Tattoo & Piercing AFTERCARE INFO

Thank you for trusting Archangel Ink with your new tattoo or piercing. Proper aftercare is essential for healing and achieving the best possible results. Follow these instructions carefully, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions during your healing process.


Piercing Aftercare

Cleaning

Clean your piercing twice daily using only:

  • Sterile saline wound wash (0.9% sodium chloride)

Spray the area and allow it to soak for 30–60 seconds.

Remove softened debris with clean gauze if necessary.

Allow the piercing to air dry or gently pat dry using clean disposable paper products.

Do NOT Use

Avoid:

  • Alcohol

  • Hydrogen peroxide

  • Betadine

  • Witch hazel

  • Homemade salt water

  • Tea tree oil

  • Antibiotic ointments

  • Harsh soaps

These products can delay healing and cause irritation.

General Piercing Care

Do not:

  • Twist or rotate jewelry

  • Remove jewelry during healing

  • Touch your piercing with dirty hands

  • Sleep directly on healing piercings when possible

Avoid unnecessary trauma to the area.

Healing Times (Approximate)

Earlobes:
6–8 weeks

Cartilage:
6–12 months

Nostril:
4–6 months

Septum:
2–4 months

Eyebrow:
3–4 months

Lip:
2–3 months

Navel:
6–12 months

Tongue:
4–8 weeks

Industrial:
9–12 months

Healing varies from person to person.

Contact Your Artist or Piercer If You Experience

  • Severe swelling after several days

  • Thick green or foul-smelling discharge

  • Fever

  • Increasing redness spreading outward

  • Excessive pain

  • Jewelry becoming embedded

These symptoms may require professional evaluation.

Healing Tips

Stay hydrated

Eat nutritious foods

Get plenty of rest

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption during healing

Follow all aftercare instructions consistently

Thank You

Thank you for choosing Archangel Ink.

We appreciate your trust and look forward to seeing you again. If you have any questions during your healing process, please contact us before making changes to your aftercare routine.

Heal well. Wear your art with pride.

TATTOO AFTERCARE

The First 24 Hours

If Your Tattoo Is Covered with a Medical Adhesive Bandage (such as SecondSkin, Derm Shield, or Saniderm)

  • Leave the bandage on for 3–5 days unless instructed otherwise by your artist.

  • A small amount of blood, ink, and plasma collecting beneath the bandage is completely normal.

  • If the bandage leaks significantly, peels off early, or becomes contaminated, remove it, gently wash the tattoo, and continue with traditional aftercare.

Removing the Bandage

  • Wash your hands thoroughly.

  • Remove the bandage slowly under warm running water.

  • Wash the tattoo using lukewarm water and a fragrance-free antibacterial or gentle cleanser.

  • Rinse thoroughly.

  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub. If You Are Healing Without a Medical Bandage

    • Leave the original wrap on for the amount of time recommended by your artist (typically 2–4 hours).

    • Wash gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap.

    • Pat dry completely.

    • Apply a very thin layer of recommended tattoo aftercare ointment.

    Daily Tattoo Care

    Wash your tattoo 1–2 times daily using:

    • Fragrance-free soap

    • Clean hands only (no washcloths or sponges)

    Moisturize with a thin layer of:

    • Unscented lotion

    • Tattoo-specific moisturizer

    Your tattoo should never feel greasy or heavily coated.

    Normal Healing

    You may experience:

    • Mild redness

    • Slight swelling

    • Tenderness

    • Light scabbing

    • Peeling similar to a sunburn

    • Mild itching

    Do NOT:

    • Scratch

    • Pick flakes

    • Peel scabs

    Allow skin to heal naturally.

    Avoid for 2–4 Weeks

    • Swimming pools

    • Oceans

    • Lakes

    • Hot tubs

    • Saunas

    • Long baths

    Avoid direct sun exposure.

    Do not shave over the tattoo until completely healed.

    Avoid tight clothing that rubs against the tattoo.

    Long-Term Tattoo Care

    Once healed:

    • Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) whenever exposed to sunlight.

    • Moisturize regularly.

    • Healthy skin keeps tattoos looking vibrant for years.