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TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
 

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Proper aftercare is essential to ensure healthy healing and to reduce the risk of infection or complications. Please read and follow the instructions below carefully.
 

IMMEDIATE AFTERCARE (FIRST 24–48 HOURS)

  • Your artist will cover your new tattoo with a sterile bandage. Leave it on for the recommended time by your professional artist.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.

  • Gently remove the bandage and wash the area with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap (such as unscented Dove or Dr. Bronner’s).

  • Pat dry with a clean, disposable paper towel — do not rub or use cloth towels as they can breed bacteria.

  • Allow your tattoo to air dry completely before applying any ointment.

  • Apply a very thin layer of a recommended healing ointment (such as Hustle Butter or a tattoo-specific aftercare product). Do not overapply.
     

ONGOING CARE (DAYS 2–14+)

  • Wash the tattoo gently twice a day (morning and night) with mild unscented soap and water.

  • Continue applying a thin layer of ointment for the first 3–5 days, then switch to an unscented lotion to keep the area moisturized.

  • Do not pick, scratch, or peel any scabbing or flaking skin. Let it fall off naturally to avoid scarring or color loss.

  • Wear loose, clean clothing over the tattoo while it heals.
     

WHAT TO AVOID DURING HEALING

  • ❌ No direct sunlight or tanning beds (at least 4–6 weeks)

  • ❌ No soaking in water — avoid pools, hot tubs, lakes, or baths for 2–3 weeks

  • ❌ No petroleum-based products (like Vaseline)

  • ❌ No tight or abrasive clothing over the tattoo

  • ❌ No excessive sweating or gym activity that could rub or irritate the area
     

TYPICAL HEALING TIMELINE

  • Initial healing: 7–14 days (outer layer)

  • Full healing: 4–6 weeks, depending on location, skin type, and individual care
     

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

Contact a healthcare professional if you experience:

  • Prolonged redness, swelling, or pain

  • Pus-like discharge or foul odor

  • Fever or chills

  • Heat or streaking from the tattooed area
     

Disclaimer: Failure to follow aftercare instructions may result in delayed healing, infection, or fading. Skin City Tattoo Studio is not responsible for complications caused by improper aftercare.

PIERCING AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
 

Congratulations on your new piercing! Proper aftercare is essential to ensure healthy healing and to reduce the risk of infection or complications. Please read and follow the instructions below carefully.

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GENERAL CARE GUIDELINES

  • Clean your piercing 2–3 times per day using a sterile saline solution (available at Skin City Tattoo Studio).

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing or the surrounding area.

  • Do not twist, turn, or remove the jewelry during the healing process, as this can delay healing and introduce bacteria.

  • Gently pat the area dry with a clean, disposable paper towel. Avoid using cloth towels, which may harbor bacteria.

  • Avoid sleeping on your piercing (especially for ear cartilage), as pressure can cause irritation or uneven healing.

WHAT TO AVOID

  • ❌ Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin, or harsh soaps — these can damage tissue and slow healing.

  • ❌ Avoid pools, hot tubs, lakes, and other bodies of water during the healing period to prevent infection.

  • ❌ Do not change or remove your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed, unless instructed by a professional.

  • ❌ Avoid makeup, lotions, or perfumes near the piercing site.
     

EXPECTED HEALING TIMELINES 

Piercing Type Estimated Healing Time (varies by anatomy and individual)

  • Earlobe 6–8 weeks

  • Cartilage 4–12 months

  • Nostril 2–4 months

  • Septum 6–8 weeks

  • Eyebrow 6–8 weeks

  • Labret 6–8 weeks

  • Navel 6–12 months

  • Nipple 6–12 months

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SIGNS OF A NORMAL HEALING PROCESS

  • Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness for the first few days

  • A clear or slightly white/yellow fluid that forms a light crust

  • Occasional itching

These are normal and not usually a sign of infection.

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WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

Contact a medical professional:

  • Persistent or worsening pain, swelling, or redness

  • Thick yellow or green discharge

  • Foul odor or heat radiating from the site

  • Fever or flu-like symptoms
     

Disclaimer: Failure to follow proper aftercare may result in complications. Skin City Tattoo Studio is not liable for infections or healing issues resulting from improper care.

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