Be Patient
Surface appearance can improve before deeper tissue finishes healing. Continue the recommended routine for the full period provided by your artist or piercer.
Healing Guidance
Tattoo and Piercing Aftercare
Use the instructions provided at your appointment first. This page offers general reminders, not medical diagnosis or a replacement for advice from your artist, piercer, or healthcare provider.
Fresh Tattoo Care
A fresh tattoo is healing skin. Keep it clean, protect it from irritation, and avoid disrupting the healing surface.
- Follow the artist's directions for removing the initial covering.
- Wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
- Clean gently using the method and products recommended by the artist.
- Pat dry with a clean disposable paper towel; do not scrub.
- Apply only the recommended amount of aftercare product.
- Wear clean, loose clothing that does not rub the area.
- Do not pick, scratch, or peel flaking skin.
Avoid While Healing
- Swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and soaking
- Direct sunlight and tanning
- Dirty surfaces and unnecessary touching
- Tight clothing or repeated friction
- Heavy product layers that trap excess moisture
- Picking scabs or peeling skin
Piercing Aftercare
Piercings heal best when they are left in place, kept clean, and protected from pressure and unnecessary movement.
- Wash your hands before any necessary contact.
- Use only the cleaning method recommended by your piercer.
- Do not twist, rotate, or remove the jewelry during early healing unless instructed.
- Avoid cosmetics, hair products, and dirty surfaces around the site.
- Reduce sleeping pressure and friction on the piercing.
- Keep follow-up instructions and ask before changing jewelry.
Get Help When Needed
Contact the studio if you are unsure whether what you see is part of normal healing. Seek prompt medical care for severe pain, rapidly spreading redness, fever, red streaking, significant swelling, unusual discharge, or another symptom that concerns you.
Do not remove jewelry from a potentially infected piercing without guidance from a qualified professional.
Protect the Long-Term Result
Use Sun Protection
After a tattoo is fully healed, sun protection helps reduce fading and preserves contrast over time.
Ask Before Changing
If a product, activity, or jewelry change was not covered in your instructions, contact the shop rather than guessing.
Keep your appointment instructions: Your artist or piercer may give different guidance based on the procedure, placement, covering, jewelry, or your individual situation.
Have an Aftercare Question?
Contact the studio with your appointment details so the team can understand the situation.
Contact the Shop