aftercare

Tattoo Aftercare

— The Healing Process

Good aftercare is essential for faster healing and to reduce the risk of infection. Healing times vary from person to person and depend on factors such as your general health, diet, age, and the size and placement of your tattoo. For the first few weeks, some redness and tenderness is completely normal.

The Golden Rule

  • Hand washing is the most important way to prevent infection.
  • Always wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap before touching your tattoo, and dry them thoroughly using clean paper towel or allow them to air dry.

What to Expect While Healing

  • Week 1 – Inflammation

    Your body is reacting to the tattoo. You may notice redness, mild swelling, tenderness, or a warm/burning sensation.

  • Week 2 – Itching & Flaking

    Flaking and itching are normal. Do not scratch, rub, or pick scabs. We recommend Yayo Familia aftercare to keep the skin nourished.

  • Weeks 3–4 – Drying Out

    Your tattoo will start to feel drier and the itching should ease. If the area remains very red, painful, or inflamed, this could indicate infection—please get in touch.

  • Months 2–6 – Fully Healed

    Your tattoo may look healed on the surface, but the skin underneath is still strengthening. Continue good aftercare: stay hydrated, use SPF, and keep the area clean.

— Healing Methods

There are two main ways to heal your tattoo:

  • YAYO Guard (Our Recommended Method)

    YAYO Guard is a protective healing film that acts like a second skin. It creates a barrier against germs and bacteria while remaining breathable and waterproof. It’s made from polyurethane with a hypoallergenic adhesive and works by locking in your natural healing fluids so the skin heals from the inside out.


    What to Expect

    • Your artist will apply the first guard before you leave the studio. Leave this on for 48 hours.
    • To remove: do this in the shower. Let lukewarm water run over the area and gently peel downwards, close to the skin. Never pull away from the skin, as this can cause damage.
    • Once removed, gently wash with YAYO soap until all residue is gone. Allow the area to air dry fully.
    • Apply the second YAYO Guard as shown by your artist and leave on for up to 5 days.
    • For smaller tattoos: a second application of second skin is not always necessary. Your artist will advise you based on the size and placement of your tattoo.
    • After removing the final guard, apply YAYO tattoo cream for approximately 14 days.
    • When the guard comes off, the tattoo may look healed, but the skin is still delicate. Avoid scratching, rubbing, or knocking the area.

  • For Sensitive Skin or Adhesive Allergies

    If you have very sensitive skin or are allergic to adhesives, we recommend an alternative method. Depending on the size of your tattoo, your artist will use either:

    • A sterile, non-adhesive dressing: Keep this on for your journey home, then keep the area clean and dry and apply cream a few times a day.
    • Plastic wrap: Your artist will advise when to replace it. Always use fresh, clean wrap straight from the pack.

Using Aftercare Cream

  • Only use clean, appropriate products at home for around 3 weeks. Always wash your hands before applying.
  • We recommend Yayo Familia aftercare; this can be purchased from the studio.
  • Do not use antibiotic creams unless prescribed by your doctor.

General Aftercare Tips

  • The first few weeks are crucial for how your tattoo will look long-term:
  • No swimming or soaking in baths (showers are fine)
  • Avoid sun exposure and tanning; always use SPF 50
  • Do not pick, scratch, or rub your tattoo
  • Do not allow others to touch your healing tattoo

Signs of Infection

If aftercare is not followed correctly, infection may occur. Watch out for:

  • Rash, redness, or bumps around the tattoo
  • Fever
  • Worsening swelling
  • Increasing pain
  • Shaking, chills, or sweating


If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact the studio for advice. We may recommend seeking medical attention if necessary.

Piercing Aftercare

— The Healing Process

Good aftercare of your new body piercing is essential to promote good healing and minimise the risk of infection. Healing times will vary with the type and position and vary from person to person. For the first few weeks it is normal for the area to be tender and swollen as the piercing starts to heal. 

What to Expect While Healing

  • Week 1 – Inflammation

    Swelling, redness and clear fluid are normal. It’s time for ice, ice, baby!

  • Week 2-4 – Healing

    Yellow ‘crusties’ form, don’t pick them! Soak the area with saline solution.

  • Week 5 – Maturation

    Redness should mostly be gone, but it’s important to still clean the piercing.

  • Week 6 – Downsizing

    Come in because we may need to change the jewellery.

— Healing Methods

Looking After Your Piercing

  • Oral Piercings

    Healing time:


    Oral piercings can take up to 6 months to fully heal. Initial swelling is normal and can last around 2 weeks. Consistent aftercare will help reduce swelling and support healing.


    Do:

    • Use an alcohol-free mouth rinse, maximum twice per day (Oral-B is recommended)
    • Follow facial aftercare instructions for lip piercings
    • Use ice and drink cold drinks to help reduce inflammation
    • Eat soft foods during the initial healing period
    • Rinse your mouth with cold water after every meal
    • Downsize jewellery after 4–6 weeks

    Do not


    • Do not play with the jewellery at all

  • Facial & Torso Piercings

    Healing time:


    Facial piercings (nostril, septum, eyebrow) typically take 2–6 months to heal.

    Belly button piercings usually take around 6 months, but can take up to 1 year.


    Do:


    • Clean twice daily with a saline solution (we recommend Piercemed Piercing Aftercare)
    • Gently wipe away excess saline using sterile gauze
    • Take extra care not to bump, snag, or catch the jewellery

    Do not:


    • Do not turn or twist the jewellery
    • Do not pick at crusties

General Aftercare Advice

  • Gold and sterling silver are not suitable for the first 6 months
  • Sleeping on or repeatedly bumping your piercing can slow healing and cause lumps
  • Oral piercings that are constantly played with can tear and lead to white, bumpy scar tissue
  • Saline compresses can help reduce irritation bumps
  • Do not use products containing alcohol or antiseptics
    (for example: Dettol, Betadine, Listerine). These are too harsh and can damage the piercing

Signs of Infection

Good aftercare greatly reduces the risk of problems, but it’s important to know what to look out for.

If you’re unsure about anything, please contact us and we can book you in for a consultation.

If you develop a fever or the infection appears to be spreading, please contact your GP or call 111 as soon as possible, as antibiotics may be required.

Signs of irritation

  • Slight swelling
  • Tenderness or redness
  • Crusty discharge (yellow or white)
  • Dry skin
  • Hypertrophic scarring (bumps)

Signs of infection

  • Excessive swelling
  • Area feels hot
  • Weeping or pus
  • Painful to touch
  • Generally feeling unwell