Aftercare Questions

TATTOO AFTERCARE

Tattoo aftercare starts in the tattoo shop. Once the tattoo is done, the artist will apply a thin layer of tattoo jelly or moisturizer over the entire tattooed area. They will then cover the area completely with plastic wrap or a bandage.

As tempting as it can be to remove the protective cover to look at the tattoo, the bandage or plastic wrap should stay on for at least a few hours after the process. The length of time will depend on the size and location of the tattoo.

This covering protects the open skin from bacteria, sunlight, and from rubbing against clothing.

The first wash

After usually no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the bandage and wash the tattoo.

After thorough hand-washing, a person can gently wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and warm water using their fingers.

The moisturizer on the skin will come off, and the tattoo may appear as if it is oozing ink or a thick, sticky substance. This reaction is not usually a cause for concern, as it is just the excess fluid and ink from the tattoo process.

After washing, a person should pat the skin with a clean paper towel and allow it to air-dry for up to an hour. When the area is completely dry, they can apply a thin layer of moisturizer to the tattoo, but leave it uncovered to allow the skin to breathe.

Week one

For the first couple of days, the tattooed skin may feel warm to the touch and have a reddish appearance. The colors may also appear very bright against the rest of the skin. The tattoo will become less vibrant as the healing process continues.

A person should avoid submerging the tattoo in water or getting the tattoo wet during the first 3–6 weeks, except for when washing it.

A person can continue using the washing technique above throughout the first week when needed. How often washing is necessary will vary depending on a person’s activity levels and environment.

Someone who is sitting in an air-conditioned office all day may only need to wash the tattoo once a day. But someone who is working in a hot or dirty environment and sweating may need to wash the tattoo every few hours.

It is best to wash the tattoo with clean fingers only and not a cloth or towel, which may irritate the skin and prematurely remove any scabs that may have formed.

Scabs will often form in the first few days, and ink may still come up through the skin and need to be washed away. It is important not to pick the scabs or scratch the skin.

Any redness or mild swelling usually goes away near the end of the first week.

Week two

Around the beginning of the second week, the scabs will start to flake off. It is important to be especially gentle with washing and moisturizing during this week, as it is easy to tear away scabs and damage the tattoo.

The skin is likely to feel very itchy during this week, but it must not be scratched. Additional moisturizer may help relieve the itch. Using a moisturizer that is kept in the refrigerator may also soothe itchy or irritated skin.

If necessary, an over-the-counter product, such as Benadryl, may be taken by mouth to help relieve the itching.

Week three and beyond

The final stage of healing can be slow but requires patience. Most of the larger scabs will have flaked and fallen away by now. Small scabs and bits of dead skin may appear, but these will also clear up as the healing process continues.

Scabs and flaking skin can cause the area to look dry and dull. Applying moisturizer, and protecting the tattoo from the sun, will help with these issues.

The outer layers of skin should completely heal by the end of week three. The inner layers of skin can take longer to heal but require much less care.

The chance of infection is reduced once the outer layers of skin have healed, as there is no open wound for bacteria to infect.

Moisturizing regularly in the months following the tattoo will help keep it looking bright and clear. Protecting the tattoo from the sun with clothing while it is healing, and applying sunscreen after it has healed, is especially important in the first few months.

PIERCING AFTERCARE

General Instructions

You should always begin by washing your hands with unscented, antibacterial soap. Take your time on this step and be sure you get under your fingernails and in all the nooks and crannies.

Next, you want to prepare your cleaning solution. This can be a store-bought saline solution, or you would prefer, you can make your own. Your homemade concoction should be 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodine salt to 8 ounces of water.

Gently clean the area around the jewellery and spin the bar a few times. Then, rinse thoroughly with warm water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. You should never rub the area as this poses the risk of snagging the jewellery and injuring the piercing.

Piercing Types Specific Aftercare Instructions

Piercing aftercare entails different things for different piercings; read below for some more specific instructions.

Nose

Nose piercings are more susceptible to infection due to the bacteria that surrounds that area. For this reason, you will need to take special care when tending to your new body modification.

The best way to care for a new nose piercing is by using a lukewarm sea salt solution. This option offers a great way to sterilize the area without damaging the surrounding tissue in the process.

Once you prepare the solution, pour it into a shot glass or porcelain container. Take care not to use plastic or paper products, as these materials will contaminate the cleaning solution.

Place the cup over your nose and tilt your head back so that your piercing is fully submerged in the liquid. Hold it like this for anywhere from seven to fifteen minutes. After you complete this step, rinse your piercing with water and pat dry with a clean towel.

The healing period for a new nose piercing ranges anywhere from two to three months. During this time, avoid cleaning your piercing with antibacterial soap, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or other medicated solution.

You will also want to avoid using cotton balls or paper towels around your nose piercing. These products can leave fibers behind on your skin that can irritate the area and leave behind infection-causing bacteria.

Navel

The first thing you should consider is the type of jewellery you use for a belly button piercing. The option you choose will impact the healing process and how comfortable you feel during it. The best option to consider is a curved barbell, followed by a circular barbell. Regardless of the type, the most important thing is that the bar is long enough to allow for swelling.

The aftercare regimen you choose should consist of two things: sea salt solution and sea salt spray. The idea is to alternate these two options for the quickest and easiest healing process.

The best way to apply a sea salt soak to your bellybutton is with cotton balls. Saturate a cotton ball in the solution and place it over your piercing for five to ten minutes. Once completed, wash thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

In between soaks, a sea salt spray can be used to keep the area free of bacteria. You can purchase this in-store or online. Many piercing shops offer them, as well. To use this, spray the area, let it sit for about five minutes and rinse. Pat dry with a clean towel.

When showering, it is important to avoid directly washing the area with soap. The perfumes and additives in body soap can irritate the area and impede the healing process.

There is nothing to worry about if sudsy water flows over the piercing but be sure that you are only washing it with sea salt solutions. This method is the best way to be sure the piercing stays clean and hydrated.

The locating of the bellybutton piercing makes it extra susceptible to snagging. In the six to eight weeks, it takes to heal, avoid wearing tight clothing. You should eliminate garments such as tight-fitting shirts, leggings, and skinny jeans.

Instead, you can opt for looser clothing such as sweatpants or sundresses. Once your piercing has fully healed, you can resume wearing your typical wardrobe.

Tongue

The tongue piercing poses a unique set of instructions due to its location. When you are caring for a tongue piercing, you will need to take special care regarding how you eat and how often you clean your piercing.

Rather than using a cleaning solution of any kind, consider an alcohol-free, antibacterial or antimicrobial mouthwash. The mouth should be rinsed for around thirty to sixty seconds each time you clean your piercing.

To be sure you don’t damage your piercing, you will need to pay close attention while earing. Rather than consuming your meal regularly, use your hands to put the food directly on your molars. You will need to wash your hands well to avoid infection or sickness.

After you eat, you should rinse the mouth with the mouthwash above, but ensure that you aren’t rinsing more than five times daily.

Brushing your teeth is an important part of tongue piercing
aftercare. Use a new, soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid introducing old
bacteria into the area and causing an infection. In addition to brushing your teeth well, it is recommended to gently brush the area surrounding the piercing as well.

This brushing method will eliminate any food particles that may have gotten lodged in the piercing or stuck to your tongue.

Tongue Piercing Healing Process

It normally takes around four to six weeks for a tongue
piercing to heal completely. During this time, you may need to alter your lifestyle. You will need to eliminate spicy and greasy foods from your diet.

Additionally, caffeine, alcohol, and aspirin can make swelling worse and prolong the healing process. You should also remember that playing with the piercing or clicking it against your teeth can damage the piercing and your teeth. You should avoid this to promote long-term oral health.

Forever Forgotton Signature Butter

Containing only the best natural ingredients that will help with the healing process of every tattoo you do.

Not only is this product 100% natural and vegan approved, but it always smells incredible! It is a handy size to keep with you on the go to make sure your tattoo is always looked after.

Ingredients: Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Mango Butter, Soy Wax and Vitamin E.

The Studex After Piercing Lotion

The Studex After Piercing Lotion provides an essential part of the cleaning and healing of every piercing. pH balanced.

The Lotion should be applied at least twice daily throughout the healing period.

Supplied as a 50ml bottle