Piercing Aftercare Instructions

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure healthy healing and the best possible results for your new piercing. Please follow the guidelines below carefully.

Daily Cleaning

At the end of your shower, gently rinse the piercing to remove any buildup or dried matter from around the jewelry.

Place a dime-sized amount of clear antibacterial soap (or an unscented bar soap) into the palm of your hand and create a light lather. Carefully apply the lather around the pierced area, ensuring the jewelry, entry point, and exit point are thoroughly cleaned.

Gently move the jewelry back and forth while washing for approximately 20–30 seconds. After showering, pat the area dry using a clean paper towel. Avoid using cloth towels, as they may carry bacteria.

It is important to leave your piercing undisturbed when you are not cleaning it.

Follow these cleaning instructions once daily for 6–8 weeks. A second cleaning may be performed only when necessary, such as after swimming or engaging in sweaty or dirty activities.

After the 6–8 week healing period, discontinue antibacterial soap and resume normal daily hygiene using standard soap products.

If irritation or concerns arise at any time, please visit the studio so a piercer can evaluate the piercing and recommend alternative care if needed.

Saline Soaks (Optional but Recommended)

If needed, saline solution may be used once or twice daily for additional care.

Soak the piercing for 5–10 minutes using warm saline solution. This can be done by inverting a cup over the area to create a seal, or by applying clean gauze or paper towels saturated with saline solution for piercings where soaking is less practical.

After soaking, briefly rinse to remove any residue and pat dry with a clean paper towel.

Saline soaks may be used throughout the full 6–8 week healing period alongside regular washing, or for shorter periods (approximately two weeks) as needed.

Oral Piercings Only

After eating, drinking, smoking, kissing, or similar activities, rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash for 20–30 seconds.

Continue this routine for 2–3 weeks.

If medically appropriate for you, an anti-inflammatory medication may be taken twice daily during the first 3–5 days to help minimize swelling.

Important Guidelines — DO NOT:

• Clean a new piercing more than twice per day (once daily is typically sufficient).

• Touch or pick at the piercing between cleanings, especially with unwashed hands.

• Use peroxide, alcohol, or triple-antibiotic ointments (such as Neosporin). These products are intended for cuts and scrapes, not puncture wounds.

• Use mouthwash containing alcohol for oral piercings.

Medical Advisory

At the first sign of infection or allergic reaction, consult a healthcare professional immediately. Clients must also report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or adverse outcome related to the piercing to the artist and to the Texas Department of State Health Services — Drugs and Medical Devices Group at 1-888-839-6676.

Following these aftercare instructions carefully will help promote proper healing and ensure the longevity and appearance of your piercing.