Heal it right.Tattoo & Piercing Aftercare
Your fresh tattoo, piercing or tooth gem is only as good as how you heal it. Here's exactly how to care for your work after you leave Yes Electric — and when to reach out if something's off. Getting ready for an appointment instead? See our pre-care & prep guide.
Tattoo Aftercare
Leave the wrap on
Keep the covering your artist applied on for the first few hours (or as long as they advise — some use a second-skin film for several days). It protects the fresh tattoo while it settles.
Wash gently with clean hands
Once the wrap's off, wash your hands, then clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap. No washcloths or loofahs — just clean fingertips.
Pat dry, don't rub
Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or let it air-dry. Rubbing irritates healing skin.
Moisturise thin, 2–3× a day
Apply a very thin layer of a fragrance-free aftercare balm or unscented lotion. More is not better — a thick layer suffocates the skin. Repeat 2–3 times daily.
Don't pick or scratch
It will flake and itch as it heals — that's normal. Picking or scratching pulls out ink and risks scarring. Tap gently if it itches.
Stay out of sun & water
No direct sun, tanning, pools, lakes, hot tubs, saunas or long baths for ~2 weeks. Soaking and UV are the two fastest ways to ruin fresh ink.
Dress loose & keep it clean
Wear loose, breathable clothing over the area and keep bedding clean. Let the skin breathe while it closes up.
Piercing Aftercare
Clean with saline 2× daily
Spray or soak with a sterile saline solution morning and night. Skip alcohol, peroxide and harsh antiseptics — they slow healing.
Hands off
Don't touch, twist or rotate the jewellery. Only handle it with freshly washed hands when cleaning.
Keep it dry & out of pools
Avoid pools, lakes, hot tubs and shared water while it heals. Pat dry after showering.
Don't change jewellery too soon
Leave the starter jewellery in until it's fully healed — swapping early can irritate or close the piercing. Ask us about timing.
Tooth Gem Care
- Brush gently as normal — don't avoid the area, just be soft around it.
- Don't pick or play with the gem with your tongue or nails.
- Go easy on very hard or sticky foods for the first day.
- Keep up regular dental hygiene and it can last many months.
Aftercare FAQ
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
The surface usually heals in about 2–3 weeks, while the deeper layers settle over 2–3 months. Keep up gentle washing and light moisturising the whole time.
What should I put on a new tattoo?
A thin layer of a fragrance-free tattoo aftercare balm or unscented lotion, 2–3 times a day. Avoid heavy petroleum products and anything scented.
How do I clean a new piercing?
Use a sterile saline solution twice a day, don't twist the jewellery, and keep it out of pools and lakes while it heals.
How do I look after a tooth gem?
Keep up normal gentle brushing, don't pick at it, and avoid biting very hard foods right after application. With care it can last many months.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have spreading redness, swelling, heat, pus, or a fever, see a doctor — these can be signs of infection. Reach out to us too and we'll help.
Questions about healing?
DM @yeselectrictattoo or call the studio — and walk in any day noon–late for your next piece.
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