AFTERCARE

Proper aftercare protects your new tattoo or piercing, helps you heal smoothly, and keeps colors and shine vibrant.

TATTOOS

    1. Keep your bandage on as long as your tattoo artist advised. Some oozing is normal—it protects you!

    2. Wash your hands with liquid anti-bacterial soap before touching your tattoo.

    3. Gently cleanse with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
      – Never scrub or rub; use fingertips only.
      – Pat dry with a clean, disposable paper towel, then let air dry for 10 minutes.

    4. Apply aftercare balm:
      – Begin the day after tattooing, once excess fluid has passed.
      – Apply a thin layer whenever the tattoo feels dry, but don’t overdo it.

    • We stock Butterlux Aftercare Balm and other tattoo-friendly solutions - ask in shop or tap “Buy now” below!

    • No Vaseline or petroleum jelly

    • No soaking (baths, pools, hot tubs, saunas) until healed—showers are fine

    • Don’t pick or scratch scabs or flaky skin

    • Avoid tight, abrasive clothing on the area

    • When healed, apply high-SPF sunblock before sun exposure to preserve color and detail.

PIERCINGS

    • Use only sterile saline solution or anti-microbial soap—both are available in shop.

    • Wash hands before any contact or cleaning.

    • Soak or rinse with saline twice daily. For difficult spots, use a fresh cotton bud.

    • Use soap only in the shower, up to twice daily. Lather, clean gently, rinse well, never leave for more than 30 seconds.

    • Always pat dry using disposable tissue

    • Don’t change or remove jewellery during healing—except for urgent medical needs (ask us about alternatives).

    • Check threaded ends daily for tightness (with clean hands).

    • Keep bedding and clothing clean.

    • Stay hydrated; support your immune system with vitamins, sleep, and stress reduction.

    • Navel: Avoid tight waistbands; use vented patches if needed.

    • Nipple: Snug tee or sports bra adds protection.

    • Ear/Cartilage/Facial: Fresh pillowcases; shield from hairspray and lotions.

    • Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, strong sprays and ointments

    • No over-cleaning—twice a day is best

    • Do not use makeup, lotions, or hair products on new piercings

    • No swimming or soaking until healed

    • No rough play, oral contact, or bodily fluids on/near new piercings

    • Don’t pick crusts or scabs—this risks infection and scarring

    • Initial redness, swelling, tenderness, minor bleeding or bruising

    • Some whitish-yellow fluid and crusting during healing

    • Spreading redness, pain, swelling, heat, or pus may signal infection

    • Possible jewellery migration/rejection—contact us if concerned

    • Never remove jewellery if infection is suspected—see us or a doctor for advice

ORAL PIERCINGS

    1. Rinse mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash (30 seconds, up to 5x/day).

    2. Rinse with mild sea salt solution between meals (2x/day).

    3. Use a new, clean toothbrush—sensitive/soft bristles recommended.

    • Elevate your head while sleeping for the first few nights.

    • Check jewellery ends for tightness.

    • Stay hydrated, sleep well, eat carefully, and choose cold foods to soothe.

    • No oral sex or French kissing until fully healed

    • No gum, tobacco, nail-biting, or sharing plates/cutlery

    • Reduce/stop smoking

    • Avoid spicy, salty, acidic, and very hot foods

    • Don’t play or fiddle with piercing; avoid mouthwashes with alcohol

    • Minor bleeding, swelling, tenderness, bruising

    • Whitish-yellow fluid, crusting, tight tissue as it heals

    • Increasing redness, spreading pain/swelling, or heat—may be infection.

    • Contact us or a medical professional for help.

    • Change the ball part if needed, but keep the post for the whole healing time.

    • Ask your piercer about non-metallic options for medical procedures.

    • Tongue: Eat small bites, place food on molars, keep tongue level.

    • Lip: Open mouth cautiously while eating, take small bites.

Have Questions or Concerns?

Use our contact form, call, WhatsApp, or ask in-person. Our team are always happy to help and offer advice.

Contact Us

Alternatively, if you’d like a copy of our aftercare guidelines to hand at all times, please download the PDFs below:

Tattoos
Piercings