Learn how to take care of your tattoo
Explore Our Tattoo Expertise
Discover the art of tattooing with insights from our expert team. Whether you're new to tattoos or a seasoned enthusiast, find answers to your most pressing questions.
1. Keep the Bandage On (First Few Hours):
Your tattoo artist will cover your fresh tattoo with a bandage or plastic wrap. Leave it on for 2-6 hours (or as advised by your artist). This protects the tattoo from bacteria and prevents infection.
2. Gently Wash Your Tattoo (First Wash):
Remove the bandage with clean hands. Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap (like Dial or Dr. Bronner’s). Gently wash away any excess ink, blood, and plasma. Pat dry with a clean paper towel—don’t rub!
3. Apply a Thin Layer of Healing Ointment:
Use a fragrance-free ointment like Aquaphor or a tattoo balm. Apply a thin layer—your skin should still be able to breathe. Do not over-moisturize.
4. Let It Breathe & Avoid Touching:
Keep your tattoo exposed to fresh air when possible. Avoid tight clothing that can rub against the tattoo. Never touch your tattoo with dirty hands!
5. Continue Cleaning & Moisturizing (Days 1-14)
Wash your tattoo twice a day with mild soap and water. Apply fragrance-free lotion (like Lubriderm or Aveeno) 2-3 times daily. Switch to lotion instead of ointment after the first 3-4 days.
6. Avoid These Common Mistakes🚫 No scratching or picking
Your tattoo will itch, but don’t scratch it!
🚫 No soaking – Avoid baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas.
🚫 No sun exposure – Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. UV rays can cause fading.
🚫 No heavy sweating – Avoid intense workouts that cause excessive sweating
7. Peeling & Scabbing (Week 1-2)
Your tattoo will start to peel like a sunburn—this is normal. Some light scabbing may occur—do not pick at it.
8. Long-Term Care (After 2 Weeks & Beyond)Always use sunscreen (SPF 30+)
on healed tattoos to prevent fading. Keep your skin moisturized to maintain vibrancy. Stay hydrated and follow a healthy skincare routine.
Healing Time
Healing Time 2-4 weeks for surface healing. Up to 3 months for deeper layers to fully heal. If you notice signs of infection (excessive redness, pus, swelling, or a bad smell), contact a doctor immediately.
Explore Our piercing Expertise
Discover the art of piercing with insights from our expert team. Whether you're new to piercings or a seasoned enthusiast, find answers to your most pressing questions.
1. Clean with Saline Solution:
Gently clean your piercing twice a day using a sterile saline solution or a professional piercing aftercare spray. Spray or soak the area, allowing the solution to sit for a minute before gently patting it dry. Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh antiseptics, as these can irritate the skin and slow down the healing process.
2. Avoid Touching or Twisting:
It can be tempting to touch, twist, or move your new jewelry, but doing so can cause trauma to the healing tissue and introduce bacteria. If you need to adjust the jewelry for cleaning, be as gentle as possible, but otherwise, leave it alone to heal properly.
3. Keep the Area Dry and Clean:
After cleaning or showering, gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel. Avoid using cloth towels since they can harbor bacteria and snag on your jewelry. It’s important to keep the area clean and dry to create an environment where your piercing can heal without complications.
4. Be Mindful of Hair and Clothing:
Hair, hats, scarves, or tight clothing can irritate your piercing or get caught in your jewelry, causing discomfort or even injury. If you have a body piercing, opt for loose, breathable clothing. For facial or ear piercings, make sure your hair is kept away from the area as much as possible.
5. Stay Away from Pools and Hot Tubs:
Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans until your piercing is fully healed. These bodies of water often contain bacteria or harsh chemicals that can cause infections or irritate the healing site. If you must be near water, protect your piercing with a waterproof bandage, but it’s best to wait until you're fully healed.
6. Sleep with Care:
Sleeping directly on a new piercing can cause unnecessary pressure and prolong healing. If you have an ear or facial piercing, use a clean travel pillow or a donut-shaped pillow to create space and prevent irritation. For body piercings, try sleeping on your back or side to avoid putting pressure on the jewelry.
7. Watch for Signs of Infection:
It’s normal to experience some redness, swelling, and slight tenderness after getting a piercing. However, if you notice increasing pain, excessive swelling, yellow or green discharge, or a persistent burning sensation, it may be a sign of infection. Don’t remove the jewelry — this can trap the infection inside. Instead, contact your piercer or a healthcare provider for advice on how to proceed.
8. Be Patient with the Healing Process:
Healing times vary depending on the type and location of your piercing. While some may feel better within a few days, full healing can take several weeks to months. Don’t rush the process — even if the area looks healed on the surface, the tissue underneath may still be recovering. Stick to your aftercare routine for the entire healing period and follow any additional advice from your piercer.
Stay Consistent with Aftercare
Consistency is key when it comes to healing your piercing. Stick to your cleaning routine every day, even if the piercing seems to be healing quickly. Skipping aftercare can reopen the wound or cause irritation, so keep up the routine until your piercer confirms it’s fully healed. If you’re unsure about anything during the healing process, don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
Explore Our Artistry
At 306 Tattoo, we transform your ideas into stunning tattoos that tell your unique story. Our skilled artists are here to guide you through a memorable journey from concept to creation.
What makes 306 Tattoo unique?
Our studio is renowned for its personalized approach, ensuring each tattoo is a reflection of the client's individuality and artistic vision.
Who is Mani Nahal?
Mani Nahal is our head tattoo artist, celebrated for his bold designs and commitment to crafting timeless art.
How do I start my tattoo journey?
Begin with a consultation where we explore your ideas and collaborate to create a design that resonates with your personal style.
What should I expect during my visit?
Expect a welcoming environment where our team prioritizes your comfort and satisfaction, ensuring a professional and enjoyable experience.