Resources/ F.A.Q.
AfterCare
So you’ve just got the tattoo or piercing of your dreams- now what!?
Relax, we’ve got you covered! These next steps will provide you with proper guidance to help you heal faster and keep your tattoo or piercing looking its best. Proper aftercare is a critical and crucial step to ensure your work of art will last a lifetime. Now, we have to be transparent- occasionally there are some healing complications, but our goal is to mitigate and minimize any issues that may arise so you can fully enjoy and appreciate your body art for years to come.
TATTOOS
Firstly, everyone heals differently, some slowly, and others faster. Following these instructions will help to speed up the process and allow you better enjoy your new tattoo!
1. Derm Shield. If your tattoo has been covered with a derm shield, leave it on for 3-7 days: it protects your tattoo during its initial healing process. After 3-7 days, gently peel away the derm shield- this works best using warm running water. Once all of the derm shield has been removed, wash your tattoo with warm water and an unscented anti-bacterial soap such as Dial. Do NOT use a washcloth or scrub your tattoo! Gently pat dry the area with a clean paper towel, or let it air dry.
2. Scabs. Do NOT scratch, pick or peel them! Allow scabs to flake and fall off naturally. This process can take 2-4 weeks, sometimes longer. Yes, it may itch like crazy- do NOT give into temptation and ruin your tattoo!
3. Sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight during the healing process. Sunlight should be avoided for a minimum of 4-6 weeks, or longer- until your tattoo is fully healed. After it is fully healed, use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
4. Water. Do NOT fully submerge your tattoo while it is healing. Swimming and baths are off-limits until your tattoo is fully healed. Avoid salt water and chlorine!
** Sunlight and submerging your tattoo are two of the worst things you can do to interrupt your healing process! **
5. Moisturize. Keep your tattoo moisturized with a tattoo balm/lotion, or use an unscented lotion. Do NOT use petroleum-based products as these can prevent your tattoo from properly healing.
Piercings
So you finally took the plunge and got pierced- congrats! Now what!? No need to worry, we’ve got your back. Unlike tattoos, piercings can take a VERY long time to heal- this is normal. Follow our guidelines and you’ll be healed and enjoying your new body art sooner rather than later.
1. What is normal? Discoloration, bleeding, swelling, tenderness, itching, crust, etc. are all normal during the course of your healing process. Your piercing can take anywhere from 1-12 months to heal- trust the process.
2. Healing. A piercing may appear to be healed before the complete healing process is complete. This is because this type of wound heals from the outside to the inside. Although it may feel fine on the outside, the interior could still be fragile; be patient and continue to clean your piercing. Once healed, your jewelry may not move freely within the piercing- do NOT force it. Continue to clean it regularly as part of your daily hygiene routine. Keep your piercing clean to mitigate and avoid smells and infections.
3. Cleaning your piercing. First, wash your hands with an antibacterial soap such as Dial. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel. Spray your piercing with a sterile saline solution/wound wash. Do NOT rotate or spin your piercing as this can aggravate or irritate the piercing. Using q-tips can assist with cleaning your piercing. Dry the piercing with gauze, or fresh q-tips- avoid washcloths or towels as they can harbor bacteria and snag on your jewelry.
4. What to avoid. Avoid using products such as rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or any harsh products as these can damage your skin cells and prolong your healing process. Do NOT use ointments as they suffocate the piercing and prevent air circulation. Avoid over-cleaning your new piercing as this can irritate it and extend the healing process unnecessarily. Avoid trauma such as friction and pressure from your clothing and playing with the jewelry. Avoid oral contact, rough play, and contact with bodily fluids while healing- these things can cause infections, extend the healing process, or require the removal of the piercing. Avoid submerging your piercing in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, oceans, hot tubs, etc. If entering water is absolutely necessary, protect your piercing with a derm guard (a transparent film dressing)- they can be found at most pharmacies or convenience stores. Avoid all beauty and cosmetic products on or around your piercing, this includes lotions, perfumes, creams, etc.
5. Jewelry. Unless there is a problem with the size, style or material of the initial jewelry, leave it in place for the duration of the healing process. Many piercings require downsizing to a smaller jewelry gauge before the piercing is healed. Return to our shops or visit a qualified and licensed piercer to perform the jewelry downsizing or to change out to your preferred jewelry once your piercing is fully healed.
FAQ
Do you accept walk-ins?
Yes, however, appointments take precedence over walk-ins. Please make an appointment to ensure the date/time you need is available and to prevent and overbooking issues with your preferred artist.
Do you accept credit/debit cards?
Yes, but cash is king! There is a small fee to use a credit or debit card.
do you tattoo/pierce minors?
Yes. A parent or guardian must completely fill out a consent form and get it notarized PRIOR to any procedures. In addition, we will make and retain copies of a non-expired government or state-issued ID or Driver’s License for our records.
do you sell smoke/vape/CBD/THC products?
Yes, at our Gulfport, Florida location. All products being sold meet ALL Florida laws, and you must be 21 or older to purchase and/or consume any/all smoke/vape products. You must provide a non-expired government or state-issued ID or Driver’s License at the point of sale.
I'd like to ask a question that is not listed...
No problem, we are happy to assist you and provide answers to your questions. Please fill out the contact us form located in our “CONTACT” section on this website, reach out to us via social media, email us, call us, or send us a text message. Please allow 24-48 hours for a reply.
