Tattoo & Piercing maintenance

Tattoo Aftercare Guide – Indigo Tattoos (Memphis, TN)

Tattoo Aftercare Instructions from a Professional Memphis Tattoo Shop

Proper tattoo aftercare is essential for healing, color retention, and long-term results. At Indigo Tattoos, our experienced artists want your tattoo to heal clean, bold, and vibrant. Follow this professional tattoo aftercare guide to protect your new ink and avoid infection.

First 24 Hours: Critical Healing Stage

• Keep your bandage on for 2–4 hours (or as instructed by your artist)
• Wash hands before touching your tattoo
• Gently wash tattoo with lukewarm water & dial antibacterial soap 
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel (do NOT rub)
• Apply a thin layer of recommended tattoo ointment

🚫 Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or a & d ointment.

Days 2–7: Peeling & Itching Is Normal

• Don't wash tattoo everyday
• Apply a light layer of unscented lotion
• Expect peeling, flaking, and itching (do NOT scratch)
• Wear loose, breathable clothing

🚫 No swimming, soaking, or hot tubs

🚫 Avoid sun exposure

🚫 Do not pick scabs

Weeks 2–4: Long-Term Care

• Continue moisturizing daily
• Avoid excessive sun exposure
• Stay hydrated to keep skin healthy

Proper care ensures your tattoo stays bold and crisp for years.

What NOT to Do After Getting a Tattoo

❌ Do not scratch or pick

❌ Do not submerge in water

❌ Do not expose to direct sunlight

❌ Do not over-moisturize

❌ Do not ignore signs of infection

If you notice excessive redness, swelling, pus, or fever — contact a medical professional immediately.

Recommended Tattoo Aftercare Products

• Fragrance Free Antibacterial Soap
• Unscented lotion (no alcohol or dyes)
• Artist-recommended tattoo balm

Ask your artist at Indigo Tattoos for product recommendations during your appointment.

Why Tattoo Aftercare Matters

Proper aftercare:

✔ Prevents infection

✔ Preserves ink color

✔ Improves healing time

✔ Protects line work

Bad aftercare can permanently damage a tattoo.

Piercing Aftercare Instructions

Indigo Tattoos & Piercing Shop – 1295 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN

Thank you for choosing Indigo Tattoos & Piercing Shop for your new piercing! Proper aftercare is extremely important to ensure your piercing heals safely and beautifully. Please follow these instructions carefully.

✔️ General Healing Times

Healing times vary by body area and individual health.

• Earlobes: 6–8 weeks
• Cartilage (Helix, Tragus, etc.): 3–9 months
• Nose (Nostril): 3–6 months
• Septum: 2–4 months
• Eyebrow: 2–3 months
• Lip / Labret: 2–4 months
• Navel (Belly Button): 6–12 months
• Industrial: 6–12 months

Even if your piercing looks healed on the outside, it may still be healing internally. Do not remove or change jewelry too soon.

🧼 How To Clean Your Piercing

Clean your piercing 2 times per day.

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.

Step 2: Use Saline Solution

• Use a sterile saline wound wash (no additives).
• Spray directly onto the piercing.
• Let it sit for 30–60 seconds.
• Gently pat dry with clean paper towel (not cloth towels).

Step 3: Shower Rinse

Allow warm water to run over the piercing in the shower to remove buildup.

🚫 What NOT To Do

• Do NOT twist or rotate jewelry.
• Do NOT use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
• Do NOT use ointments (Neosporin, Vaseline, etc.).
• Do NOT change jewelry early.
• Avoid swimming pools, lakes, and hot tubs during early healing.
• Avoid sleeping directly on ear piercings.

⚠️ Normal Healing Signs

These are normal during healing:

• Mild swelling
• Light redness
• Clear or light yellow discharge
• Slight tenderness

❗ Signs of Infection

Contact a medical professional if you notice:

• Severe swelling
• Thick green or dark discharge
• Excessive pain
• Fever
• Red streaks from piercing

If you have concerns, contact us immediately before removing jewelry.

💎 Jewelry Tips

• Leave original jewelry in place during full healing time.
• Only use high-quality jewelry (implant-grade titanium, surgical steel, or gold).
• Come back to Indigo Tattoos & Piercing Shop if you need help changing jewelry.

🛑 When In Doubt — Contact Us

If you have any questions about your piercing, irritation, or healing process:

Indigo Tattoos & Piercing Shop

📍 1295 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN

📞 901-562-4702

We’re here to help!