Tattoo & Piercing

Aftercare

Before your tattoo

When thinking about getting a tattoo, aftercare is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But precautions actually start before the session itself. Here are some essential tips to follow before your appointment to give yourself the best chance of a good healing process.

Moisturise your skin

Before your tattoo session, moisturise the area to be tattooed daily with the moisturiser of your choice.

Sleep and eat well

Rest the night before and have a proper meal before your session. A rested, well-fed body handles tattooing much better.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your tattoo.

Prepare the area

Come with clean skin, not tanned and without sunburn. Avoid aggressive hair removal on the area just before the session.

Planning a large tattoo?

Remember to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated, as well as something to eat in case you'd like a break during the session.

Things to avoid

Alcohol in the 24 to 48 hours before the session
Aspirin and anti-inflammatories, unless medically advised
Sun exposure and sunburn on the area to be tattooed
Arriving on an empty stomach or tired

Post-tattoo care

The first few days are essential for good healing. Here are some tips to guide you through this period. However, every tattoo artist has their own habits and adapts aftercare to their technique. It's therefore important to always prioritise your artist's recommendations.

The first days

During the first 48 to 72 hours, it's normal for your tattoo to be red, sensitive and slightly swollen.

Cling film or Second Skin

Remove the cling film no later than 4 hours after the session (or as soon as you get home). If you're wearing a "second skin" dressing, you can keep it on for up to 24 hours and remove it gently under lukewarm water. Once the protection is removed, wash your tattoo with a pH-neutral soap and pat it dry gently with absorbent paper, without rubbing.

After removing the protection

The 3 weeks following the removal of the cling film or "second skin" dressing are very important. During this period, wash your tattoo with a pH-neutral soap, then dry it gently with absorbent paper, always without rubbing.

Moisturising

Moisturising starts from the third day. Apply the cream recommended by your tattoo artist 2 to 3 times a day for a week, then at least once a day for around twenty days. A thin layer is enough. Remember to always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.

Healing

During healing, your tattoo may peel, form small scabs and itch, similar to a sunburn. This is completely normal. Avoid scratching, rubbing or picking at the skin and scabs, so as not to slow down healing.

Sun protection

Once healed, protect your tattoo with SPF50+ sunscreen before any sun exposure.

Things to avoid

Scratching or picking at scabs
Swimming in a pool or the sea for 3 weeks
Exposing to the sun during healing
Saunas and steam rooms
Baths and prolonged showers
Using perfumed or alcohol-based products on the area
Intense physical activity during the first week, especially the gym

What is normal

Slight redness and swelling in the first few days
Itching during the healing phase
Light skin flaking
Slight colour change while healing (normal)

If you notice intense spreading redness, excessive heat, pus, or fever — see a doctor and contact your artist.

Piercing care

After your piercing, it's essential to adopt a good care routine to promote quick, comfortable healing. Whatever type of piercing you've had done at our studio, here are the steps to follow to look after your new piercing.

Daily cleaning

You should clean your piercing at least once a day for the duration recommended by your piercer. This duration may vary depending on the type of piercing. Start by gently washing the area with a pH-neutral soap, then rinse with lukewarm water. Then apply saline solution using a non-woven compress.

Mouthwash

For piercings in contact with the oral mucosa, such as labret or Medusa piercings, a daily mouthwash with a suitable product is recommended, for the duration indicated by your piercer.

Hand hygiene

Throughout the healing period, always wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your piercing. Avoid touching or handling your jewellery during the day.

Protection

Throughout the healing period, avoid prolonged sun exposure as well as swimming in the sea or pool. Also avoid saunas and steam rooms. For ear piercings, it's recommended to avoid wearing earphones or headphones, as well as sleeping on the side of new piercings.

Things to avoid

Rotating or unnecessarily handling the jewellery
Using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or Betadine
Changing the jewellery before full healing
Sleeping on the piercing (ear) without protection

What is normal

Slight redness and swelling in the first days
White or clear discharge (lymph)
Slight tenderness to touch for several weeks

If you notice yellow-green pus, intense worsening pain, fever, or if the jewellery seems to be sinking into the skin — contact your piercer and/or a doctor.