PIERCING AFTERCARE

Cleaning Solutions 

  • Sterile saline solution with no additives, or a non-iodized sea salt mixture (dissolve ¼ tsp of sea salt to 1 cup of warm water). 

  • Fragrance-free liquid soap, preferably anti-microbial or germicidal. 

Cleaning Instructions 

  1. WASH hands prior to cleaning or touching your piercing. 

  2. SOAK in saline for 5-10 minutes twice a day. Invert cup of warm saline solution over the area to form a vacuum or thoroughly spray area if using saline spray. Rinse to remove any residue. 

  3. SOAP no more than once a day. While showering, lather up pea size drop of soap to clean jewellery and piercing. Leave cleanser on piercing no more than 30 seconds. 

  4. RINSE thoroughly to remove soap from piercing. It is not necessary to rotate the jewellery. 

  5. DRY by gently patting with clean disposable paper products.

What to Avoid 

  • Over-cleaning as this can irritate the piercing and delay healing.

  • Touching or friction from clothing, excessive motion, etc. 

  • Submerging in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubes etc. If unavoidable, use a waterproof wound-sealant bandage (available at drugstores) and clean thoroughly after activity.



After Tattoo Appointment

  • Remove bandage within ~2-4 hours and wash tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap with clean hands. Do NOT rebandage once removed.

  • If using Second Skin bandage (protective film), keep bandage on for up to 5 days. Shower as normal. 

    • It is normal for plasma to pool underneath the bandage

    • If the bandage starts to leak or come off, slowly remove bandage in the shower and wash with an unscented antibacterial soap

  • After washing tattoo, gently pat dry with a sterile towel or paper towel and continue to let air dry.

Continued Care

  • Wash tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap at least twice a day.

  • When tattoo begins to feel tight (approximately 4-6 days after being tattooed), apply a SMALL amount of unscented moisturizer (eg. lubriderm, aveno unscented etc.). Do NOT use Vaseline.

  • Moisturize twice a day with unscented lotion or as needed. 

Do’s, Don’ts & other Tips

  • Do NOT submerge in water (no swimming, hot tubs etc), stick to short showers.

  • Do NOT expose to direct sunlight.

  • Do NOT scratch or pick at tattoo. It is normal for the healing tattoo to become flaky and itchy during the healing period. 

  • Avoid heavy exercise or activities that could expose tattoo to dirt or bacteria.

  • Wear loose fitting clothing over the tattoo.

TATTOO AFTERCARE