clean hands, warm water, and unscented liquid soap — nothing fancy, no bar soaps, no strong smells, no alcohol. You’re just trying to wash off the plasma and grime, not exfoliate your skin off.
Do NOT scrub it. No sponges, no loofahs, no washcloths. Just your hand is fine.
Once it’s clean, let it air dry or pat it dry with a paper towel. Not your bath towel — that thing’s seen some things, and we don’t want it near your fresh tattoo.
Wash it like this 1–2 times a day for the first 3–4 days. If you get sweaty, furry (shout out to pet owners), or dirty, clean it again — or hit it with a quick mist of Bactine. Keep it breathable. No more wrapping or bandaging it after the first day — your skin needs air to heal right.
The Scab Stage (Day 3+)
Here comes the itchy part.
Around day 3 or 4, your tattoo will scab and probably get a little annoying. That’s normal — just don’t pick at it, no matter how tempting it gets. This is where people mess up great tattoos.
You can stop washing it regularly at this point and switch to a thin layer of unscented lotion 2–3 times a day. And I mean thin — this ain’t a barbecue. If you over-moisturize, the tattoo can get gummy and heal weird, which might dull the ink.
Let the scabs fall off on their own. Seriously. Don’t help them. That top layer of skin will flake and peel, and underneath it, your tattoo’s settling in for the long haul.
Quick Dos and Don’ts
❌ No Neosporin, no antibiotic ointments, and definitely no Aloe Vera.
🌞 Stay out of direct sunlight.
💦 No soaking — that means no pools, lakes, oceans, or baths.
💪 Take it easy — avoid intense workouts, heavy sweating, and stretching the tattooed area for the first week or two.
🧊 If it itches bad, slap a clean, dry ice pack on it for a few minutes. Don’t scratch it.
This is how you protect your investment — and your skin. If you’re unsure about anything, reach out. I’d rather you ask questions than mess it up.
Piercing Aftercare
Clean Hands, Happy Piercing
Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing. Dirty hands are a surefire way to invite trouble.
Saline Is Your New Best Friend
Use a sterile saline solution (look for 0.9% sodium chloride) to clean your piercing. Spray it on or apply with a clean gauze pad. No need to twist or turn the jewelry; just let the saline do its job.
Dry It Right
After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a clean, disposable paper product. Avoid cloth towels—they can harbor bacteria and snag on your jewelry.
What to Expect
Some bleeding, swelling, or tenderness is normal initially. During healing, you might see some discoloration or a whitish-yellow fluid that forms crust on the jewelry—totally normal. Just keep up with the cleaning.
Keep It Clean
Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and ointments—they can irritate your piercing. Stick to saline and gentle cleaning.
Hands Off
Don’t play with your jewelry. Twisting or turning it can irritate the piercing and prolong healing.
Stay Out of the Water
Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans until your piercing is fully healed. If you must, use a waterproof bandage to protect the area.
Listen to Your Body
If you notice excessive redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, consult me or a healthcare provider. Better safe than sorry.
Remember, healing times vary depending on the piercing location and your body’s response. Patience and proper care are key. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your piercing is an investment—treat it like one.