Tattoo & Piercing After Care
Proper tattoo and piercing aftercare is essential for healing, preserving detail, and preventing infection.
Consistent care ensures vibrant results, faster healing, and long-term health of your tattoo or piercing.
We are a regulated and licensed studio. We use operating room quality disinfectant, sterilized utensils, new
needles and jewelry for your safety and health.
Taking Care of Your New TATTOO
Tattoo Aftercare – Derm Shield
- First Application
Your artist applied the first Derm Shield after your tattoo was completed. This larger piece allows for ink and plasma buildup and helps prevent leaking.
- Second Application (After 24 Hours)
You were given a second Derm Shield to apply after 24 hours. If you need help applying it, feel free to stop by the shop — we’re happy to help.
How to Apply the Derm Shield
- Remove the first bandage in the shower to loosen the adhesive.
- Peel slowly from a top corner, pulling downward. Gooey buildup is normal.
- Wash the tattoo gently with mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Rinse well, allow to air dry and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- Wash your hands, then apply the new Derm Shield from the center outward.
- Do not stretch the bandage.
- Remove the clear top layer by pulling in the direction of the arrows.
- Wear for 3–4 days.
- If redness or irritation occurs, it is okay to remove the bandage.
- Note: Derm Shield is waterproof for showering.
- Do NOT submerge (no baths, swimming, or hot tubs).
After Derm Shield Removal
- Clean tattoo gently with mild soap and water a few times daily while healing.
- Apply a thin layer of moisturizer (Aquaphor or A&D) after cleaning.
- Peeling and itching are normal – Do NOT scratch, pick, or exfoliate
- Proper aftercare helps your tattoo heal cleanly and keeps it looking its best.
Questions or Concerns?
We’re here to make your healing process smooth and stress-free.
We are honored that you have trusted us with this chapter in your body art journey.
Thank you for your support!
Taking Care of Your New PIERCING
A body piercing is essentially an open wound and needs to be treated as such.
Following the care outlined will help to insure timely and proper healing. Infection, delayed healing and prolonged irritation most often occur as a result of poor aftercare.
Following these instructions will greatly reduce any complications during the healing process.
For the first six weeks after piercing, we recommend cleaning your piercing twice a day at least. Always wash your hands before cleaning your piercing.
Important!
- Don’t touch your piercing unless you’re cleaning it. Leaving it alone will ensure that bacteria and germs from your hands, phone, and other surfaces stay away from your piercing.
- Even with excellent aftercare, there will be some swelling and redness at the piercing site for a few days. The amount of time the redness lasts varies from person to person. The piercing will be sore for a few days. This is normal.
- You may notice some light bleeding for the first few days, and may notice some clear discharge as your piercing heals. This is normal.
Cleaning Steps
- Spray saline solution onto Qtips.
- Clean both sides of the piercing with the Q-Tips, removing built up crust and blood.
- Dry your piercing after cleaning.
- Do not touch your piercing unless you are cleaning it!
Things to Watch For
- Prolonged pain and itching, feeling hot to the touch.
- Redness or swelling that extends past the piercing.
- Discharge that is noticeably thicker and yellow in color.
- Fever or feeling unwell.
Body Piercing
- Avoid submerging piercings for the first 6-8 weeks (ex. hot tubs, lakes, etc.) They harbor large amounts of bacteria and can cause issues in fresh and healing piercings.
- DO NOT change your jewelry before the healing time recommended by your piercer.
- Be mindful of snagging your healing piercing on clothing items.
Products We Recommend
- Sterile Saline Piercing Spray
- Mixture of salt and distilled water.
Products to Avoid
- Alcohol
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Tea Tree Oil
- Witch Hazel
Things To Know
- If you donate blood, you need to wait 1 month after getting pierced to donate again.
- Bactine spray can be very helpful with irritated piercings.
- Make sure to keep your piercing site clean and DRY. Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Oral Piercings
- Avoid playing with your jewelry!
- Avoid excessive talking, kissing, smoking and alcoholic drinks.
- Don’t use alcohol – based mouthwash for the first month of the healing process
- Buy a new toothbrush! (They harbor lots of bacteria).
- Brush twice a day (don’t forget your tongue!)
- Rinse your mouth after each time you eat.
- Once healed, brush your jewelry to avoid plaque and bacteria build up.
- Once swelling has gone down it’s important to size down your jewelry to a more fitted size.