Tattoo Aftercare Instructions.

Hey there, new ink owner! Congrats on your fresh tattoo. Here's how to keep it looking awesome during the healing process:

First 24-48 Hours

  • Keep the bandage on for at least 2-4 hours (or as recommended by your artist)

  • Gently wash with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap

  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel – no rubbing!

  • Apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare ointment

Days 2-14

  • Wash your tattoo 2-3 times daily with gentle soap

  • Apply a small amount of aftercare ointment after each wash

  • Switch to a fragrance-free lotion after 3-5 days when it starts to dry out

  • Let your tattoo breathe – don't rebandage it

  • Wear loose clothing to avoid friction

The Don'ts (Super Important!)

  • No swimming, hot tubs, or baths for 2 weeks (quick showers are fine)

  • No direct sunlight or tanning beds during healing

  • Don't pick, scratch or peel flaking skin – let it fall off naturally

  • Avoid heavy sweating/workouts for the first few days

  • Keep pets away from your fresh tattoo

When to Call Your Artist

  • If you notice excessive redness, swelling, or pus

  • If your tattoo feels hot to the touch

  • If you develop a fever or any concerning symptoms

Your tattoo should fully heal in 2-4 weeks, but remember, everyone heals differently! For long-term care, always use sunscreen on your tattoo when exposed to keep those colors vibrant for years to come.

Rock that new ink with pride, and don't hesitate to reach out to your artist if you have any questions!

Piercing Aftercare Instructions.

Hey there! Congrats on your new piercing! Here's how to keep it happy and healthy while it heals:

Daily Care

  • Clean 2-3 times daily with saline solution (wound wash)

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing

  • Gently remove any crust with a cotton swab soaked in saline

  • Pat dry with clean paper towels or allow to air dry

  • Avoid twisting or rotating the jewelry during healing

Downsizing

Don't skip your downsizing appointment! Once initial swelling subsides (typically 6-8 weeks), your piercer needs to replace the longer initial jewelry with a properly sized piece. This prevents migration, irritation, and complications while promoting proper healing and alignment.

What to Use

  • Sterile saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride, no additives)

  • Your piercer recommends mild, fragrance-free soap

What to Avoid

  • Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointments, or harsh soaps

  • Swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans during initial healing

  • Sleeping directly on your new piercing, if possible

  • Touching your piercing with unwashed hands

  • Changing jewelry before healing is complete

Healing Timeframes (Remember, everyone's different!)

  • Earlobes: 6-8 weeks

  • Cartilage (helix, tragus, conch): 6-12 months

  • Nostril: 4-6 months

  • Septum: 6-8 weeks

  • Lip/labret: 2-3 months

  • Eyebrow: 6-8 weeks

  • Navel: 6-12 months

  • Nipple: 6-12 months

  • Tongue: 4-8 weeks

When to See a Professional

  • If you notice increasing pain, swelling, or redness

  • If you see yellow/green discharge or smell an odor

  • If the jewelry feels too tight or is embedding

  • If you develop a fever

Remember, healing takes patience! Don't change your jewelry too early, and when you do, make sure it's high-quality material (implant-grade titanium, 14k or higher solid gold, or niobium).

Happy healing with your awesome new piercing!

When to Seek Medical Help

For tattoos or piercings that show signs of infection (increasing redness, unusual swelling, hot to touch, yellow/green discharge, or odor), or if you develop a fever, seek medical attention promptly. While your artist or piercer can advise on normal healing, a doctor or healthcare provider should evaluate potentially serious infections or allergic reactions. Don't delay treatment—complications can worsen quickly and may require antibiotics or medical intervention. For tattoos specifically, watch for spreading redness beyond the tattoo borders or severe blistering. With piercings, be alert to jewelry embedding or migration issues that cause pain. Your artist/piercer and doctor can work together to protect both your health and your new body art.

Contact the Georgia Department of Health with any concerns about the safety of your procedures at:

1117 Battle Creek Road

Jonesboro, GA 30236

Phone: (678) 610-7469