Piercing Aftercare Guide
At Soul Survivors, we believe aftercare is as essential as the service itself. Whether you’ve received a new tattoo, piercing, micropigmentation, or brow treatment, we’re here to guide you through safe, confident healing with pro-level support at every step.
Use the guide below to find aftercare instructions tailored to your service. Each section includes healing timelines, what to expect, and tips to protect your results.
Tattoo Aftercare
Piercing Aftercare
Micropigmentation Aftercare
Lash & Brow Aftercare
FAQs by Service
Tattoo Aftercare
Your artist gave you a fresh masterpiece — now it’s time to keep it clean, hydrated, and protected.
Healing Timeline:
- Days 1–3: Light redness, possible fluid or plasma
- Days 4–7: Flaking or light scabbing begins
- Weeks 2–4: Surface heals; color settles
- 4–6 Weeks: Fully healed; time for touch-up if needed
Care Instructions:
- Remove bandage after 2–4 hours (or as instructed by your artist)
- Wash gently with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water
- Pat dry — no rubbing or harsh towels
- Apply thin layer of aftercare balm (your artist will recommend a product)
- Repeat cleaning 2-3 times daily for the first week
What to Avoid:
- Swimming, hot tubs, or soaking baths
- Direct sunlight and tanning
- Picking, scratching, or rubbing
- Tight clothing over the tattoo
- Gym workouts that cause excessive sweating (first 3-5 days)
Pro Tip:
Sleep in clean, loose clothing and avoid letting pets or dirty fabrics touch the tattoo. Your sheets should be washed before your first night home.
When to Call Us:
Contact Soul Survivors if you experience excessive redness, swelling, pus, red streaking, or fever. These could be signs of infection requiring immediate attention.


Piercing Aftercare
Each piercing heals on its own timeline. Proper care is key to avoiding irritation and infection.
Estimated Healing Times:
- Ear Lobe: 6–8 weeks
- Cartilage (helix, tragus, daith): 3–6 months
- Nostril: 2–4 months
- Septum: 6–8 weeks
- Navel: 6–12 months
- Surface/Dermal: 3–9 months
Daily Cleaning Protocol:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the piercing
- Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution or piercing aftercare spray
- Gently spray or apply solution to both sides of the piercing
- Let air dry or pat with clean paper towel (never cloth towels)
- Don’t rotate or twist jewelry during healing
Piercing-Specific Tips:
Nose Piercings:
- Avoid makeup around the piercing site
- Be gentle when blowing your nose
- Sleep on the opposite side when possible
Ear Cartilage:
- Avoid sleeping on the pierced ear
- Don’t use earbuds or headphones that press on the piercing
- Be careful with hair products and styling
Navel Piercings:
- Wear loose, breathable clothing
- Avoid high-waisted pants that rub the jewelry
- Clean after workouts to remove sweat
Watch For:
Bumps, excessive discharge, or persistent redness beyond the first few days. Contact us for guidance — don’t panic or self-diagnose. Minor irritation bumps are often treatable with proper care adjustments.
What NOT to Do:
- Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh soaps
- Don’t remove jewelry prematurely
- Don’t let others touch your piercing
- Don’t go swimming in pools, lakes, or hot tubs during initial healing
Micropigmentation Aftercare
Whether it’s brows, lips, or eyes — healing is delicate but worth the stunning results.
Healing Timeline:
- Days 1–3: Color appears darker than expected; mild swelling possible (especially lips)
- Days 4–7: Flaking and peeling begins
- Weeks 2–4: Color softens and evens out to true shade
- 6–8 Weeks: Touch-up session (if booked)
General Guidelines:
- Keep area dry for the first 24–48 hours
- No heavy sweating, saunas, steam rooms, or swimming
- Avoid makeup on the treated area during healing
- Apply post-care ointment (provided by your artist) as instructed
- Let flakes shed naturally — no picking or scrubbing
Brow-Specific Aftercare:
- Avoid getting brows wet when washing your face (use a washcloth around the area)
- Sleep on your back when possible for the first few nights
- Use a fresh pillowcase each night for the first week
- No brow makeup for 10–14 days
Lip Blushing Aftercare:
- Apply lip balm frequently to prevent cracking
- Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods for the first week
- Use a straw when drinking
- Take cold sore medication if you’re prone to outbreaks (discuss with your artist)
- Expect significant swelling for 24–48 hours
Eyeliner Aftercare:
- Avoid eye makeup for 7–10 days
- Don’t rub or touch the treated area
- Sleep elevated for the first few nights to reduce swelling
- Avoid lash extensions during healing
When Healing Goes Wrong:
Contact us immediately if you experience severe swelling, excessive pain, signs of infection, or allergic reactions. Your safety is our priority.


Lash & Brow Aftercare
Brow Tinting:
- Avoid water, steam, or oil-based skincare for 24 hours
- Gently brush brows into place using a clean spoolie
- Use sunscreen daily to extend tint life
- Avoid exfoliating the brow area for 48 hours
Brow Lamination:
- Do not wet or apply products for 24 hours post-treatment
- Avoid steam rooms, saunas, or hot yoga for 48 hours
- After 24 hours, use nourishing brow serum to maintain health
- Brush brows upward daily with a clean spoolie
- Avoid oil-based cleansers on the brow area
Lash Lift/Tint:
- No water on lashes for 24 hours
- Avoid rubbing or touching your lashes
- Sleep on your back if possible for the first night
- No mascara for 24–48 hours
- Use lash serum after 48 hours to maintain health
FAQs by Service
Tattoo FAQs
Q: How long should I keep the bandage on?
Q: Can I shower with a new tattoo?
Q: When can I go swimming?
Q: Is it normal for my tattoo to peel?
Q: What if I accidentally scratch my tattoo?
Q: Can I work out after getting tattooed?
Q: When will the colors look normal?
Q: Should I use Aquaphor or A&D ointment?
Q: How do I know if my tattoo is infected?
Q: When can I get a touch-up?
Piercing FAQs
Q: How do I know if my piercing is infected?
Q: Can I change my jewelry during healing?
Q: What's the bump next to my piercing?
Q: Can I sleep on my new piercing?
Q: How often should I clean my piercing?
Q: Is clear/white discharge normal?
Q: When can I go swimming?
Q: Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean it?
Q: Why is my piercing taking so long to heal?
Q: Can I remove my jewelry if I don't like it?
Micropigmentation FAQs
Q: Why does my micropigmentation look so dark?
Q: When will I see the final results?
Q: Can I wear makeup during healing?
Q: What if I need to wash my face?
Q: Is it normal for the color to disappear?
Q: Can I exercise after micropigmentation?
Q: How long does micropigmentation last?
Q: What if I don't like the shape?
Q: Can I get micropigmentation if I have sensitive skin?
Q: When can I book my touch-up?
Brow Service FAQs
Q: How long does brow tinting last?
Q: Can I get my brows wet after lamination?
Q: Will brow lamination damage my hair?
Q: Can I combine brow services?
Q: How often should I get my brows done?
Q: What if I have a reaction to tint?
Q: Can I still use brow products after lamination?
Q: Will the tint stain my skin?
Q: Can pregnant women get brow services?
Q: What's the difference between lamination and a brow perm?
Have questions not covered here? Call us at (204) 284-1173 or visit us at 118-B Osborne Street in Winnipeg. Our team is always here to support your healing journey.
Ready to book your next service?
Want to learn more?
To Book An Appointment, Call (204) 284-1173!

