top of page

🖤 Tattoo Aftercare Guide

Congratulations!

You’ve just been tattooed in a clean, professional studio using sterile equipment. Now it’s up to you to protect your investment—your body art—by caring for it properly during the crucial healing period.

How your tattoo heals depends on you and your body. The first few days are vital. Follow the steps below carefully to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and stays vibrant for years to come.

 Aftercare for Classic Bandage Wrap

Right After Your Tattoo:

  • Remove the bandage after 2 hours.

  • If the bandage sticks, gently wet it with lukewarm water and peel it off slowly.

First Wash:

  • Wash your tattoo with mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water.

  • Gently remove all surface blood, plasma, and leftover soap.

  • Pat dry with a clean towel—do not rub.

Ongoing Care:

  • Do not rebandage your tattoo.

  • Do not use Vaseline or petroleum jelly.

  • Avoid scratching, scrubbing, or picking at the tattoo.

  • With clean hands, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or A&D ointment.

  • Repeat 3–5 times daily or as needed to keep the tattoo lightly moisturized.

Important Tips:

  • Do not apply a thick layer of ointment—it needs to breathe.

  • Expect a layer of dry, flaky skin—this is normal. Let it fall off naturally.

  • Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks.

  • Avoid soaking the tattoo in saunas, baths, pools, or the ocean.

  • If your job involves exposure to dirt, oil, grease, or metal, wear clean, soft, protective clothing over the tattoo.

  • Healing usually takes 2–3 weeks, but timing may vary.

 Aftercare for Second Skin Bandage

First 6–12 Hours:

  • It’s normal for plasma and ink to collect under the bandage. This will gradually reabsorb into your skin.

If It Leaks or Opens Early:

  • Remove the bandage immediately and follow the Classic Wrap washing and moisturizing steps.

After 3–5 Days:

  • Once the bandage appears dry underneath, gently remove it under lukewarm water.

  • Wash with unscented soap and rinse thoroughly.

After Bandage Removal:

  • Do not rebandage.

  • Continue care with a thin layer of lotion or A&D ointment.

  • Avoid picking, scratching, or over-moisturizing.

🔒 Do’s & Don’ts

✅ DO:

  • Keep your tattoo clean and slightly moisturized.

  • Use unscented, gentle products only.

  • Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo.

❌ DON’T:

  • Rebandage the tattoo.

  • Use petroleum-based products.

  • Soak the tattoo or expose it to UV rays.

  • Scratch or peel flaking skin.

Questions? Concerns?

If you experience any unusual redness, swelling, or discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact your tattoo artist or seek professional medical advice.

💎 Piercing Aftercare Instructions

Taking care of your new piercing is absolutely crucial to ensure proper healing. Please follow these instructions carefully for the best results.

🔄 How Often to Clean

Clean your piercing 2–3 times a day — at minimum, once in the morning and once at night. Consistency is key to preventing infection and promoting healing.

🧼 What to Use for Cleaning

You can choose one of the following cleaning solutions:

  • Unscented antibacterial liquid hand soap (e.g., Dial)

  • Sterile saline solution (e.g., Wound Wash – available in the first aid section)

🚫 What NOT to Use

Avoid the following products, as they can irritate your piercing or delay healing:

  • Alcohol

  • Hydrogen peroxide

  • Witch hazel

  • Bactine

  • Homemade saltwater (don’t mix salt and tap water)

🧽 Cleaning Instructions

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.

  2. Apply your cleaning solution using a Q-tip (we recommend name-brand Q-tips to avoid loose fibers).

  3. Gently remove all crust and debris from around the jewelry and your skin.

  4. Rinse off the cleaning solution after each session:

    • Either rinse under clean running water, or

    • Use a separate Q-tip soaked in water to remove any leftover solution.

 

⚠️ Do not leave the cleaning solution on your skin — it can dry it out and slow healing.

⛔ Important Do's and Don'ts

  • DO NOT remove the jewelry.

  • DO NOT change your jewelry until it’s fully healed — unless under the supervision of a professional piercer.

⏳ Healing Times

Healing times vary by person and piercing type:

  • Some piercings heal in 4–6 weeks, while others may take up to a full year.

  • Your body’s healing speed depends on how well you care for the piercing.

 

You’ll know your piercing is fully healed when there’s no swelling, crusting, or pain, and it feels like a natural part of your body.

👅 Oral Piercing Aftercare

Healing an oral piercing requires excellent oral hygiene to reduce bacteria in the mouth:

  • Brush and floss your teeth regularly

  • Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash or saline solution

  • Clean your mouth 2–3 times a day, especially after eating or drinking

💬 Questions? Concerns?

If you’re unsure about your healing process or think something might be wrong, contact your professional piercer. It’s better to ask early than risk complications.

© 2023 by Diversity Tattoo, Piercing  & Smoke Shop in Las Vegas NV

bottom of page