tattoos:

After your tattoo is finished, your artist will bandage it for your trip home. Leave the bandage on for at least 2 hours. Once removed, gently wash the tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap (no exfoliating or perfumed washes). Pat dry with a paper towel and allow it to air dry for 10 minutes.  Apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor.

First 3 Days

• Wash the tattoo and apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor.
• Use only a small amount - avoid thick layers.
• Continue this process for up to 3 days (72 hours maximum).

After Day 3

• Switch to a basic fragrance-free lotion.
• Apply lightly as the tattoo becomes dry.

Do NOT use

• Vaseline

• Neosporin, Bacitracin, or medicated ointments

• Perfumed or exfoliating products

Healing Process

After a few days, light scabbing or flaking is normal. The scabs will naturally fall off within about 2 weeks. Do not pick, peel, or scratch — this can cause fading or skin damage.  

During healing, do not:

• Re-wrap after the first night

• Submerge in water (no baths, pools, lakes, or oceans - showers are fine!)

• Expose to prolonged sunlight

• Shave over the tattoo

Once all scabs are gone and the skin feels smooth, the surface of the tattoo is healed. The deeper layers of skin will continue healing for several more weeks. A temporary shiny or waxy appearance is normal. Continue moisturizing and it will settle over time. Once the tattoo is fully healed, apply sunblock when exposed to direct sunlight to help protect your tattoo.

If something doesn’t look right during healing, feel free to stop by the shop or email your artist with “AFTERCARE” in the subject line for a quicker response.

Touch-ups

Sometimes small areas may heal lighter due to natural skin reactions. If this happens, contact your artist after the tattoo is fully healed with a photo to see if a touch-up is needed. Minor touch-ups are typically guaranteed if requested within 3 months. Touch-ups after that timeframe may be subject to a fee.

**We are experienced in tattoo healing, but we are not medical professionals. If you experience a rash, excessive redness, or discharge, please consult a doctor.**

Piercings:

Proper aftercare is important for safe healing and long-lasting results! Healing times vary depending on the piercing and your body, so always follow any specific instructions given by our piercer.

Daily Care

• Wash your hands every time before touching your piercing
• Clean once a day in the shower or with clean water
• Do not twist, turn, or play with the jewelry
• Sweating and exercise are OK

Recommendation: Keep bedding clean and changed regularly

Do Not Use

• Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
• Salt water mixtures or wound wash
• Ointments or thick creams
• Tea tree oil or home remedies
• Makeup, beauty products, or skincare directly on the piercing
• Products containing Benzalkonium Chloride

While Healing

• Do not touch or play with the jewelry unnecessarily
• Do not remove or change jewelry too early
• Avoid sleeping directly on the piercing or putting pressure on it
• Avoid submerging in water (pools, hot tubs, lakes, oceans, etc. - showers are fine)

Even when aftercare is followed properly, migration can still occur if jewelry is not properly fitted or if a downsize appointment is missed.

What’s Normal

First week

• Minor bleeding
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Redness

During healing

• Clear or whitish discharge that dries into crust around the jewelry
• Mild itching
• Crusting around the piercing

Piercings heal from the outside in, so even if it looks healed, continue to be gentle with it during the first year.

Questions or concerns?

If something doesn’t look right during healing, stop by the shop or email our piercer with “AFTERCARE” in the subject line. We’re always here to help!