1. Do not touch your piercing. Avoid twisting or turning the jewelry at all costs.

2. Never apply hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or soap directly to the piercing. These substances can irritate the wound and hinder healing.

3. Refrain from using moisturizers, makeup, or hair products on or around the piercing area. Keep it free from unnecessary contaminants.

4. Use a sterile saline spray to clean the piercing. Opt for products like Neilmed Wound Wash or Arm & Hammer Nasal Spray. Spray directly onto the piercing twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. After cleaning, dry the area with a clean paper towel or non-woven gauze to eliminate any excess saline or hardened discharge.

5. Rinse the piercing area thoroughly while showering. After finishing your regular hygiene routine, make sure to wash away any hygiene products or hardened discharge that may have come into contact with the piercing.

6. Avoid submerging your piercing in water for at least 6-8 weeks. The pierced area is a fresh wound, and exposure to lakes, ponds, hot tubs, oceans, rivers, or baths can introduce harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasitic microbes, leading to infection, scarring, and poor healing. Follow this guideline strictly to ensure proper healing.

For the outside of the mouth, strictly adhere to the General Piercing Aftercare Guidelines.

For the inside of the mouth:

- Rinse with water immediately after eating, drinking, vaping, smoking, or using anything in your oral cavity.

- During your oral hygiene routine, use an alcohol-free mouthwash, such as Scope or Biotene. Do not use anything with alcohol.

- Maintain impeccable oral hygiene.

- Do not touch the piercing excessively with your tongue, teeth, or lips. Minimizing contact will expedite the healing process.

Piercing Minimum Jewelry Change Time Healing Time

Eyebrow 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Cartilage 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Nostril 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Rook 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Septum 6-8 weeks 3-6 months

Bridge 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Tragus 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Surface Tragus 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Tongue 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Daith 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Labret 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Helix 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Medusa 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Industrial 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Conch 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Monroe 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Lip 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Navel 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Vertical Labret 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Snake Bites 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Smiley 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Dimples 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Nipples 8-12 weeks 6-9 months

Lobe 6-8 weeks 6-9 months

1. Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before removing the bandage.

2. Remove the Bandage: Take off the bandage after one to two hours.

3. Clean the Tattoo: Clean your tattoo using warm water and antibacterial soap.

4. Dry the Tattoo: Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to air dry completely.

5. Apply Ointment: Apply a thin layer of Aquaphor or another recommended ointment from your tattoo artist. Do not cover the tattoo with a bandage again.

6. Maintain a Care Schedule: Repeat the cleaning and moisturizing process two to three times daily for three to four days. Keep your tattoo moist by consistently applying moisturizer or ointment after each cleaning.

7. Choose Loose Clothing: Wear loose-fitting clothing over the tattooed area. Tight clothing will irritate the tattoo, leading to discomfort and potentially prolonging the healing process.

8. Shower with Care: Take cool showers. Avoid scalding hot water, as it can cause pain and may fade the ink.

Strictly Avoid:

- Do not scratch, pick, or peel at your new tattoo. These actions can lead to infection and might result in scarring or fading.

- Absolutely avoid swimming for at least two weeks to prevent infection.

- Do not soak in water.

- Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight.

- Do not use tanning beds.

- Petroleum jelly is off-limits; it traps dirt and increases the risk of infection.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact your tattoo shop immediately and speak to your tattoo artist. Take your aftercare seriously—your tattoo’s appearance depends on it!

Second Skin bandages are a protective barrier that seals your tattoo, promoting natural healing while minimizing the risk of scabbing and irritation.

Here are the key benefits of using Second Skin:

- Protects tattoos from germs and bacteria.

- Encourages the body’s healing process.

- Shields new tattoos from clothing.

- Simplifies tattoo aftercare.

Second Skin is designed to last several days, and based on the artist's knowledge of your specific case, they will recommend how long to keep it on. Please follow their recommendations.

During the healing process, you can expect to:

- Notice some fluid oozing from the tattoo, which can include blood, plasma, and a bit of extra ink. These fluids might pool under the bandage.

- Experience redness and soreness in the surrounding skin.

- Feel slight warmth in the area. Make sure to monitor the tattooed area to ensure it is healing properly.

To Remove the Dressing:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before gently peeling back the wrap.

2. If the adhesive is stubborn, you can use warm water and gentle pressure to loosen it, which can be easier to do in the shower. Do not rip off the bandage.

3. Cleanse the area with warm water and fragrance-free soap.

4. Rinse well and then lightly pat the skin dry. Avoid rubbing.

5. Wait a few minutes before applying the ointment or lotion recommended by your artist.

6. Once the dressing is removed, your tattoo will still require aftercare.

Maintain a Care Schedule: Clean and moisturize the tattooed area two to three times daily for three to four days. Keep the tattoo moist by applying moisturizer or ointment consistently after each cleaning.

Choose Loose Clothing: Wear loose-fitting clothing over the tattooed area. Tight clothing can irritate the tattoo, leading to discomfort and potentially prolonging the healing process.

Shower with Care: Take cool showers and avoid scalding hot water, as it can cause pain and may fade the ink.

Strictly Avoid:

- Do not scratch, pick, or peel at your new tattoo. These actions can lead to infection and may result in scarring or fading.

- Avoid swimming for at least two weeks to prevent infection.

- Do not soak your tattoo in water.

- Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight.

- Refrain from using tanning beds.

- Avoid petroleum jelly, as it traps dirt and increases the risk of infection.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact your tattoo shop immediately and speak to your tattoo artist. Take your aftercare seriously—your tattoo's appearance depends on it!

Preparing for Your Tattoo

- Stay hydrated. This is crucial.

- Do not consume caffeine or alcohol before your appointment.

- Clean and exfoliate the area on the morning of your tattoo.

- Ensure your skin is free of any products to allow your tattoo artist to apply the ink effectively.

- Avoid strong sunlight for at least a few days leading up to your tattoo.

- Eat and drink about 30 minutes before your session; if it’s a lengthy appointment, a snack may be needed for breaks.

- Wear comfortable clothing that grants easy access to the area being tattooed.

Total Healing Time

Tattoo healing is a process that typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Understand the stages your skin will go through:

1. Initial healing (Days 1-3)

2. Peeling and itching (Days 4-14)

3. Final healing (Days 15-30)

Long-term Tattoo Aftercare

Recognize that tattoos will fade over time due to various factors, including lifestyle, skin healing, and aging. Certain areas are particularly susceptible to fading, such as:

- Hands and palms

- Face

- Knees and elbows

- Feet

- Crease lines

- Areas where clothing rubs constantly

To maintain your tattoo's vibrancy:

- Wear SPF 30 sunscreen or higher and protective clothing whenever you're outdoors.

- Drink plenty of water.

- Moisturize effectively and adhere to a consistent skincare routine.

- Maintain a balanced diet.

- Steer clear of drastic weight gain or loss.