Welcome to K.w.Ink

Taking care of your tattoo or piercing is crucial to ensuring its longevity and beauty. At K.w.Ink, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions and products to help you keep your new body art looking its best.

Tattoo & Piercing Aftercare Guide

Tattoo Aftercare

Leave the initial wrap or covering on for the first two hours after your appointment. After two hours,

remove the wrap, gently wash the area, and begin the aftercare routine.

For the first three days, wash your tattoo twice daily: once when you wake up and once before bed.

After the first three days, reduce washing to once daily. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap (such as

Orange Dial Antibacterial or a plain unscented baby soap).

After washing, allow the tattoo to air dry. Do not use towels or paper towels, as fibers can stick to the

skin and cause irritation.

Apply a very thin layer of a plain, fragrance-free moisturizer or tattoo balm. Avoid petroleum-heavy products long-term.

Aquaphor may be used sparingly for the first few days, then switch to a lighter,

fragrance-free lotion.

Do not use antibiotic ointments, A&D; ointment, or heavily medicated or antimicrobial products.

Avoid soaking in bathtubs, pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, or the ocean until fully healed. Showering is

fine.

Avoid direct sun exposure while healing. Once healed, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to

protect your tattoo from fading.

Do not re-wrap your tattoo when sleeping. Keep pets out of your bed during the initial healing period, and have clean sheets ready for the second night, as the first night may result in fluid transfer.

Mild swelling, redness, and bruising are normal. For tenderness during the first day, ibuprofen (as directed on the label) and short intervals of ice (wrapped in a clean cloth) may help reduce swelling.

Do not pick, scratch, or peel scabs or flaking skin. Let the tattoo heal naturally.

Saniderm / Tegaderm / Second Skin Instructions (If Applied)

If a medical adhesive bandage (Saniderm, Tegaderm, or Second Skin) is applied, leave the first piece on for up to 24 hours unless it leaks excessively or becomes compromised.

After removing the first piece, gently wash the tattoo, allow it to dry, and apply a new piece. The second application may be worn for several days (up to 5–7 days, depending on the product and artist instructions).

To remove the bandage, do so in the shower under warm running water. Slowly peel the bandage downward, keeping it close to the skin rather than pulling outward.

After final removal, resume standard tattoo aftercare as outlined above.

Piercing Aftercare

Clean your piercing twice daily with sterile saline solution. Do not use harsh soaps, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments on piercings.

Wash your hands before touching your piercing. Avoid twisting, spinning, or playing with the jewelry.

Avoid swimming or soaking in pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, or the ocean during the initial healing period.

Do not change jewelry until the piercing is fully healed and your piercer has advised it is safe to do so.

Mild swelling, redness, tenderness, and bruising are normal. For the first day, ice (wrapped in a clean cloth) and ibuprofen (as directed) may help reduce swelling.

Sleep in a way that avoids pressure on the piercing when possible and keep bedding clean.

Suggested Products

• Mild, fragrance-free soap (e.g., Orange Dial Antibacterial, unscented baby soap)

• Sterile saline wound wash (for piercings)

• Plain, fragrance-free tattoo balm or lotion

• Aquaphor (for short-term use only, first few days)

• Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ (for healed tattoos)

• Non-stick ice packs or ice wrapped in a clean cloth