Aftercare
Proper healing is half the tattoo or piercing. Choose what you had done and follow the steps. If anything feels wrong, reach out or see a medical professional.
Basics
New Tattoo – General Instructions
Your tattoo is a controlled wound. Keep it clean, keep it moisturized, and don’t let anyone or anything rough it up while it heals.
- Leave the bandage on for the time your artist told you (usually a few hours, or as directed for second-skin).
- Wash hands first, then gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel or soft cloth. Don’t rub.
- Apply a very thin layer of recommended ointment or unscented lotion if your artist suggested it. More is not better.
- Wear loose, clean clothing over the area. Avoid tight straps, belts, and seams rubbing on it.
Days 0–3
Fresh & Weepy
- Light redness, warmth, and clear plasma are normal.
- Wash 2–3× per day with mild soap and water.
- Keep it lightly moisturized – no thick layers of ointment.
- Do not re-wrap unless your artist told you to.
Days 4–10
Itchy & Peeling
- Flaking and small scabs are normal – like a sunburn peel.
- Do not pick at the flakes or scabs. Let them fall off on their own.
- Switch to a light, fragrance-free lotion if you were using ointment.
- Keep washing gently once or twice a day and keep it lightly moisturized.
Weeks 2–4+
Settling In
- Surface looks healed, but deeper layers are still finishing.
- Keep moisturizing daily and protect it from the sun.
- If a touch-up is needed, wait until it’s fully healed.
Environment
Different Environments & Situations
Sun & Tanning
- No direct sun or tanning beds on a fresh tattoo.
- Once fully healed, always use high-SPF sunscreen to keep colors and lines sharp.
- Sun damage is one of the fastest ways to fade a tattoo.
Swimming & Water
- Avoid pools, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, and long baths for at least 2 weeks (or until fully healed).
- Quick showers are fine – just don’t soak the tattoo.
- Submerging too early can cause infection and fading.
Gym & Sweat
- Light activity is usually fine, but avoid heavy friction and dirty equipment against the tattoo.
- Wipe sweat with clean paper towels – don’t drag gym towels across it.
- Shower and wash the area promptly after workouts.
Work & Dirty Environments
- If your job is dusty, greasy, or around chemicals, cover the tattoo loosely with clean clothing.
- Clean the area as soon as you get home.
- Do not use harsh cleaners or solvents on the skin.
Sleep & Bedding
- Use clean sheets and avoid sleeping on the tattoo if possible.
- If it sticks to fabric, gently wet the area and peel away; don’t rip it off dry.
Cold / Dry Weather
- Cold, dry air can make a tattoo extra flaky and itchy.
- Keep moisturized with a thin layer of lotion; don’t overdo it.
- Avoid space heaters or direct hot air blowing on the tattoo.
If you ever see thick yellow/green discharge, intense heat, spreading redness, or you feel sick, contact a medical professional. That’s bigger than normal healing.
Basics
General Piercing Aftercare
Healing times depend on the piercing, but the rules stay pretty simple: keep it clean, don’t over-handle it, and leave the jewelry in.
- Wash hands before touching your piercing or jewelry.
- Clean with sterile saline solution (or a pre-made piercing saline), usually 2× per day.
- Soak or compress: saturate a clean pad with saline, hold against the piercing for a few minutes, then gently pat dry.
- Do not twist, spin, or constantly move the jewelry “to keep it from closing.” That just irritates it.
- Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and harsh soaps directly on the piercing – they can slow healing.
Ear & Cartilage
Ears (Lobe, Helix, Rook, Daith, etc.)
- Keep hair, hairspray, makeup, and headphones away from the piercing.
- Sleep on the opposite side while it is fresh. Use a clean pillowcase.
- Do not change jewelry early. Cartilage piercings often need several months to fully calm down.
Oral
Tongue, Lip, Smiley, Labret
- Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash or saline several times a day, especially after eating, drinking (anything but water), or smoking.
- Expect swelling for the first few days; cold drinks and ice chips can help.
- Eat slowly and carefully to avoid biting jewelry.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot foods at the beginning – they can sting and irritate.
Nose & Body
Nose, Septum, Navel, Nipples, Intimate
- For nose/septum, avoid heavy makeup around the area and be gentle blowing your nose.
- For navel and body piercings, avoid tight waistbands and high-friction clothing.
- For nipples and intimate piercings, wear clean, breathable fabrics and avoid rough contact during early healing.
- Always follow any extra instructions given in-shop for these areas.
Lifestyle
Healing, Activities & Things To Avoid
Swimming, Gym & Contact
- Avoid lakes, pools, and hot tubs while a piercing is fresh whenever possible.
- If you must be in water, rinse with clean saline after and dry carefully.
- At the gym, watch out for sweat, dirty hands, and equipment rubbing the piercing.
- Avoid contact sports or anything that could yank jewelry until it’s stable.
Sleeping & Clothing
- Try not to sleep directly on new piercings; use travel pillows or extra support if needed.
- Choose loose, breathable clothing around body and navel piercings.
- Check for snags from bras, waistbands, lace, or seams.
Jewelry Changes
- Don’t remove or swap jewelry early, even “just for a minute.” Piercings can tighten and close quickly.
- Wait until the piercing has reached its suggested healing time before downsizing or changing jewelry.
- Have delicate or tricky jewelry changes done in-shop, especially for cartilage and intimate piercings.
When To Get Help
- Some redness, tenderness, and clear discharge are normal early on.
- If you see spreading redness, thick yellow/green discharge, strong odor, or feel unwell, contact a medical professional.
- If jewelry becomes embedded, crooked, or gets pulled through, don’t force it – seek help right away.
Healing times vary by piercing and by person. Cartilage and some body piercings can take many months to fully settle. Keep up gentle care the whole time, not just the first couple of weeks.
Specific Piercing
Focused Piercing Aftercare
Ear & Cartilage
- Clean with saline 2× daily, front and back of the piercing.
- Keep hair, headphones, and hats off the piercing as much as possible.
- Use clean pillowcases and try to sleep on the opposite side.
- Avoid changing jewelry early – cartilage especially takes time to calm down.
Nose & Septum
- Clean nostril/Septum gently with saline and cotton swabs – no aggressive twisting.
- Be careful blowing your nose; support jewelry with clean tissue if needed.
- Keep makeup and skincare products away from the piercing channel.
- Watch out for masks or glasses pushing on the jewelry.
Oral – Tongue, Lip, Smiley, Labret
- Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash or saline after eating, drinking (anything but water), or smoking.
- Expect extra swelling for the first few days; cold drinks and ice chips help.
- Avoid kissing and oral contact until your piercer says it’s safe.
- Once swelling goes down, have your jewelry downsized to avoid tooth or gum damage.
Navel / Belly Button
- Clean gently with saline and pat dry; don’t trap moisture under bandages or tight waistbands.
- Avoid high-waisted tight clothing and heavy belts rubbing directly on the piercing.
- Be extra careful with seatbelts and waistbands when sitting or bending.
- Healing can be slow – it’s normal for navels to take several months.
Nipple
- Wear clean, soft, supportive bras or tops; avoid lace and rough fabrics early on.
- Rinse with warm water in the shower, then follow with saline soaks.
- Expect sensitivity – avoid rough contact and pressure while healing.
- Healing can be lengthy; keep up care even after it feels “mostly fine.”
Intimate Piercings
- Follow all shop instructions very closely; hygiene is critical.
- Keep the area clean with gentle saline soaks; rinse off any soap thoroughly in the shower.
- Avoid tight, synthetic fabrics – pick breathable cotton while healing.
- No sexual contact that involves the piercing until your piercer clears you; friction and fluids can cause problems early.
Download Tattoo Aftercare
Prefer something you can print, stick on the fridge, or hand to a friend? Download our tattoo aftercare sheet as a single-page PDF.
Download Tattoo AftercareDownload Piercing Aftercare
Keep a copy of our piercing instructions on your phone or in your bag so you’ve got reminders while you’re out living life.
Download Piercing AftercareAftercare FAQ
Can I drink alcohol after getting tattooed or pierced?
Alcohol can thin your blood and increase swelling or bleeding, and it can make you less careful with your new piece.
It’s better to keep it light or avoid it completely for the first couple of days.
When can I go back to the gym?
Light movement is usually fine after day one, but avoid heavy friction, dirty equipment, and direct pressure on
a fresh tattoo or piercing. Clean the area as soon as you’re done and listen to your body—if it hurts, back off.
My piercing has a small bump. Is it infected?
Not always. Bumps can come from irritation (friction, sleeping on it, low-quality jewelry).
True infections usually involve spreading redness, heat, pain, and thick yellow/green discharge.
If you’re unsure, contact the shop and/or a medical professional.
When can I change my jewelry?
Only after the piercing has reached its recommended healing time and feels calm. Changing jewelry too early is
one of the fastest ways to cause problems. When in doubt, come in and let us check or do the change for you.
How long before my tattoo is “fully healed”?
The surface usually looks healed in 2–4 weeks, but deeper layers keep settling for several more weeks. Treat it
gently and protect it from the sun long-term if you want the colors and lines to last.
This page is general aftercare guidance and does not replace medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions given by your artist or piercer, and contact a healthcare professional if you suspect an infection or have health concerns.
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