Aftercare Instructions
Tattoo
Listen to your artist: Always follow the advice and aftercare instructions provided by your artist.
Always wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning your tattoo.
Removing the bandage: Wash your hands thoroughly before removing any bandage. If you were bandaged with Saniderm, keep it on for up to 48 hours or as directed by your artist.
Clean your tattoo: Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and unscented, mild soap. Avoid using harsh soaps or alcohol-based cleansers as they can irritate the skin.
Allow tattoo to air dry: After washing, let the tattoo air dry for 12 hours. Then, apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer or tattoo-specific aftercare ointment. Aftercare products are available for purchase at our shop.
Avoid tight clothing: For the first 2 weeks, avoid wearing tight clothing over the tattoo area to prevent friction. If possible, avoid sleeping on the tattoo to prevent irritation and pressure during healing.
Avoid excessive sun and water: Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or the ocean until it is fully healed. Sun exposure can fade the tattoo, and water can introduce bacteria that could lead to infection.
Do not pick or scratch: Do not pick, peel, or scratch any scabs or flaky areas. These layers are part of the natural healing process, and picking at them can damage the tattoo and affect its colour.
*Please remember that your artist may have additional advice, so be sure to follow their specific instructions for your tattoo's unique needs.
Piercing
Always wash your hands: Handle your piercing only after washing your hands thoroughly. Clean your piercing as instructed below.
Clean the piercing gently: Over-cleaning can irritate the piercing and delay healing. Stick to a balanced, gentle cleaning routine to maintain healthy healing.
Use only non-iodized sea salt: Use non-iodized sea salt for cleaning the piercing. Avoid other antiseptics or harsh cleaning solutions.
Avoid certain products: The following products should be avoided as they can irritate the piercing and delay healing: Bactine, Tea Tree Oil, Witch Hazel, Hydrogen Peroxide, Alcohol, and Antibiotic Ointments Soaps, shampoos, and conditioners with deodorants, strong fragrances, dyes, or moisturizing additives.
Wear jewelry constantly: Wear your piercing jewelry constantly during the healing process. If the jewelry is inappropriate in material, design, or size, it could cause irritation or allergic reactions. Consult with your piercer regarding suitable jewelry for your piercing.
Avoid oral contact: Do not allow oral contact (including kissing) until your piercing is completely healed and free from any seeping or discharge.
Healing times may vary: Cartilage piercings, like those in the ear, typically take longer to heal than soft tissue piercings. Be sure to clean your piercing for the entire healing period as advised by your piercer.
Migration / Rejection: If you notice that your piercing is becoming shallow or irritated, contact your piercer immediately to avoid excessive scarring and to determine the best course of action.
Seek medical attention if infection occurs: If signs of infection (such as swelling, redness, heat, pain, or pus) persist for 24 hours, seek medical advice promptly.
Cleaning Techniques for Navel, Nipple, Ear Lobe, Septum, Nostril, Brow, Conch, Tragus, Rook, Helix, Cartilage
& Dermals
Wash your hands before cleaning the piercing.
Mix 1/4 teaspoon non-iodized sea salt in 250 ml of warm water. Soak the piercing in the saltwater solution until it cools (approx. 10 minutes).
Gently clean any crust or debris with a Q-tip or gauze. Avoid moving the jewelry back and forth.
Cleaning Techniques for Lip, Labret, Tongue, Frenulum, Monroe
Outside the piercing: Clean as directed above.
Inside the mouth: For the first 3 weeks, rinse with sea salt water (1/2 tsp. sea salt per 1 cup of warm water) or diluted alcohol-free mouthwash (1/4 cup mouthwash to 3/4 cup water) after eating or drinking anything other than wateR.
*Tongue Piercing Tip: Once swelling subsides, consider downsizing the barbell to reduce pressure and protect your teeth. Avoid playing with the piercing while healing, as it can increase swelling and pain.
Allergies
Symptoms of Allergic Reaction include:
Itchiness
Redness
Clear fluid seeping from the piercing
*Action: Keep the jewelry in place and contact your piercer immediately to assess if a change in cleaning solution or jewelry is
needed.
Infection
Symptoms of Infection INCLUDE:
Swelling
Redness
Hot to the touch
Green or yellow pus discharge Pain