How a piece settles depends on what happens after you leave. These are the studio's own instructions — follow them closely, and call if anything worries you.
Tattoo Aftercare
Your artist will bandage the tattoo before you leave. From that point the healing is yours to manage — the first two weeks decide how the piece settles.
Do
Remove the Saniderm or D-lize bandage within 12 hours.
Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and an antibacterial soap such as Dial, Safeguard or Cetaphil, using your hands rather than a cloth.
Pat the area dry and leave it uncovered for 20 minutes to an hour after each cleaning.
Apply a thin layer of non-scented, water-based antibacterial ointment twice a day for the first three to five days.
Once peeling begins, switch from ointment to a fragrance-free lotion.
Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight for three to four weeks, then use SPF 30 or higher.
Do not
Do not touch the tattoo with dirty hands.
Do not scratch the area or pick at scabs.
Do not soak the tattoo — no swimming and no sitting in a bathtub.
Do not take on intense workouts for the first three days.
External Piercing Aftercare
External piercings need consistent, gentle cleaning over roughly two months. Some swelling and discharge is normal early on.
Do
Clean the piercing twice a day for six to eight weeks.
Use an antibacterial spray such as Band-Aid, H2Ocean or Red Magic, or an antibacterial soap such as Dial or Dove.
Move the jewellery minimally, just enough to stop it sticking.
Keep the area thoroughly clean throughout healing.
Do not
Do not remove or change the jewellery for eight to ten weeks.
Do not handle the piercing more than cleaning requires.
Oral Piercing Aftercare
Oral piercings heal in the mouth, so rinsing after anything that passes through it matters more than anything else.
Do
Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash three to four times a day.
Rinse in particular after eating, drinking and smoking.
Expect swelling and soreness early on — something cold held against it helps.
Wait six to eight weeks before changing the jewellery.
Do not
Avoid oral contact with other people for one week.
Do not remove the jewellery to clean it.
Medical disclaimer
This page is general aftercare guidance, not medical advice. Healing varies from person to person. If you develop spreading redness, significant swelling, heat, severe or worsening pain, pus, a fever, or any symptom that concerns you, contact the studio and seek advice from a doctor or another appropriate healthcare professional.
