Wash the tattoo using your fingertips or hand only. Use a mild antibacterial soap and warm water. Take care to gently wash away all traces of blood (if dried blood is left to dry on the tattoo it can form a scab). Do not scrub the tattoo with a washcloth during the two week healing period. Always gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean soft cloth or just let it air dry.

Apply a thin coat of Fragrance Free lotion to the tattoo. Aveeno, Eucerin, Keri, Lubriderm, Curel, or Jergens will do. Apply moisturizer five to seven times a day for the remainder of two weeks. Do not use lotions that contain color or fragrance or sparkles until the healing is complete. (Usually anywhere from ten days to two weeks; Possibly longer for slower healers.) For larger color-work tattoos we recommend: Aquaphor ointment (Just enough to make it shine, a little goes a long way ) Work it in well. Dab off all the excess with a paper towel. You should barely be able to tell that it's there This is just enough to keep the tattoo moist and to keep it from scabbing. Your body heat will liquefy the ointment and it may become glossy looking or runny. This means there's too much on there. Dab more off. Too much ointment will only suffocate the tattoo and liquefy any scabs that may have formed causing the ink to fall out and look blotchy.Aquaphor or Lotion can be applied whenever the tattoo is feeling stiff or dry but beware of over-moisturizing. Your body will absorb what it needs where it needs it. Your skin will form a protective layer no matter what you do. If you do not keep it moist or keep it too moist (it's a personal balance, different for each individual), it will form a thick, hard scab that may crack when you move. When you form this kind of a scab the ink sits within it and slowly heals into the skin. When the tattoo is kept moist it doesn't have a chance to form a scab but does form a thin membrane to protect the tattoo while it heals. This layer peels off very similar to a sunburn (do not peel your tattoo, you will pull the ink out!) and it is normal to see small flakes of colored skin falling off during this stage of healing.

You must keep your tattoo clean, however, long showers or baths must be avoided for 2 weeks. Prolonged soaking can and will loosen scabs if any have formed, or will soak through the soft tissue and cause your ink to flow down the drain. This includes Swimming in the Ocean or a Pool, Hot Tubs, and Saunas. Short showers are best under ten minutes if possible.

Please refrain from scratching or picking at the tattoo. Scrubbing with a washcloth can be very harsh on a tattoo and will cause your colors to fade. It is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy during the healing time. To relieve this spray the tattoo with rubbing alcohol or slap it with your hand (this will sting it and take away the itch).

Remember that hands and feet reproduce skin cells much faster than other parts of the body. A tattoo in these areas will sometimes take an extra two weeks to heal. During this time refrain from washing dishes, wearing gloves, or wearing socks and shoes (sandals must not rub the tattoo). Any friction of this type WILL wear away the tattoo within a very short period of time. Tattoos in these areas are almost never guaranteed.

No buts about it, the sun is BAD for your tattoo even if you've had it for a long time. A sunburn on a new tattoo can cause a lot of problems. It will dry out your tattoo and cause it to form a horrendous scab much of the time causing the tattoo to fade before it is even healed. It will take much longer to heal completely. It promotes scarring in a new tattoo. Wait until it is fully healed to go back in the sun or a tanning bed and make sure you put on a high quality SUNBLOCK. (Do not apply sunblock while the tattoo is healing.) The tattoo is under your skin, and your tan will form above it. If you get too dark, some colors (white, yellow, pink, and orange) may not show up as brightly as they could. Over time, excessive exposure to sunlight will cause your tattoo to fade no matter what colors are used.

Individuals heal in so many different ways, it's hard to tell (especially for first-timers) exactly what will happen whether the tattoo will scab or peel. A tattoo in one spot may heal completely different from a tattoo in another spot. The way an artist works the skin can also make a difference in the way a tattoo heals. There is no way to fortell exactly what every tattoo is going to do while healing or how to heal it. Yes, it's probably better for a tattoo to peel, but sometimes people just don't heal this way. Sometimes a scab will form no matter what you do. For some, it's hard to tell whether or not a scab is forming. Sometimes a piece will look like it's scabbed over but will peel, other times it's obvious that a thick, hard scab has formed. If a scab does form you may have to do things a bit differently You should always check with your artist before you change any of your aftercare procedure. In most shops, if you follow their directions and the tattoo heals badly, they usually offer a touch up. If you deviate from their aftercare without seeking their advice and the tattoo heals badly, you usually forfeit that guarantee.

Use either one or both of the following solutions for inside the mouth:

• H2Ocean mouth wash
• Antimicrobial or antibacterial alcohol-free mouth rinse

Rinse mouth 4-5 times daily with cleaning solution for 30-60 seconds after meals and at bedtime during the entire healing period. If you over clean, it may cause discoloration or irritation of tongue.

Soak in H2Ocean solution and/or wash with liquid antimicrobial or germicidal soap* as described below:

1 WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning, or touching on or near your piercing for any reason.

2 SOAP no more than once or twice a day. While showering, lather up a pearl size drop of the soap to clean the jewelry and the piercing. Leave the cleanser on the piercing no more than thirty seconds, then rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing.

3 DRY with disposable paper products such as gauze or tissues, because cloth towels can harbor bacteria and catch on new piercings causing injury. Pat gently to avoid trauma.

• For the first three to five days: significant swelling, light bleeding, bruising, and/or tenderness.
• After that: Some swelling, light secretion of a whitish yellow fluid (not pus).
• A piercing may seem healed before healing is complete. This is because piercings heal from the outside in, and although it feels healed the tissue remains fragile on the inside. BE PATIENT, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.
• Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, leave the jewelry in place.

To help reduce swelling:

• Allow small pieces of ice to dissolve in the mouth.
• Take an over the counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen or Naproxyn Sodium* according to package instructions.
• Sleep with your head elevated above your heart during the first few nights. To maintain good oral hygiene.
• Use a new soft-bristled toothbrush and keep it clean.
• Brush your teeth, and use your chosen rinse (saline or mouthwash) after every meal.
• During healing floss daily and gently brush your teeth, tongue and jewelry. Once healed, brush the jewelry more thoroughly to avoid plaque build up.

• The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal.
• Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet.

• DO NOT PLAY WITH THE JEWELRY. Long term effects of playing with and clicking the jewelry against the teeth can result in permanent damage to teeth and other oral structures.
• Avoid undue trauma; excessive talking or playing with the jewelry during healing can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, and other complications.
• Avoid any mouthwash containing alcohol. It can irritate the area and delay healing.
• Avoid oral sexual contact including French (wet) kissing or oral sex during healing (even with a long term partner).
• Avoid chewing on gum, tobacco, fingernails, pencils, sunglasses, etc.
• Avoid sharing plates, cups, and eating utensils.
• Avoid smoking! It increases risks and lengthens healing time.
• Avoid stress and all recreational drug use.
• Avoid any aspirin or alcohol, and large amounts of caffeine.
• Avoid submerging in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, etc.

• Once the swelling has subsided, it is vital to replace the original, longer jewelry with a shorter post.
• Consult your piercer for their downsize policy.
• Because this necessary jewelry change may occur during healing, it should be done by a qualified piercer.
• With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness ("Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey").
• Carry a clean spare ball in case of loss or breakage.
• Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be temporarily removed (such as for a medical procedure). There are non-metallic jewelry alternatives.
• Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, seek professional help in the removal of the jewelry and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole has closed. In most cases only a small indentation will remain.
• In the event that an infection is suspected, quality jewelry or an inert alternative should be left in place to allow for drainage of the infection. Should the jewelry be removed, the surface cells can close-up sealing the infection inside the piercing channel, resulting in an abscess. Until such time an infection is cleared up, leave quality jewelry in!

• Slowly eat small bites of food, placed directly onto the molars.
• Avoid eating spicy, salty, acidic, or hot temperature foods or beverages for a few days.
• Cold foods and beverage are soothing and help reduce swelling.
• For tongue piercing, try to keep your tongue level in your mouth as you chew and swallow.
• For labret (cheek and lip) piercings: Be cautious about opening your mouth too wide as this can result in the backing of the jewelry catching on the teeth.
• Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.

Use either one or both of the following solutions for inside the mouth:

• We recommend H2Ocean as part of your daily cleaning
• Liquid anti-microbial or germicidal soap.*

1 WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning, or touching on or near your piercing for any reason.

2 Use H2Ocean as directed.

3 SOAP no more than once or twice a day. While showering, lather up a pearl size drop of the soap to clean the jewelry and the piercing. Leave the cleanser on the piercing no more than thirty seconds, then rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing.

4 DRY with disposable paper products such as gauze or tissues, because cloth towels can harbor bacteria and catch on new piercings causing injury. Pat gently to avoid trauma.

• Initially: some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising.
• During healing: some discoloration, itching, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) that will form some crust on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.
• Once healed: the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; DO NOT force it. If you fail to include cleaning the piercing, as a part of your daily hygiene routine, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate.
• A piercing may seem healed before healing is complete. This is because piercings heal from the outside in, and although it feels healed the tissue remains fragile on the inside. BE PATIENT, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.
• Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, leave the jewelry in place.

• Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing; leave it alone except when cleaning. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry while healing except possibly during cleaning.
• Stay healthy. Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet. The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Exercise during healing is fine, just "listen" to your body.
• Make sure your bedding is kept clean and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable breathable clothing that protects your piercing while sleeping.
• Showering is safer than taking a bath, because bathtubs tend to harbor bacteria. If you would like to take a bath, clean the tub well before each use.

• Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewelry and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing, and other complications.
• Avoid the use of alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Betadine, Hibiclens or ointment.
• Avoid over cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.
• Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others' bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.
• Avoid stress and recreational drug use including excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
• Avoid submerging the piercing in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, Jacuzzis, etc. Or protect your piercing using a special waterproof bandage* such as Tegaderm, which is available at drugstores.
• Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays, etc.
• Don't hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.

• Unless there is a problem with the size, style, or material of the initial jewelry, leave it in place for the entire healing period. A qualified piercer should perform any necessary jewelry change that occurs during healing.
• Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be temporarily removed (such as for a medical procedure). There are non-metallic jewelry alternatives.
• Leave jewelry in at all times. Even old, well-healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! If removed, re-insertion can be difficult or impossible.
• With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness. ("Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey" ).
• Carry a clean spare ball in case of loss or breakage. - Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, seek professional help in the removal of the jewelry and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole closes. In most cases only a small indentation will remain.
• In the event that an infection is suspected, quality jewelry or an inert alternative should be left in place to allow for drainage of the infection. Should the jewelry be removed, the surface cells can close-up sealing the infection inside the piercing channel, resulting in an abscess. Until such time an infection is cleared up, leave quality jewelry in! (In particular, the navel area)
• A hard, vented eye patch (sold at pharmacies) can be applied under tight clothing (such as nylon stockings) or secured using a length of ace bandage around the body (to avoid irritation from adhesive). This can protect the area from restrictive clothing, excess irritation, and impact during physical activities such as contact sports. (In particular, the ear/ear cartilage and facial region)
• Use the t-shirt trick: dress your pillow in a large, clean t-shirt and turn it nightly; one clean t-shirt provides four clean surfaces for sleeping.
• Maintain cleanliness of telephones, headphones, eyeglasses, helmets, hats and anything that contacts the pierced area.
• Use caution when styling your hair and advise your stylist of a new or healing piercing. (In particular, nipples)
• The support of a tight cotton shirt or sports bra may provide protection and feel comfortable, especially for sleeping.