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Tattoo AfterCare
Leave plastic bandages alone for one hour! Your artist took the time to cover up your new tattoo for a very good reason - to keep air-born bacteria from invading your wound. Yes, as pretty as your new tattoo is, it is a wound. Open flesh is a breeding ground for bacteria and infection.
After you remove the bandage, wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to gently wash away any ointment, blood and/or plasma and to completely clean the area (Dial, Non-scented/Non-dyed generic brand antibacterial soaps are best). Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your hand is best in this case.
Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a CLEAN paper towel until dry. Follow with a very light application of a non-petroleum based ointment for 3 days, and then a non-scented, non-medicated lotion after the initial 3 day period (Lubriderm, Eucerin, Aveeno). Clean and moisturize for at least 2 weeks after getting the tattoo.
You can (and should!) shower with a new tattoo. It's OK to get your tattoo wet - just don't soak it. After a shower, assure that all soap or product is washed off completely. No hot tubs or swimming pools for 2-4 weeks. Not only does submerging your tattoo risk causing serious damage, chlorine does as well. Avoid baths, bodies of freshwater, chlorinated water, or very hot water.
You might notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. A little is sometimes normal and there is no need to panic. You will also start to itch, just like a sunburn when it begins to heal. Don't pick, and don't scratch! If the skin itches, slap it and moisturize. Your tattoo is almost healed, don’t ruin it!
Before and after your tattoo is healed, UV ray protection is highly recommended. The sun can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast. During healing, DO NOT use sunscreen. Wear clothes that cover your tattoo, or put it in the shade when you find yourself outside. After your tattoo is healed protect your tattoo with a minimum 50 SPF sunblock. This will keep your tattoo vibrant for many many years.
"Outside of the Normal limits of Healing, any concerns that your body art has resulted in complications, infection or disease should be reported to: Denver Department of Environmental Health - Public Health Inspection -
Body Art 200 W 14th Ave Dept 200 Denver CO 80204 - 720.913.1311
After Care Products
Saniderm
Saniderm is a medical-grade, breathable adhesive bandage designed specifically for tattoo healing. It acts as a protective barrier against dirt, friction, and bacteria while allowing the skin to breathe and heal naturally. Saniderm helps reduce scabbing, irritation, and risk of infection, making the healing process cleaner, easier, and more comfortable.
Neilmed
NeilMed is a trusted healthcare brand known for gentle, sterile saline solutions used in wound care and cleansing. Their wound wash products are ideal for tattoo aftercare, helping to rinse away debris and bacteria without harsh chemicals or stinging. NeilMed provides a safe, effective way to keep new tattoos clean during the critical early healing stages.
Tattoo Goo
Tattoo Goo specializes in aftercare products formulated to support vibrant, healthy tattoos. Their balms and lotions are enriched with skin-soothing ingredients that promote healing, reduce dryness, and protect color retention. Tattoo Goo products are designed to nourish freshly tattooed skin while maintaining long-term ink quality.
Piercing AfterCare
General Piercing Aftercare - What You May Need:
Highly Recommend Saline Solution Q-tip/Swab
Small disposable cups (2-4 ounces)
Cleaning Your Piercing:
1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap. Never touch your piercing or jewelry with dirty hands or your dirty cellphone.
2. Saturate a Q-tip/Swab with warm water, and gently wipe away any "crusties" that have gathered around the piercing site. Throw the Q-tip away.
3. Apply a generous amount of saline solution (w bottle you purchased @ Endless Ink Tattoo & Piercing) and apply to the piercing site and jewelry. Make sure you get the saline solution everywhere, but rotating the jewelry is not necessary as long as you work the saline solution around the piercing and jewelry completely.
4. Rinse the tip of bottle off with anti-bacterial soap (if you purchased one from us or anywhere)
5. Dry your piercing with a clean paper towel and then dispose of it.
Cleaning Tips: Although it's a very common method, some piercers will still tell you to rotate your jewelry. We have found that it causes more problems than it solves. Any crusties or bacteria still on the jewelry are then introduced inside the raw piercing when the jewelry is rotated. This can cause irritation or even infection. It's best to just clean the piercing and jewelry thoroughly without actually moving it.
Acceptable Healing Aids and Products
NeilMed - Although some would call it "glorified saline solution," most do report excellent healing results with this product.
Saline Solution - Less expensive and more readily available than most other products, saline solution is very effective in soothing and healing a new piercing. It's also an acceptable substitute for sea salt soaks.
Do NOT Use:
Hydrogen Peroxide - Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria, but it also kills the white blood cells attempting to heal your piercing. It can cause irritation and lengthen overall healing time. Rubbing Alcohol - Alcohol will dry the skin and irritate the raw piercing, which could actually lead to infection.
Glyoxide - This is a product that contains hydrogen peroxide and hinders healing rather than aiding it.
Ear Care Solution - Solutions that are provided by jewelry boutiques and department store piercers usually contain alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and other harmful chemicals that only aggravate a new piercing.