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Aftercare: Tattoos, Piercings & More Winnipeg

 

 

 

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

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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:

  1. Remove bandage after 2–4 hours (or as instructed by your artist)
  2. Wash gently with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water
  3. Pat dry — no rubbing or harsh towels
  4. Apply thin layer of aftercare balm (your artist will recommend a product)
  5. 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:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the piercing
  2. Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution or piercing aftercare spray
  3. Gently spray or apply solution to both sides of the piercing
  4. Let air dry or pat with clean paper towel (never cloth towels)
  5. 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?
Remove after 2–4 hours unless your artist gives specific instructions otherwise.
Q: Can I shower with a new tattoo?
Yes, but keep it brief, use lukewarm water, and avoid direct spray on the tattoo.
Q: When can I go swimming?
Wait until fully healed (4–6 weeks) before swimming in pools, lakes, or oceans.
Q: Is it normal for my tattoo to peel?
A: Yes! Peeling typically starts around day 4–7 and is completely normal.
Q: What if I accidentally scratch my tattoo?
Don’t panic. Keep it clean, apply aftercare balm, and monitor for infection signs.
Q: Can I work out after getting tattooed?
Light activity is fine, but avoid heavy sweating for the first 3–5 days.
Q: When will the colors look normal?
Colors settle and brighten after 2–4 weeks once the surface layer heals.
Q: Should I use Aquaphor or A&D ointment?
Only use products recommended by your artist. We’ll provide specific aftercare instructions.
Q: How do I know if my tattoo is infected?
Watch for excessive redness, warmth, pus, red streaking, or fever. Call us immediately.
Q: When can I get a touch-up?
Wait 4–6 weeks for complete healing before scheduling any touch-up work.

Piercing FAQs

Q: How do I know if my piercing is infected?
Signs include excessive swelling, pus (not clear discharge), fever, or red streaking.
Q: Can I change my jewelry during healing?
No. Wait until fully healed or have a professional change it for you.
Q: What's the bump next to my piercing?
Usually an irritation bump from trauma, poor jewelry, or cleaning issues. Contact us for guidance.
Q: Can I sleep on my new piercing?
Avoid sleeping on cartilage or surface piercings. Use a travel pillow if needed.
Q: How often should I clean my piercing?
Twice daily with saline solution. Over-cleaning can cause irritation.
Q: Is clear/white discharge normal?
Yes, clear or slightly white discharge is normal. Yellow/green pus is concerning.
Q: When can I go swimming?
Wait until fully healed. Initial healing varies by piercing type.
Q: Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean it?
No. Use only saline solution or products we recommend.
Q: Why is my piercing taking so long to heal?
Healing varies by person, location, and aftercare compliance. Some piercings take 6–12 months.
Q: Can I remove my jewelry if I don't like it?
Contact us first. Removing jewelry too early can cause the piercing to close or trap infection.

Micropigmentation FAQs

Q: Why does my micropigmentation look so dark?
Initial color appears 30–50% darker and will fade to the desired shade during healing.
Q: When will I see the final results?
4–6 weeks after your final session, once all healing is complete.
Q: Can I wear makeup during healing?
Avoid makeup on the treated area for 7–14 days depending on the service.
Q: What if I need to wash my face?
Use a gentle cleanser and carefully avoid the treated area, or use makeup wipes around it.
Q: Is it normal for the color to disappear?
Some fading during healing is normal, especially with lips. This is why touch-ups are recommended.
Q: Can I exercise after micropigmentation?
Avoid heavy sweating for 7–10 days to prevent pigment loss and infection risk.
Q: How long does micropigmentation last?
1–3 years depending on skin type, lifestyle, and service type.
Q: What if I don't like the shape?
Minor adjustments can be made during your touch-up appointment.
Q: Can I get micropigmentation if I have sensitive skin?
Usually yes, but discuss any skin conditions or allergies during consultation.
Q: When can I book my touch-up?
6–8 weeks after your initial service to allow complete healing.

Brow Service FAQs

Q: How long does brow tinting last?
3–4 weeks on hair, 7–10 days on skin.
Q: Can I get my brows wet after lamination?
Not for the first 24 hours. After that, you can gently cleanse around them.
Q: Will brow lamination damage my hair?
When done professionally, no. We use gentle solutions and proper techniques.
Q: Can I combine brow services?
Yes! Popular combinations include lamination + tint or shape + tint.
Q: How often should I get my brows done?
Shaping: every 3–5 weeks, Tinting: every 3–4 weeks, Lamination: every 6–8 weeks.
Q: What if I have a reaction to tint?
Rare but possible. We’ll patch test if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
Q: Can I still use brow products after lamination?
Yes, but you’ll likely need less product for your desired look.
Q: Will the tint stain my skin?
There may be slight temporary staining that fades within 24–48 hours.
Q: Can pregnant women get brow services?
Shaping is safe. Discuss tinting and lamination with your doctor first.
Q: What's the difference between lamination and a brow perm?
Lamination is gentler and creates a more natural, brushed-up look.

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.

 

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