Aftercare
Tattoo
🩹 1. First hours after the tattoo
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Your artist will usually apply a bandage or protective film.
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Nowadays, many use transparent “second skin” film (Dermalize, Suprasorb, etc.). This is kept on for 12 to 24 hours (follow your artist’s recommendation).
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If second skin is not used, a traditional bandage is removed after 2–4 hours.
💧 2. Initial cleaning
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Wash your hands thoroughly.
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Remove the bandage and clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free neutral soap.
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Pat dry with a clean towel or disposable paper towel, never rub.
🧴 3. Moisturizing
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If you’re using second skin, your artist may recommend keeping it on for 3–5 days, changing it if it peels off or fills with fluid. Once it’s removed, start moisturizing.
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If you’re not using film, apply a very thin layer of healing ointment (Bepanthol Tattoo, Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, or another your artist recommends).
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Reapply 2–3 times a day for 2–3 weeks.
🚫 4. What you must avoid
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Do not scratch, rub, or peel scabs.
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Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, long baths, or the sea for at least 2–3 weeks.
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Do not expose the tattoo to sunlight or tanning beds.
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Avoid tight clothing that may rub on the tattoo.
☀️ 5. After healing
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Once healed (3–4 weeks), always use SPF 50 sunscreen on the tattoo when exposed to the sun.
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Keep the skin moisturized to maintain vibrant colors.
⏱️ Healing time:
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Superficial healing: 2–3 weeks
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Full healing (deeper layers of skin): up to 6 weeks
Piercing
🧼 1. Gentle and consistent cleaning
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Always wash your hands before touching the piercing.
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Clean the area twice a day with sterile saline solution (0.9% saline, pharmacy spray).
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If there is discharge or crust, soften it with saline and gently remove it with a sterile gauze.
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Avoid cotton balls (they can leave fibers).
🚫 2. Avoid harsh products
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Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Betadine, or strong soaps: they dry out the skin and delay healing.
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Do not apply antibiotic creams unless prescribed by a doctor.
✋ 3. Do not manipulate the piercing
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Avoid twisting, moving, or playing with the jewelry, especially during the first days.
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Do not remove the jewelry until fully healed, as the hole can close quickly.
🌊 4. Avoid risky activities
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Avoid swimming pools, beaches, hot tubs, and long baths for at least 2–3 weeks.
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Do not sleep on the piercing if it is in the ear.
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Avoid makeup, perfumes, or cosmetic products near the area.
⏱️ 5. Healing times (approximate)
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Earlobe: 6–8 weeks
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Cartilage: 3–6 months
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Nose: 3–4 months
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Lip: 6–8 weeks
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Tongue: 4–6 weeks
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Navel: 6–9 months
💡 6. Extra tips
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Use high-quality titanium or surgical steel jewelry for the initial piercing (avoid costume jewelry).
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If you notice severe pain, spreading redness, warmth, or greenish discharge, contact your piercer or a doctor.
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Even once healed, keep cleaning the area regularly.
