Tattoo aftercare
- Keep the original bandage on Leave the wrap or film your artist applied on for the time they recommend — usually a few hours up to overnight, depending on the method used.
- Wash gently Once you remove the bandage, wash the tattoo with clean hands using a fragrance-free, mild soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel — don't rub.
- Moisturize lightly Apply a thin layer of the aftercare balm or fragrance-free lotion your artist recommends, 2–3 times a day. A thin sheen is enough — over-moisturizing can trap bacteria and slow healing.
- Keep it out of the sun Direct sunlight can fade fresh ink and irritate healing skin. Keep it covered or in the shade for at least 2–3 weeks, and always use sunscreen once healed.
- Avoid soaking Skip pools, hot tubs, saunas, and long baths until fully healed — submerging a fresh tattoo raises infection risk. Quick showers are fine.
- Don't pick or scratch Peeling and light itching are normal as it heals. Picking at scabs or flaking skin can pull out ink and cause scarring — let it flake off naturally.
- Wear loose clothing Keep fabric from rubbing against the area, especially during the first week, to avoid irritation and friction.
- Give it time Most tattoos look fully healed on the surface in 2–3 weeks, but the skin underneath keeps settling for up to a few months. Be patient before judging color and detail.
When to see a doctor
Some redness, mild swelling, and warmth are normal for the first few days. Contact a healthcare provider if you notice:
- Increasing redness or swelling after day 3–4, instead of improving
- Pus, a foul smell, or excessive warmth around the tattoo
- Fever, chills, or feeling unwell
- Red streaking spreading out from the tattoo
Piercing aftercare
- Clean twice a day Use a sterile saline solution (or the one recommended by your piercer) to clean the area morning and night. Avoid alcohol, peroxide, or harsh antibacterial soaps — they can dry out and irritate the piercing.
- Hands off Only touch your piercing with clean hands, and avoid unnecessary touching, twisting, or rotating the jewelry — that's an outdated practice that can actually slow healing.
- Watch what touches it Keep makeup, lotions, hair products, and perfume away from the piercing while it heals. Change pillowcases often for facial and ear piercings.
- Avoid submerging it Skip pools, hot tubs, lakes, and the ocean until fully healed, unless you cover the area with a proper waterproof bandage.
- Don't rush jewelry changes Wait until the piercing is fully healed before switching jewelry, and come back to us for the first change — inserting new jewelry too early is a common cause of complications.
- Mind the healing time Healing time varies a lot by piercing type — see the table below for general ranges.
| Piercing type | Typical healing time |
|---|---|
| Earlobe | 6–8 weeks |
| Ear cartilage / helix | 3–12 months |
| Nostril | 2–4 months |
| Septum | 2–3 months |
| Eyebrow | 2–3 months |
| Navel | 6–12 months |
| Oral (tongue, lip) | 3–6 weeks |
When to see a doctor
Reach out to a healthcare provider if you notice persistent yellow or green discharge, spreading redness, significant swelling that doesn't improve, a fever, or if the jewelry seems to be embedding into the skin.
Still not sure about something?
Send us a photo on WhatsApp — we're happy to take a look and give you peace of mind.
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