Taking good care of your new tattoo or piercing is an important part of the healing process. Please read the guidance below and follow the specific instructions Andy gives you at your appointment. Every person and every placement heals differently.
Tattoo aftercare
A fresh tattoo is healing skin. Keep it clean, protect it from friction and avoid picking or scratching while it heals.
If your tattoo has a protective film dressing
- Follow the exact removal and wear-time instructions given by your tattoo artist and the dressing manufacturer. Different films have different instructions.
- If the film leaks, lifts enough to expose the tattoo, or becomes uncomfortable or causes a skin reaction, remove it as instructed and contact the studio for advice.
- Do not reapply household cling film or an unsterile covering.
If your tattoo has a standard dressing
- Remove the dressing at the time advised by your artist.
- Wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
- Gently wash the area with clean lukewarm running water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Do not scrub.
- Pat dry with clean disposable paper towel or allow it to air dry. Do not rub.
While your tattoo heals
- Keep the tattoo clean and avoid touching it unnecessarily.
- When the skin feels dry, apply a very thin layer of a simple, fragrance-free moisturiser suitable for healing skin. Do not smother the tattoo in cream.
- Wear clean, loose clothing that will not rub or stick to the tattoo.
- Do not pick, peel or scratch flakes or scabs. Some light peeling and itching can be part of healing.
- Avoid swimming, baths, hot tubs and soaking the tattoo until it is fully healed. Showers are fine.
- Keep the fresh tattoo out of direct sun. Once fully healed, protect it with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
- Avoid tanning beds and activities that cause repeated friction or contamination until the skin has healed.
Piercing aftercare
A new piercing needs gentle cleaning and minimal handling. Healing times vary considerably depending on the piercing and the individual.
Cleaning your body piercing
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning your piercing.
- Use a sterile saline wound wash labelled for wound care, with 0.9% sodium chloride as the only active ingredient. Spray or rinse gently as directed.
- Rinse away any residue and gently dry with clean disposable gauze or paper towel.
- In the shower, let clean water run gently over the area to rinse away soap or daily build-up.
- Clean gently; over-cleaning can irritate the piercing and slow healing.
Things to avoid
- Do not twist, spin, rotate or play with the jewellery.
- Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, harsh antiseptics, antibacterial products or ointments on the piercing unless a healthcare professional specifically directs you to.
- Avoid homemade strong salt mixtures, contact lens solution, eye drops and nasal sprays. Use sterile wound-wash saline instead.
- Keep makeup, lotions, perfumes, hair products and dirty hands away from the area.
- Avoid pressure, friction and sleeping directly on a healing piercing. Keep pillowcases, phones, headphones and anything touching the area clean.
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes and the sea while the piercing is healing, unless your piercer has advised a suitable protective measure.
Jewellery and healing
- Leave the initial jewellery in place during healing unless your piercer or a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
- Some piercings need a jewellery downsize once swelling has settled. Arrange this with your piercer; do not change it yourself during early healing.
- Do not force jewellery to move. Even an established piercing can shrink or close quickly if jewellery is removed.
- If you suspect an infection, seek medical advice promptly and ask a healthcare professional before removing the jewellery.
Oral piercings
For tongue, lip and other oral piercings, good oral hygiene is especially important.
- Brush gently with a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush and keep up regular flossing.
- Use an alcohol-free, hydrogen-peroxide-free mouth rinse according to its instructions. Do not overuse it.
- Rinse your mouth with clean water after eating, drinking or smoking.
- Choose foods that are comfortable to eat while swelling settles. Avoid very hot, spicy or irritating foods if they cause discomfort.
- Avoid playing with the jewellery, clicking it against your teeth or biting it.
- Once swelling has reduced, a shorter bar may be needed. Have a qualified piercer assess and perform the downsize.
- Avoid wet kissing and oral sexual contact during the initial healing period.
What is normal — and when to get help
Some early tenderness, mild swelling, slight bleeding or bruising can occur after a piercing. A small amount of pale fluid that dries into a light crust can also occur during healing. Tattoos can be tender and may peel or itch as the surface heals.
Seek medical advice promptly if you notice worsening or spreading redness, increasing heat, severe or worsening pain or swelling, thick or foul-smelling discharge, red streaks, fever, chills or feeling generally unwell. For an oral piercing, seek urgent care if swelling affects breathing or swallowing.
If you are worried about how your tattoo or piercing is healing, contact the studio for advice. We can help with aftercare questions, but suspected infection or a significant reaction needs assessment by a healthcare professional.
Need help?
Contact The Ink Emporium if you have a question about your appointment or the aftercare instructions you were given.
Message us on WhatsApp or call +357 96 554386.
These are general aftercare guidelines and do not replace the individual instructions provided at your appointment or medical advice. Follow your artist’s specific dressing instructions, and seek medical care if you are concerned about infection or an adverse reaction.