Aftercare

Aftercare for tattoos, piercings & permanent makeup

Great work deserves great healing. Follow these guidelines, and always listen to the specific instructions your artist gives you at the end of your appointment.

Tattoo aftercare

Your tattoo is technically an open wound. How you care for it in the first few weeks will directly affect how it heals and how it looks years from now.

Waterproof Bandage Instructions:

  • Keep your new tattoo bandaged for a minimum of three days, or length of time recommended by your artist.
  • Remove bandage under warm water. Wash area with soap and water, Rinse thoroughly, air-dry or gently pat dry with paper towel.
  • (If applicable) Apply a new bandage to completely dry skin. Allow healing time recommended by your artist.
  • After removal see: “wet heal” or “dry heal” instructions.
  • Discontinue use of bandage if: unusual, redness, itching, or peeling occurs.

Up to three weeks post-ink:

  • Keep out of direct sun; do not use tanning beds while healing.
  • Avoid using a sponge or loofa on your new tattoo.
  • Avoid contact with anything that may harbor bacteria such as gym equipment, still or untreated bodies of water, or any generally unsanitary conditions.
  • Do not pick, scratch, or peel flaking skin or scabs.

Healing timeline (tattoo)

  • Days 1–3: Redness, warmth, and slight swelling are normal.
  • Days 4–7: Top layer may feel tight and start to flake.
  • Days 7–14: Peeling and itching increase; color may look dull or “milky.”
  • Weeks 3–6: Deeper layers continue to heal; color starts to settle.

Dry Heal Instructions

  • Wash tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm water twice a day. AVOID PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO WATER - no swimming, no soaking in a tub, avoid long showers.
  • Use only clean paper towels to dry the tattoo area or allow it to air dry. Apply a non-petroleum based moisturizer once a day if desired.
  • Follow this routine for no less than 12 days once bandage is removed.
  • Some dryness and peeling is normal.

Wet Heal Instructions

  • Wash tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm water three times a day.
  • Use clean paper towel or air dry.
  • With clean or gloved hands, apply a non petroleum ointment like Aquaphor or A&D to the tattoo no less than three times a day.
  • Continue this routine for a minimum of 12 days.
  • Dryness and peeling can still occur with a wet heal.
  • If you notice unusual redness, spreading warmth, or fluid, reach out to your artist or a medical professional.

Piercing aftercare

Different piercings heal at different speeds, but the basics are the same: keep it clean, leave the jewelry in, and be patient.

Cleaning routine

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.
  • Clean the area twice daily using a sterile saline solution or a professional aftercare spray. Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments, as they can irritate the piercing.
  • Use a sterile gauze or clean paper towel to gently dab the area dry. Avoid using cotton balls or swabs, as they can leave fibers behind.

What to avoid

  • Do not touch, twist, or rotate the jewelry—this can cause irritation and prolong healing.
  • Avoid submerging the piercing in water, such as pools, hot tubs, lakes, or baths, for at least the first few weeks. Showers are preferable over baths.
  • Do not apply makeup, lotions, or creams near the piercing.
  • Avoid sleeping on the piercing, as pressure can cause irritation or shifting. Consider using a travel pillow for ear piercings.
  • Do not remove jewelry before the piercing is fully healed—doing so can cause closure and infection.

Approximate healing times

  • Lobes: 6–8 weeks
  • Cartilage (Helix, Tragus, etc.): 6–12 months
  • Nostril: 4–6 months
  • Septum: 6–8 weeks
  • Navel: 6 months – 1 year
  • Brows / surface piercings: vary by placement

These timelines vary by person. Just because a piercing looks healed on the outside doesn’t mean the inside is fully settled. Always check with your piercer before removing or changing jewelry.

Normal Healing: Mild redness, slight swelling, occasional discharge of clear or white fluid, and itching.

Signs of Infection:: Increased redness or warmth, excessive swelling, persistent pain, thick yellow or green discharge, or fever. If you suspect an infection, do not remove the jewelry—contact a professional piercer or healthcare provider immediately.If you have any concerns or unusual symptoms, feel free to call or email the shop. Patience and consistency are key to a healthy piercing!

Permanent makeup aftercare

Brows, liner, and lips all follow similar healing patterns but may have slightly different instructions. Always follow the written aftercare your artist sends home with you.

General guidelines

  • Keep the area clean and dry—no heavy sweating or steam.
  • Avoid direct water pressure, makeup, or skincare products on the treated area.
  • Use only the ointment or moisturizer recommended by your artist.
  • Do not pick, scratch, or peel any flaking skin.

What to expect

  • Color will appear darker and more saturated in the first 3–5 days.
  • As the skin flakes, the color may look very light or patchy— this is normal.
  • Final healed color usually appears around weeks 4–6, after the skin fully regenerates.

Touch-ups are common and often part of the process, especially for brows and lips. Your artist will discuss the ideal timing for your follow-up appointment.

Important

The information on this page is general aftercare guidance and does not replace medical advice. If you experience signs of infection (increasing redness, spreading heat, severe swelling, yellow or green discharge, fever), contact a medical professional. You can always reach out to your artist with questions about your specific piece.