AFTERCARE
TATTOO
AFTERCARE
Great tattoos stay great when you heal them right.
Day 1 – Right After Your Session
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Your artist will apply a sterile bandage or wrap.
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Keep the bandage on for 2–4 hours, unless told otherwise.
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Wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
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Remove the bandage gently and wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap.
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Pat dry with a clean paper towel (do not rub).
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Apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment recommended by your artist.
Days 2–7 – Early Healing
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Wash the tattoo gently twice a day with antibacterial soap and water.
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Always dry by patting gently.
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Apply a thin layer of unscented ointment or moisturizer 2–3 times daily.
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Do not pick, scratch, or peel scabs.
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Avoid tight clothing and exposure to dirt or pet hair.
Days 7–30 – Continued Care
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Switch to a fragrance-free lotion once the peeling stops.
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Avoid sun exposure, swimming, or saunas until fully healed.
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Keep the area clean, hydrated, and protected.
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Once healed, always use SPF 30+ sunscreen to prevent fading.
PIERCING
AFTERCARE
Pierce with care. Heal with pride.
Daily Cleaning (2–3 times a day)
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Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.
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Clean around the area using a sterile saline solution or sea-salt soak (¼ teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 1 cup of warm distilled water).
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Use a sterile cotton pad or gauze to gently apply the solution.
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Pat dry with a disposable paper towel — do not use cloth towels.
Avoid
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Touching, twisting, or removing the jewelry before it’s fully healed.
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Makeup, perfume, or alcohol-based cleansers near the area.
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Submerging in pools, lakes, or hot tubs during healing.
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Healing Times (Approximate)
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Earlobe: 6–8 weeks
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Cartilage: 4–6 months
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Nose: 2–4 months
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Lip / Tongue: 4–8 weeks
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Navel: 6–12 months
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Genital piercings: 3–6 months (varies by area)
Long-Term Care
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Keep the area clean and dry after showers or workouts.
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Always wash hands before changing jewelry.
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Use only high-quality, sterilized jewelry (titanium, surgical steel, or gold).
AFTERCARE PRODUCTS
At What A Tattoo, we offer a complete range of aftercare products to help you properly care for your new tattoo or piercing. From gentle, fragrance-free cleansers to professional-grade healing creams, we carry everything you need to keep your skin clean, protected, and healthy. Our team can also recommend the best products for your specific needs to ensure a smooth healing process and long-lasting results.
