Aftercare

General FAQ

1. How should I prepare?

At this time I accept clients by appointment only. Please use this link to book your appointment 

2. How should I prepare?

Tattoo Appointments:

Key is to feel good and to be excited for your new tattoo. Make sure to eat a solid meal, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol or caffeine for at least 24 hours. Bring a valid government-issued ID, any design references, and wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed. Arrive with clean skin. 

Piercing Appointments: 

Please remove makeup, lotion, or products from the piercing area, and tie back your hair if needed to keep it clear of the piercing site. Arrive ready to select high-quality jewelry suitable for the new piercing.

3. Is there an age requirement for tattoos and piercings?

In New Jersey:

  • Tattoo Age Requirement:

    • You must be 18 years or older to get a tattoo, regardless of parental consent.

  • Piercing Age Requirement:

    • For most piercings, individuals under 18 need written consent and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

    • Some piercings (e.g., genital piercings) are typically restricted to clients 18 years or older, even with parental consent.

4. What forms of payment do you accept?

At our shop, we accept a variety of payment methods for your convenience. These include credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover), mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay, cash, and gift cards. For larger purchases, we also offer Afterpay so you can buy now and pay later in installments. If you have any questions about payment options, feel free to ask!

Piercing

Every piercing is different and everyone heals differently. There are many factors to consider, including where the piercing was done. Below are some average healing times but results can vary:

Healing Times

Healing times can vary based on the location of the piercing and individual factors. Here are some general estimates:

  • Earlobes: 6–9 weeks

  • Cartilage (e.g., helix, tragus, conch): 9-12 months

  • Eyebrow: 9–12 weeks

  • Nostril: 6–9 months

  • Septum: 6–9 Months

  • Lip or Labret: 6–9 weeks

  • Tongue: 4–9 weeks

  • Navel: 6 months–1 year

  • Nipple: 6 months–1 year

  • Surface Piercings: 9 months–1 year

Please note that individual healing times can vary. We’ll be there for you if any questions or concerns, please call, email or stop by the shop.

Proper aftercare is essential for the healing and longevity of your new piercing. The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) provides the following guidelines to ensure optimal healing.

EAR PIERCING GUIDE

Cleaning Solution will be provided at the time of the piercing

Sterile Saline: Use a sterile saline solution labeled for wound care, containing 0.9% sodium chloride as the only ingredient. Avoid mixing your own sea salt solution, as incorrect concentrations can hinder healing. Steer clear of products with additives, such as moisturizers or antibacterials, as well as contact lens saline, nasal sprays, or eye drops. 

Cleaning Instructions for Body Piercings

  1. Wash Hands: Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before touching your piercing.

  2. Saline Rinse: Spray the piercing with sterile saline. Avoid moving or rotating the jewelry during cleaning, as this can cause irritation.

  3. Dry: Gently pat the area dry with clean, disposable gauze or cotton swabs. Avoid cloth towels, which can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry. 

What to Expect

  • Initially: You may experience bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising.

  • During Healing: Expect some discoloration, itching, and secretion of whitish-yellow fluid that may form crusts on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.

  • Healing Process: A piercing may appear healed externally before the healing process is complete internally. Continue cleaning throughout the entire healing period.

  • Jewelry Movement: Once healed, the jewelry may not move freely; do not force it. Regular cleaning as part of your hygiene routine can prevent accumulation of normal secretions.

  • Jewelry Retention: Piercings can shrink or close quickly, even after years. To maintain the piercing, keep jewelry in place and avoid leaving it empty. 

General Aftercare Tips

  • Avoid Harsh Products: Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, harsh soaps, iodine, or ointments, as these can damage cells and impede healing.

  • Limit Cleaning: Over-cleaning can delay healing and cause irritation. Follow the recommended cleaning routine without excess.

  • Protect the Piercing: Avoid trauma to the area, such as friction from clothing, excessive motion, or playing with the jewelry.

  • Maintain Hygiene: Ensure bedding is clean and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing that protects your piercing during sleep.

  • Exercise Caution: Exercise and sweating are acceptable during healing, but avoid activities that could jostle or aggravate the piercing. Protect the piercing from bacteria present on gym equipment or exercise mats.

  • Showering vs. Bathing: Showers are preferable, as bathtubs can harbor bacteria. If you bathe, clean the tub thoroughly before each use and rinse off your piercing afterward.

For more detailed information, visit the Association of Professional Piercers' official aftercare page: www.safepiercing.org

Piercing-Specific FAQ

What type of jewelry is used for new piercings?

At our studio, we prioritize your safety and comfort by exclusively using high-quality, implant-grade titanium and solid gold jewelry for all piercings. These materials are hypoallergenic, biocompatible, and designed to promote safe healing, ensuring you receive the best possible care and results. Your health and satisfaction are our top priorities!

Can I change my jewelry during the healing process?

It’s not recommended to change your jewelry during the healing process but you could always consult with us and we can change it for you, if it’s safe to do so. 

Do you offer specialty piercings (e.g., dermals, industrials)?

Yes I do! these are anatomy dependent so come in for an anatomy check to see if you can get one of these piercings 

Are your piercings done with a piercing gun or needle?

We prioritize your safety by exclusively using single-use, sterilized needles for all piercings. Each needle is opened in front of you, used once, and immediately discarded. This ensures a safe, precise, and hygienic procedure every time, significantly reducing the risk of infection or cross-contamination.

We do not use piercing guns because they are not designed for safe or professional body piercing. Piercing guns use blunt force to push jewelry through the skin, causing unnecessary trauma and increasing the risk of complications like infections, scarring, or uneven healing. Needles, by contrast, are sharp and designed to create a clean, smooth channel, leading to a faster and safer healing process. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we are committed to providing the safest methods possible!

Health and Safety FAQ

How do you ensure cleanliness and sterilization?

We follow strict aseptic techniques, including using sterile, single-use needles and sterilizing all jewelry and tools in an Enbio autoclave, which eliminates bacteria, viruses, and fungi with high-pressure steam. We disinfect the skin with Green Soap and iodine, maintain clean workstations with medical-grade disinfectants, and follow strict hand hygiene and glove-changing protocols.

What should I do if my tattoo or piercing gets infected?

First, assess whether it’s irritation or a true infection. Clean the area with sterile saline and avoid harsh chemicals. If symptoms persist or worsen after 48 hours—such as spreading redness, pain, swelling, pus, or fever—seek medical attention immediately.

What’s the difference between irritation and infection?

Irritation includes slight redness, tenderness, and clear discharge, which are normal healing signs. Infection involves worsening redness, pain, swelling, thick pus, or systemic symptoms like fever. If unsure, always consult a professional.

Additional Services FAQ

Do you offer cover-ups or ?

Yes, these are case by case! I do require a consult to see IF it can be covered!

Can you pierce or tattoo over scars?

Yes, normally I can, but I do require a consult to see your scar before booking

Do you offer jewelry changes or consultations for old piercings?

Yes, I do offer jewelry changes and wellness checks for all piercings ! even if you didn’t get them with me!

Do you sell aftercare products in your shop?

ABSOLUTELY, we offer medical grade saline solution, free with piercing and available for purchase at any time 

Powder Ombre Brows

Taking proper care of your brows after your procedure is key to achieving beautiful, long-lasting results. Below is everything you need to know about the healing process and how to care for your new brows.

The Healing Process

Your brows will go through several stages as they heal. Immediately after the procedure, the color will appear bolder and more defined. Over the next 7–14 days, the pigment will soften as the skin heals and regenerates. Some flaking and light scabbing is normal. Around weeks 4–6, the true color will emerge.

Aftercare Instructions

Days 1–7 (Critical Healing Phase):

  • Keep brows dry: – Avoid water, sweat, and steam near the treated area.

  • Do not touch, rub, or pick: – Let scabs or flakes shed naturally to prevent pigment loss or scarring.

  • Avoid makeup and skincare products: – Keep products away from the brow area.

  • Apply ointment if advised: – Only use aftercare products provided or recommended by your artist. Apply with clean hands or a cotton swab.

Avoid for 10–14 Days:

  • Direct sun exposure or tanning beds

  • Swimming, saunas, and steam rooms

  • Heavy sweating or intense exercise

  • Facials, chemical peels, or exfoliating treatments

Long-Term Maintenance

Direct sun exposure or tanning beds

  • Always apply SPF on healed brows to prevent fading.

  • Avoid using exfoliating or anti-aging products directly on the brow area.

  • A touch-up appointment is recommended 6–8 weeks after your initial session to refine shape and color.

Important Notes

  • Brows may appear too light or uneven during the healing phase—this is normal.

  • Full healing can take up to 6 weeks. Trust the process!

  • If you’re unsure whether your healing is progressing normally, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Tattoo

Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Proper tattoo aftercare is essential to ensure your tattoo heals well and looks vibrant for years to come. Follow these steps for optimal healing:

Initial Care (First 24–48 Hours)

  1. Remove the Bandage:

    • Your artist may wrap your tattoo with a protective covering. Remove it after the time specified by your tattoo artist (usually 2–6 hours).

  2. Wash Gently:

    • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.

    • Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap to gently clean the area, removing any excess ink, blood, and plasma.

    • Avoid scrubbing or using a washcloth; use your hands only.

  3. Pat Dry:

    • Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub or use a fabric towel, as it can irritate the area or harbor bacteria.

Healing Timeline

  1. Week 1:

    • Your tattoo may appear red, swollen, and slightly tender. You may notice light scabbing.

  2. Weeks 2–3:

    • The tattoo may begin to peel and flake. Keep moisturizing, but avoid pulling at the peeling skin.

  3. Weeks 4–6:

    • The top layer of skin should be fully healed, but the deeper layers are still regenerating. Continue to moisturize and protect your tattoo from the sun.

Daily Tattoo Care

  1. Moisturize:

    • Apply a thin layer of a tattoo-specific ointment or fragrance-free, dye-free lotion. Avoid over-moisturizing, as this can suffocate the skin.

  2. Clean Regularly:

    • Wash the tattoo twice daily with mild soap and lukewarm water. Ensure your hands are clean before touching it.

What to Avoid During Healing

  1. Do Not Scratch or Pick:

    • Your tattoo may itch as it heals. Resist the urge to scratch or pick at peeling skin to avoid scarring or ink loss.

  2. Avoid Submerging the Tattoo:

    • Do not soak your tattoo in water, including pools, hot tubs, or baths, for at least 2–3 weeks. Showers are fine.

  3. Protect from the Sun:

    • Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight during the healing process. After it's healed, always use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to prevent fading.

  4. Avoid Tight Clothing:

    • Wear loose, breathable clothing to prevent irritation and rubbing against your tattoo.

When to Seek Help

If you notice any signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, pain, or pus, contact your healthcare provider or tattoo artist immediately.

Long-Term Care for Your Tattoo

  • Hydrate and Moisturize: Keep the tattooed area hydrated to maintain skin health and vibrancy.

  • Protect Against the Sun: Use sunscreen to preserve the color and detail of your tattoo.

  • Schedule Touch-Ups: If your tattoo fades over time, consult your artist for a touch-up to keep it looking its best.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and remains a stunning piece of art. Consult your tattoo artist if you have specific concerns or additional questions.

Tattoo-Specific FAQ

How do I choose a design? Can you help me create one?

Absolutely , I recommend booking a free consultation with us so we can bring your ideas to life! 

What is the healing process for a tattoo, and how long does it take?

Tattoos typically take 2–4 weeks for the surface to heal and up to 6 months for full recovery. During the process, you can expect redness and slight swelling in the first few days, followed by scabbing and peeling like a sunburn around the second week. It may feel itchy, but avoid scratching or picking at it. By weeks three to four, the skin might appear dry or shiny as it finishes healing. Proper aftercare, like cleaning and moisturizing, ensures your tattoo heals beautifully.

Are there any activities I should avoid after getting a tattoo?

After getting a new tattoo, it's essential to avoid certain activities to ensure proper healing and prevent complications:

  1. Swimming: Stay out of pools, hot tubs, oceans, and lakes to avoid infection from bacteria or chlorine.

  2. Excessive Sweating: Avoid intense workouts or saunas that can irritate the tattoo.

  3. Direct Sunlight: Protect the tattoo from UV rays, which can fade colors and damage healing skin.

  4. Tight Clothing: Avoid clothing that may rub against or irritate the tattooed area.

  5. Touching or Picking: Don’t scratch, pick scabs, or let others touch the tattoo.

  6. Submersion: Avoid soaking the tattoo in baths; stick to quick showers.

Protecting your tattoo during healing ensures it stays vibrant and heals properly.