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The Ultimate Guide to Tattoo and Piercing Aftercare

Sep 4, 2024

3 min read

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Tattoo Aftercare and Piercing Aftercare essentials.


So, you’ve just left the tattoo or piercing studio with fresh ink or a shiny new piercing! Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned body art collector, taking proper care of your new tattoo or piercing is essential to ensure it heals beautifully. Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it might sound! Here’s a friendly guide to help you along the way.


Washing a tattoo with a bar of soap

Tattoo Aftercare


1. Leave the Bandage On (But Not Forever!)

After your tattoo is finished, your artist will likely cover it with a bandage or plastic wrap. This is to protect your tattoo from dirt and bacteria, but you shouldn’t keep it on for too long. Depending on your artist's recommendation, you’ll want to remove it after a few hours—then the healing really begins!


2. Wash Gently

Once the bandage is off, it’s time to gently clean your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap to wash away any plasma, blood, or ointment. Pat it dry with a clean towel—don’t rub it! You’ll want to wash your tattoo at least twice a day for the first couple of weeks.


3. Moisturize

After washing, apply a thin layer of tattoo-specific ointment or fragrance-free lotion to keep your skin hydrated. Too much moisture can suffocate your tattoo, so use just enough to keep it from drying out. You’ll want to keep moisturizing for the duration of the healing process, which typically takes 2-4 weeks.


4. Avoid Sun and Water

Sun exposure and submerging your tattoo in water (like swimming pools, hot tubs, or baths) are big no-no’s. Keep your tattoo covered or use a high SPF sunscreen after it’s healed to avoid fading. As for water, stick to quick showers until the skin is fully healed!


5. Be Patient with the Peeling

As your tattoo heals, it’s going to start peeling—this is totally normal! Resist the urge to scratch or pick at it, even if it itches. Let your skin naturally flake off, revealing the bright, vibrant tattoo underneath.


Piercing Aftercare


1. Keep It Clean

Clean your new piercing twice a day using a saline solution or the piercing aftercare solution recommended by your piercer. Use a clean cotton ball or pad to gently apply the solution around the piercing, and make sure to pat it dry afterward. Try to avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as they can dry out the piercing and slow down the healing process.


2. Hands Off!

As tempting as it may be to touch or twist your new piercing, try to keep your hands away unless you’re cleaning it. Constant touching can introduce bacteria, increasing the chance of infection.


3. Be Careful with Clothing and Hair

If your piercing is near an area that’s likely to get caught on clothing (like belly button piercings) or tangled in hair (like ear piercings), be extra mindful when dressing or brushing your hair. You don’t want to accidentally snag it!


4. Avoid Swimming

Just like with tattoos, avoid swimming in pools, oceans, or hot tubs until your piercing is fully healed. These water sources can harbor bacteria that may lead to infection.


5. Eat Carefully (for Oral Piercings)

If you’ve got an oral piercing, stick to soft foods for the first few days and avoid spicy or acidic foods that could irritate the area. Rinse your mouth with a saline solution or alcohol-free mouthwash after eating to keep the piercing clean.



Signs to Watch For

Taking care of your new tattoo or piercing should help it heal smoothly, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some signs that may indicate infection:


For Tattoos:

  • Redness and Swelling: It’s normal for tattoos to be a little red or swollen initially, but if this persists or gets worse after a few days, it could be a sign of infection.

  • Pus or Fluid: Clear fluid is part of the healing process, but yellow or green discharge may be a sign of an infection.

  • Excessive Pain: Some discomfort is expected, but if your tattoo becomes increasingly painful, it’s time to check with your artist or a doctor.


For Piercings:

  • Heat Around the Piercing: If the area around your piercing feels hot to the touch or looks red and swollen, you might be dealing with an infection.

  • Foul Odor or Unusual Discharge: Clear or whitish fluid is normal for piercings, but a bad smell or yellow-green discharge isn’t.

  • Excessive Swelling or Pain: A little swelling is common, but if it doesn’t improve or gets worse, it could indicate a problem.


If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s always best to reach out to your tattoo artist, piercer, or a healthcare professional for advice. The sooner you catch a potential infection, the quicker you can treat it and get back to enjoying your awesome new body art!

Sep 4, 2024

3 min read

1

37

0

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