Tattoo and Piercing Aftercare: How to Care for Your New Tattoo

Tattoo Aftercare

• For tattoos to look their best, proper aftercare is just as important as the actual tattoo application.
• Your tattoo is properly placed on your skin, and moving forward, it is the client's responsibility to take care and maintain it as instructed throughout the healing process and afterward.
• If aftercare instructions are not followed or are ignored, Bleu Son's Lowlife Ink and its employees may not be held liable for any infections, scarring, loss of color, or any other problems that arise due to the client's negligence.
• Clients are to contact Bleu Son's Lowlife Ink or a qualified health care professional at the first sign of abnormal inflammation, swelling, excessive pain or tenderness, or possible infection.
• Wash your hands before touching your new tattoo for cleaning or otherwise.
• Keep your bandage on for a minimum of 2-3 hours.
• After 2-3 hours, carefully remove your bandage.
• If your bandage is sticking to the tattoo, wet the bandage and remove carefully and slowly.
• Once uncovered, using fingertips, gently wash with warm water and non-scented antibacterial soap.

• Wash 3 times per day for the next 7-14 days (about 2 weeks).
• Using a fragrance-free lotion, or an appropriate tattoo aftercare

ointment, apply a thin layer as often as possible to prevent your tattoo from drying out.
• If it feels dry or tight, apply the ointment.
• Dab off excess with a clean paper towel.
• If you put it on too heavily, your tattoo could lose color and definition.
• If it looks like it is beading or dripping, it is too thick.

• After a few days, it is normal for the skin on the tattoo to take on a cloudy appearance, followed by peeling for a short while (like a sunburn).
• DO NOT rub, scratch, peel, or pick your new tattoo.
• Doing so could cause loss of color and then result in additional expense for additional coloring.
• Loose or peeling skin will work itself off without any help from you.
• If your new tattoo itches, apply lotion or ointment, or use a cold compress.
• DO NOT use alcohol to clean your new tattoo.
• DO NOT let your new tattoo dry out completely.
• DO NOT expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight or tanning beds for a minimum of 4 weeks.
• After 4 weeks, you may apply sunblock with a minimum SPF 30 to prevent burning and color fading.
• DO NOT soak or submerge your new tattoo in chlorinated, fresh, or salt water for a minimum of 4 weeks.
• This includes but is not limited to saunas, steam baths, bathtubs, rivers, lakes, pools, or oceans.
• Quick showers are best until your new tattoo is healed.
• Remember, your tattoo is considered an open wound until fully healed.
• Using the guidelines listed above, time, and care will result in your tattoo healing appropriately and looking its best for years to come.
• Use the recommended lotions and ointments we suggest (unless you have had problems in the past with it).
• Other shops may recommend different products for their customers that may not work with the inks we use.

Please contact your artist with any questions.

Second Skin Aftercare

For tattoos to look their best, proper aftercare is just as important as the actual tattoo application. Your tattoo is properly placed on your skin, and moving forward, it is the client's responsibility to take care and maintain it as instructed throughout the healing process and afterward. If aftercare instructions are not followed or are ignored, Bleu Son's Lowlife Ink and its employees may not be held liable for any infections, scarring, loss of color, or any other problems that arise due to the client's negligence.

Clients are to contact Bleu Son's Lowlife Ink or a qualified health care professional at the first sign of abnormal inflammation, swelling, excessive pain, tenderness, and/or possible infection.

Applying a New Bandage

Wash and dry hands thoroughly before attempting to apply a new bandage.
Clean the tattoo with a mild, non-scented antibacterial soap. Rinse with sterile water and dry completely.
Cut the bandage to the desired size/shape using multiple pieces if necessary. Try to overlap pieces by a minimum of ½-1 inch if possible. You should account for an extra 1 inch on each side of the tattoo to cover untattooed dry skin.
Pull the white backing off, exposing the sticky side of the bandage. Try not to touch the sticky side of the bandage if possible.
Smooth the bandage over the tattoo, pushing out any air bubbles.
Once the bandage is stuck to the skin, remove the clear backing and smooth again to ensure it is completely sealed and stuck to the skin.

Removal

Wash and dry hands thoroughly before attempting to remove your bandage.
Carefully peel up a corner of the bandage until you are able to grip the corner.
Slowly and carefully stretch the bandage away from the tattoo a little bit at a time using your other hand to keep the skin taut. (It is best to do this in the shower or by adding water to help the bandage release.)

DO NOT PULL THE BANDAGE STRAIGHT UP AND AWAY LIKE A BAND-AID!!! THIS CAN DAMAGE YOUR SKIN AND NEW TATTOO AND BE PAINFUL!!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Within the first 24 hours, there may be a buildup of plasma and excess ink under the bandage. THIS IS NORMAL. Do not puncture or attempt to drain the fluid. If you notice any leaking from the bandage, remove it and apply a new one. If fluid is able to leak out, this means the seal has broken, and bacteria are now able to get in.
It is best to leave the bandage on for 5-7 days if possible. You may have to remove your bandage and reapply a new one during this time, and that is fine.
If you notice redness, itching, irritation, burning, or any other adverse reactions, remove the bandage and refer to the traditional tattoo aftercare sheet.

Piercing Aftercare

General Piercing Care:

• Wash hands thoroughly before touching the area.
• Clean twice daily with saline solution and sterile cotton swabs.
• Avoid makeup, lotions, or dyes near the site for 4-6 weeks.
• No swimming or soaking (pools, lakes, baths) for at least 6 weeks.
• Use only distilled or sterile water; avoid tap water.
• Regularly check and tighten jewelry balls to prevent loss.
• Do not change jewelry for at least 6 weeks.
• If you have a nose piercing, be extremely gentle when blowing your nose.

Tongue Piercing Aftercare:

• Expect swelling for the first 3-5 days; use anti-inflammatories if needed.
• Rinse 2-3 times daily for 2 minutes using mouthwash diluted 50/50 with distilled water.
• Maintain normal brushing habits for teeth and tongue.
• Avoid yeast, carbonation, and dark-colored drinks for one week.
• Downsize to a shorter barbell after 2 weeks once swelling subsides.

Disclaimer: Proper healing is your responsibility. Bleu Son's Lowlife Ink is not liable for issues caused by negligence. Contact us or a doctor immediately if you see signs of infection or extreme pain.

Saline Solution for piercing aftercare at home

Ingredients:

1 cup of distilled or sterile water
¼ teaspoon of NON-IODIZED sea salt

Instructions:

Boil the water and let it cool to room temperature.
Add the non-iodized sea salt to the water and stir until the salt is fully dissolved.
Pour the saline solution into a clean, sterile container with a lid for storage.