Tattoo AFTERCARE

1. Listen to your artist!

2. Wash your hands and remove the bandage at the time directed by your artist. If bandaged with Saniderm, keep on for up to 48 hours.

3. Always wash your hands before handling the area.

4. Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and non-scented soap.

5. Allow the tattoo to air dry for 12 hours, then apply a thin layer of non-scented moisturizer or aftercare. Aftercare products are available for purchase in the shop, please inquire.

6. For the first 2 weeks, avoid wearing tight clothing. If possible, avoid sleeping on your tattoo so that you do not affect the healing process.

7. While the tattoo is healing avoid excessive sun and large bodies of water such as swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, the ocean etc.

8. Do not pick, peel or scratch any of the scabbing or hardened areas. These layers are normal and picking them could damage or affect the colour of your tattoo.

***Your artist may have other tips, so listen to their advice. They know what the best care is for their particular tattooing technique.

HANDS AND FINGERS

Work done on the hands and fingers often look different than tattoos on other parts of the body because the skin is different, and gets the most use (continuous hand washing). For this reason, fall-outs are common and the tattoo cannot be guaranteed to hold the way your other tattoos do. Touch-ups are not included with hand or finger tattoos but will be determined on a case-by-case basis by your artist. You may be charged for a hand or finger touch-up.

Piercing AFTERCARE

Handle your piercing ONLY after washing your hands, and ONLY when it is being cleaned. Be sure to follow the cleaning directions outlined in the information below. Over-cleaning can slow healing and cause irritation. Over-cleaning is just as bad as under-cleaning. The recommended cleansing techniques maintain a constant balance. Use ONLY non-iodized sea salt.

The following products will irritate the new tissue, delay healing and SHOULD BE AVOIDED:

Bactine, Tea Tree, Witch Hazel, Ear cleaning solution, Peroxide, Alcohol, Antibiotic ointments. Soaps, shampoos and conditioners that contain deodorant, are overly strong, are highly scented, are coloured or are over-moisturizing and should also be avoided. Wear jewelry constantly during the healing and toughening periods.

Jewelry that is inappropriate in material, design or size can cause irritation and allergies. Consult with your piercer regarding jewelry that is right for you. Heavy use of a piercing (i.e. play, pendants) before it is thoroughly healed, can lead to infection and early migration.

Avoid oral contact until your piercing is completely healed (no evident seeping). Piercings in cartilage take longer to heal and must be cleaned for the entire healing period.

If an severe infection develops and does not improve in 24h seek medical attention.

MISCELLANEOUS TIPS: We don’t know how long it will take for your piercing to heal but in a short time you will be the best judge of that. Expect new piercings to be sore and red for about a month and if there is not a marked improvement after that time, contact your piercer to help you determine a route to speedier healing. Continue to clean your piercing once a day for as long as you have it.

CLEANSING TECHNIQUES

NAVEL / NIPPLE / EAR LOBE / SEPTUM / NOSTRIL / BROW / CONCH / TRAGUS / ROOK / HELIX / CARTILAGE / DERMAL

Always wash your hands before handling your piercing. Mix 1/4 teaspoon non-iodized sea salt with 250 ml of very warm water. Soak the piercing until the salt water has cooled down (about 10 mins). Do this twice a day until your piercing is healed. Caution: over heating water will cause burns. Using Q-tips, gently clean any remaining lumps (crusties) away from the piercing. Avoid moving the jewelry back and forth through the piercing; that does more harm than good.

LIP / LABRET / TONGUE / FRENULUM / MONROE

Outside of the piercing: Use the prescribed cleansing techniques as listed above. Inside the mouth: for the first 3 weeks rinse with sea salt water or diluted alcohol-free mouthwash for 10 seconds after you place anything in your mouth other than water - this includes cigarettes. (Salt water -1/2 tsp. sea salt per 1 cup of water). (Mouthwash -1/4 cup to 3/4 cup of water).

Tongue Piercing Note: For protection of teeth, downsizing your barbell is strongly recommended as swelling subsides. Playing with the piercing while healing causes excessive swelling and can increase pain

ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of Allergy: Itchiness - Redness - Seeping Clear Fluid If these symptoms occur, KEEP THE JEWELRY IN YOUR PIERCING. Consult your piercer at once. You may need to change your cleaning solution or your jewelry.

INFECTION SYMPTOMS

Occasionally bacteria will enter the piercing even though the cleaning has been done meticulously. If this should happen, an infection may result. Symptoms of Infection: Swelling -Redness - Area Hot to Touch - Pus Discharge (Green) - Pain If these symptoms occur, KEEP THE JEWELRY IN YOUR PIERCING. Contact your piercer at once and if required, your piercer will refer you to your doctor.

MIGRATION / REJECTION

If the piercing is becoming shallow or irritated, contact your piercer immediately in order to avoid excessive scarring.