Healing is part of the art.
Clear guidance for both tattoo and piercing healing. Follow these steps closely through the first weeks — it's the difference between good work and work that lasts.
Caring for new ink.
Immediately after your session
- ◆Keep the protective bandage on for 2–4 hours after the session.
- ◆Remove gently with clean hands — never peel or scrub.
- ◆Rinse with lukewarm water and unscented antibacterial soap.
- ◆Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a thin layer of recommended balm.
Cleaning & moisturizing
- ◆Wash 2–3 times daily with lukewarm water and gentle unscented soap.
- ◆Apply a thin layer of aftercare balm only when the skin feels tight.
- ◆Less is more — over-moisturizing traps bacteria.
- ◆Wear loose, breathable clothing over the area.
While the tattoo is healing
- ◆No direct sun, tanning beds, or saltwater for 3 weeks.
- ◆No pools, hot tubs, lakes, or ocean swimming for 2 weeks.
- ◆No picking, scratching, or peeling — let the skin shed naturally.
- ◆No tight clothing, intense gym sessions or heavy sweating for 7–10 days.
- ◆Avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours.
When to contact your artist
- ◆Excessive redness, swelling or warmth lasting beyond 5 days.
- ◆Yellow/green discharge, foul smell, or unusual fluid.
- ◆Fever, chills, or spreading rash beyond the tattoo area.
- ◆Anything that doesn't feel right — message Lobo immediately.
Tattoo Healing Timeline
Mild redness and swelling. Tattoo may weep clear fluid and ink — normal.
Itching and light flaking begins. Do not scratch. Continue cleaning routine.
Surface healed. Skin may still feel dry — keep moisturizing lightly.
Full healing. Tones and contrast settle into their final appearance.
Caring for a new piercing.
Piercings heal from the outside in. Keep the routine simple, consistent, and gentle — the less you touch it, the better it settles.
Daily cleaning routine
- ◆Clean twice daily with sterile saline spray — morning and night.
- ◆Let saline soak the area for 30–60 seconds, then pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- ◆Wash hands thoroughly before going near a fresh piercing.
- ◆Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, and ointments — they slow healing.
Living with your new jewelry
- ◆Do not remove, twist, or rotate the jewelry during healing.
- ◆Leave the initial piece in place until your downsize appointment (typically 4–8 weeks).
- ◆Only implant-grade titanium or solid 14k gold for fresh piercings.
- ◆Any jewelry change in the first months should be done by a professional.
While the piercing settles
- ◆No pools, hot tubs, lakes, or ocean swimming until fully healed.
- ◆No touching or playing with the jewelry — this is the main cause of irritation.
- ◆Keep makeup, lotions, and hair products away from the piercing.
- ◆Sleep on a clean pillowcase and avoid pressure on the area.
- ◆For oral piercings: skip alcohol, smoking, and spicy foods in the first weeks.
When to reach out
- ◆Increasing pain, heat, or swelling after the first week.
- ◆Thick yellow or green discharge with a foul smell.
- ◆Jewelry that feels embedded, tilted, or unusually tight.
- ◆Fever or spreading redness beyond the piercing site — contact Lobo right away.
Piercing Healing Timeline
Tenderness, light swelling, and clear or pale fluid (lymph) are normal.
Swelling fades. A short post is fitted to keep healing on track.
Surface feels settled. Continue saline once daily and avoid trauma.
Full internal healing for cartilage and body piercings. Safe to change jewelry.
Healing times vary by placement and individual.
Concerned about something?
Contact Lobo Directly