Congratulations on your new piercing! While seeking out a reputable and safe piercer is the first step for a healthy piercing, how you take care of your healing piercing will set you up for success. Please keep in mind that our information is not medical advice as we are not medical professionals — If you are consulting with your doctor, we advise following their advice.
Piercing Aftercare
Do use sterile saline wound wash 2x a day. This is the ONLY solution that should be used on piercings other than warm water.
DO allow the water to run on your piercings while you shower. This will soften up any debris and allow it to fall off naturally.
DO change your pillow cases often. You can also use a clean t-shirt over your pillows to help keep your piercing clean.
DO downsize accordingly. Wait 4-6 weeks and visit your piercer for a shorter post.
DO NOT use alcohol, peroxide, tea-tree oil, ointments of any kind or soap to clean your piercings, and do not make your own salt water mixtures.
DO NOT use cotton swabs to clean your piercing unless absolutely necessary. Excess fibers from cotton swabs can get trapped in the piercing channel and cause irritation.
DO NOT touch, twist, rotate, play with or remove your piercing while it is healing. Movement of the jewelry can cause irritation, and our hands can also introduce bacteria to the area. Removing jewelry from a healing piercing will also cause the piercing channel to quickly shrink or close.
DO NOT sleep on a healing piercing. Any prolonged pressure can cause irritation and can cause the angle of your piercing to shift.
Downsizing is a crucial step for ensuring the success of your new piercing. When you first get pierced with a stud, it typically features a longer post to allow for any swelling that often occurs in the first few weeks. At our studio, we recommend scheduling a downsizing appointment around four weeks after your piercing. This allows us to replace the longer post with a more appropriately sized one.
If you don’t get your post downsized within the recommended 4-8 weeks, you might experience irritation. A longer post can shift too much as it heals, causing discomfort and possibly altering the angle of your piercing if you're sleeping on it or wearing hats or helmets. If the post is still too long, your stud may not sit flush against your skin, which could make it challenging to switch to a ring later on.
By downsizing, you’ll help keep your piercing comfortable and properly aligned, setting the stage for a great healing process!
Tattoo Aftercare
Every artist may have their own specific aftercare instructions, so be sure to follow any recommendations they provide.
- Leave the Bandage On: Keep the bandage on for at least 2-4 hours after getting your tattoo, or as advised by your artist. This helps protect the tattoo from bacteria and keeps it clean until it starts to heal.
- Remove Carefully: When it’s time to remove the bandage, do so gently. If it sticks, do not pull it off; wet it with water to loosen it.
- Use Mild Soap: After removing the bandage, wash the tattoo gently with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap (like Dove or a similar brand). Use your clean hands to avoid irritation.
- Pat Dry: Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel or let it air dry. Do not rub or scrub the area.
- Use a Recommended Ointment: Apply a thin layer of a tattoo-specific aftercare ointment (like Aquaphor or a recommended product from your artist) to keep the tattoo moisturized.
- Frequency: Do this 2-3 times a day for the first few days.
- After the first few days (usually 3-5), you can switch from ointment to a fragrance-free moisturizer. Apply a thin layer to keep the tattoo hydrated without suffocating it.
- No Soaking:Avoid soaking your tattoo in baths, pools, or the ocean until it’s fully healed (usually 2-3 weeks). Showers are fine, but keep the tattoo out of direct water pressure.
- Sun Protection: Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight during the healing process. After it’s healed, apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to protect the colors and prevent fading.
- Let It Heal Naturally: As your tattoo heals, it may scab and itch. Do not pick at scabs or scratch the area, as this can lead to infection and impact the tattoo's appearance.
- Be Alert: Monitor your tattoo for unusual redness, swelling, pus, or excessive pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or a medical professional immediately.
- Follow these aftercare steps for at least 2-3 weeks, or until your tattoo is fully healed. Every tattoo heals differently, so be patient and gentle with the process.
Always remember that proper aftercare is key to a beautiful, long-lasting tattoo. Investing time and attention into this process can help ensure your artwork heals well and maintains its quality for years to come. If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, don't hesitate to reach out to your tattoo artist for guidance.