Piercing Aftercare Made Simple: A 7-Day Healing Timeline for a Trouble-Free Recovery

From the first saline rinse to the moment you forget it’s even there; your first week matters most.

You’ve got the piercing. You’ve got the jewelry. Now you’ve got a choice: spend the next few months enjoying it or fighting it. The difference? The first week. These first seven days are your piercing’s audition for a lifetime role in your personal style. If you haven’t booked yet, check out our piercing services to see what’s possible.

Piercings heal slowly, but the habits you build immediately after getting one determine whether you breeze through healing or develop the kind of swelling that makes you name your ear lobe “Gary” (Association of Professional Piercers [APP], 2023).

Day 1: Protect, Don’t Poke

Your piercing is fresh real estate; look, but don’t touch.

• Clean twice a day with sterile saline solution (or your piercer’s recommended aftercare spray).

• Wash your hands first. Always.

• Resist the urge to twist or turn your jewelry, it’s not a wind-up toy.

• Avoid sleeping on it if possible; your pillow is a bacteria sponge in disguise.

Don’t make your piercing adjust to your routine; adjust your routine to your piercing.

Day 2–3: Embrace the Tender Phase

These are the “why did I do this?” days.

• Expect swelling, redness, or a dull ache, your body is sending extra resources to heal (Singh et al., 2021).

• Keep cleaning twice daily.

• No hair products, makeup, or skincare near the site.

• If you bump it, don’t panic. It’s an ear, not a Jenga tower.

Day 4–5: Keep Irritants Away

Your piercing may feel more settled, but it’s like a cat that stops hissing, it might still swat.

• No swimming in pools, lakes, or hot tubs.

• Keep hats, headphones, and tight collars away.

• If crust forms, soak with warm saline and gently remove with sterile gauze.

Day 6–7: Build Your Routine

Healing is a long game, but these first days set the foundation.

• Continue daily cleanings.

• Watch for warning signs: spreading redness, yellow/green discharge, or increasing pain (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

• Celebrate small wins: less swelling, easier sleep, no accidental snags.

The Bigger Picture

Most piercings take weeks or months to fully heal (Gorensek et al., 2019). But how you treat them in the first week determines whether healing feels effortless or exhausting. Follow the plan, and you may skip the “why won’t this heal?” phase entirely.

Care for your piercing as you would a friendship; patience now brings reward later, and reward later comes from patience now.

Your piercer may recommend a sterile saline spray or a specific aftercare product. Stick to professional-grade solutions and avoid DIY shortcuts; sea salt in tap water is great for pasta, not piercings. See all our piercing options here.

Thinking about your next piercing or upgrading your jewelry? Book your piercing with our professional piercer in St. Louis and start your healing journey with the right habits from day one.

Every piercing has a story, share yours in the comments. Whether it’s a perfect heal or a lesson learned, your experience might help someone else through their first week.

References

Association of Professional Piercers. (2023). Aftercare. Retrieved from https://safepiercing.org/aftercare/

Meltzer DI. Complications of body piercing. Am Fam Physician. 2005 Nov 15;72(10):2029-34. PMID: 16342832.

Mayo Clinic. (2022). Body piercing: Care and safety. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/body-piercing/art-20047317

Koenig LM, Carnes M. Body piercing medical concerns with cutting-edge fashion. J Gen Intern Med. 1999 Jun;14(6):379-85. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.1999.00357.x. PMID: 10354260; PMCID: PMC1496593.

Can You Go to the Gym After Getting Tattooed?

Your skin’s healing isn’t a workout trend, skip the sweat to protect the art.

You just spent good money on your tattoo. Now your gym bag is calling your name. Before you reach for the protein shake, here’s a reality check: your skin is injured, your ink is fresh, and your gym is basically a bacteria playground.

Fresh tattoos are open wounds. The gym? A petri dish of sweat, germs, and shared surfaces. That’s not a match—it’s a microbial mosh pit.

Sweat, Germs, and Healing Skin Don’t Mix

Your skin needs rest, not reps.

Sweat adds moisture and salt, both of which can irritate healing skin and slow the repair process. Gyms compound the problem with shared equipment and close contact. MRSA, staph, and other infections thrive in that environment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).

If bacteria find their way into your healing tattoo, you risk:

• Redness, swelling, or infection

• Ink fading or loss

• Excessive scabbing

• Scar tissue

• More money spent on touch-ups

Sweat builds muscle, but it’s detrimental for your tattoo healing.

Movement and Muscle Strain Can Warp Your Tattoo

Tattoos don’t just sit on the surface. They're embedded in the dermis, and when muscles stretch or swell beneath that skin, the freshly healed skin can easily sustain damage resulting in you tattoo getting damaged as well.

High-risk zones include:

• Elbows and knees (repetitive bending)

• Ribs and torso (twisting and stretching)

• Shoulders and biceps (flexion during workouts)

• Hands and wrists (gripping weights)

How Long Should You Wait? Depends on the Tattoo

The healing timeline isn’t universal. It depends on size, placement, skin type, and how well you care for it. Here’s a rough guide:

• Small tattoos: 2–3 days

• Medium pieces: 5–7 days

• Large or color-saturated: 10–14 days

• Tattoos over joints or movement-heavy areas: up to 3 weeks

Wait until your skin stops weeping, flaking is minimal, and the tattoo no longer feels tender. If your shirt still sticks to it, you’re not ready for burpees.

Your artist knows best, follow their specific advice.

Exceptions, Hacks, and Real-Life Advice

Let’s be real. Some of you aren’t skipping the gym. If you absolutely must move your body:

• Stick to low-impact movement (walking, gentle yoga)

• Avoid sweating the tattooed area

• Don’t wear tight clothing over it

• Clean it thoroughly afterward

• Don’t lie on gym mats or shared benches

Skip:

• Hot yoga

• Sauna or steam rooms

• Swimming pools, lakes, oceans

• Martial arts or close-contact workouts

• Anything involving compression over the tattoo

You wouldn’t peel off paint mid-dry and expect a masterpiece. Healing tattoos deserve the same patience.

You Don’t Build Muscle by Rushing It, And You Don’t Heal Tattoos That Way Either

Fitness is about discipline. So is healing. Taking a few days off won’t ruin your progress, but going back too soon might ruin your tattoo.

If you rush the healing, you slow the results. If you respect the timing, the tattoo will have the best chance for a good heal.

Recap

• Passage of 48 hours is necessary but not sufficient for some tattoos.

• Two to four weeks of care may be essential depending on size, placement, and movement area.

• Surface healing ≠ full healing—deeper skin layers remain delicate for months.

Join the Conversation

Have you ever risked a workout too soon after a tattoo? What happened?

Got healing tips or gym hacks that worked for you? Drop them in the comments. Your story might save someone else's sleeve.

Short disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only. Always follow your tattoo artist’s specific aftercare instructions.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2021). Tattoo care: How to minimize risks. https://www.aad.org

• Byrdie. (2022). Can you work out after getting a tattoo? Here's what to know. https://www.byrdie.com/workout-after-tattoo-5079390

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). MRSA and the gym: Stop the spread. https://www.cdc.gov

• Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Tattoo aftercare: Dos and don'ts. https://my.clevelandclinic.org

• Healthline. (2021). When can I work out after getting a tattoo? https://www.healthline.com

• Mayo Clinic. (2023). Tattoo safety: Precautions and care. https://www.mayoclinic.org

Can You Get Tattooed While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

—Navigating body autonomy, safety myths, and motherhood's inked edge

Your body’s growing life, can it handle new ink?

Getting a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding isn't a beauty decision, it’s a medical one. But is the fear justified, or is it all hearsay?

You're balancing cravings, exhaustion, and a to-do list that includes choosing a car seat, not ink color. And yet, as you pass the mirror, that old plan for a motherhood tattoo whispers back. Can you get tattooed while pregnant? What about while breastfeeding? Google will serve you every horror story imaginable, most unverified. Meanwhile, your autonomy doesn’t feel like your own. Let’s unpack fact from fiction, so you can make empowered choices based on you, not outdated taboos.

Pregnancy, But Make It Sterile

Medical professionals don’t officially ban tattoos during pregnancy, but they don’t exactly greenlight them either. That’s because there’s limited research, not necessarily red flags (American Pregnancy Association, n.d.). The real concern? Infection. If a studio isn’t sterile or if aftercare is neglected, the risk of bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B or C rises (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], n.d.).

That said, a reputable tattoo shop uses single-use needles, gloves, and hospital-grade disinfectants. And a responsible artist will likely ask you to return post-pregnancy, not to offend, but to protect. No one wants to gamble with the “what-ifs” when there’s more than one life at stake.

The Milk Doesn’t Magically Ink Itself

Breastfeeding brings its own fears; can tattoo ink transfer through breastmilk? The short answer: no. The ink stays in your skin. While small traces of compounds from tattoo ink may enter the bloodstream, they don’t enter breastmilk in clinically significant ways (Verywell Family, 2023).

Still, your body’s healing is different while lactating. Lower sleep, higher hormones, and fluctuating immunity can delay recovery (La Leche League International, 2023). Plus, there's always a small risk of infection or needing antibiotics that aren’t breastfeeding-safe. Translation: your decision is about recovery readiness.

Can You Trust Your Artist—And Your Timing?

If you’re determined to get tattooed while breastfeeding or pregnant, timing is everything. In the first trimester, most artists will (and should) decline; it’s when fetal development is most sensitive. The third trimester? Awkward positioning, swelling, and circulation concerns can make sessions harder.

Breastfeeding? Best to wait at least 6 weeks postpartum so your body stabilizes, your sleep is semi-reliable (or at least predictably chaotic), and you can monitor for healing issues. Ultimately, it’s not “can you get tattooed”- it’s should you get tattooed right now?

If you're in your third trimester and thinking of getting tattooed, you’re already lying on your side to sleep, you don’t need to lie in a tattoo chair too.

Regret Is Temporary—But Infection Is Forever

Yes, that motherhood tattoo idea might feel urgent. Maybe it’s the birth flower of your firstborn. Maybe it’s closure from loss. But tattoos last forever. Healing complications, however, can last longer than you'd think if your immune system isn’t at full power.

It’s okay to wait. It’s also okay to get the tattoo if you’re healthy, your artist agrees, and you’ve triple-checked the hygiene practices. Don’t rush the ritual. Remember:

Better to wait in wholeness than ink in haste.

Tattoo while pregnant is a timing issue.

Your body is already a masterpiece, it’s building life or sustaining it. Tattoos can honor that, but they aren’t required to prove it. There’s no expiration date on commemorating motherhood. And here’s the twist: when you prioritize safety and timing, the tattoo often becomes more meaningful, because it’s not reactive, it’s intentional.

We protect what we create, not by avoiding risk, but by respecting readiness.
And sometimes, the most empowering “yes” is a thoughtful “not yet.”

So, can you get tattooed while pregnant or breastfeeding? Technically, yes, sometimes. Medically, caution is wise. Emotionally, only you know what’s best. But know this: choosing to wait doesn’t make you less bold. It makes you brave in a different way.

Have you gotten a tattoo while nursing or pregnant? What did you consider before making your decision?
💬 We’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment below to share your thoughts, questions, or experience.
📲 Know someone who’s considering a tattoo during this time? Send this their way.

Sources

• American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Tattoos during pregnancy. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/tattoos

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Hepatitis C – Prevention. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis-c/prevention

• Verywell Family. (2023). Can you get a tattoo while pregnant? Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-you-get-a-tattoo-while-pregnant-7505740

• La Leche League International. (2023). Postpartum recovery and breastfeeding. Retrieved August 12, 2025, from https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/tattoos-and-breastfeeding/

• Høgsberg, T. et al. (2013). Black tattoo inks induce reactive oxygen species and DNA damage in human cells. Experimental Dermatology, 22(5), 386–391. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23800057

The Biological Process of Tattoo Healing: Why Tattoos Fade and Blur Over Time

When you get a tattoo, it’s easy to focus on the excitement of the design and the experience. But once the ink settles, it’s important to understand what happens next. Tattoos heal through a natural biological process, and over time, the ink can fade or blur due to a variety of factors.

In this blog, we’ll break down the science behind how tattoos heal, why they fade, and what you can do to keep your tattoo looking fresh and sharp for years to come.

How Tattoos Heal: The Biology Behind It

A tattoo is a permanent piece of art created by injecting ink into the skin using a needle. But how does your body respond to this process? The skin’s response involves several stages, and understanding each one can give you a better idea of why tattoos heal the way they do.

The Skin Layers and Tattooing

To understand tattoo healing, we first need to understand the skin. The skin has three main layers:

• Epidermis (outermost layer)

• Dermis (middle layer)

• Subcutaneous (deepest layer)

Tattoo needles puncture through the epidermis and deposit ink into the dermis, which is where the ink must stay to create a permanent tattoo. This layer is more stable than the outer epidermis, which sheds skin cells frequently, and ensures the tattoo doesn’t wash away over time.

Tattoos that go as deep as the subcutaneous tissue are where you see blowouts happen. This tissue is not structured dense enough to hold the ink, causing the dreaded spread or blur effect.

The Initial Healing Phase (1-2 Weeks)

Once the tattoo is done, your body treats it like a wound. The healing process starts almost immediately:

• Inflammation: Your body sends blood to the tattooed area to begin the healing process, causing redness, swelling, and mild pain. This inflammation can last for the first few days.

• Scabbing: As the skin starts to repair itself, the tattooed area may form a slight scab or just a milky, dull top layer. This protects the ink and helps it settle into the dermis. It's crucial to resist the urge to scratch, pick, or peel the tattoo as this can disrupt the healing process and cause the tattoo to lose ink. Excessive scabbing may be a sign the tattoo is overworked, or having a rough heal. Either way, be sure to protect it.

• Flaking and Peeling: After a few days, the outer skin layer starts to shed, causing your tattoo to flake and peel. The new skin underneath is soft and vulnerable, and proper aftercare is crucial during this phase to protect the tattoo.

The Long-Term Healing Phase (Up to 6 Months)

Even after the initial healing period, your tattoo continues to heal beneath the surface. The deeper skin layers take time to regenerate, and during this time, the ink in the dermis begins to settle. This phase can last several weeks to months, during which you may notice slight fading as the ink adjusts and becomes embedded within the dermis.

Healing Tip: Keep your tattoo moisturized and protected from direct sunlight during the healing period to ensure the best possible results.

Why Tattoos Fade and Blur Over Time

While tattoos are designed to be permanent, several factors contribute to their gradual fading or blurring over time. Let's dive into the reasons behind this process:

Ink Breakdown and Skin Regeneration

The tattoo ink itself doesn’t disappear, but your skin’s natural processes can affect how the tattoo looks over time. The body treats tattoo ink as a foreign substance and begins to break it down. The ink particles are too large for your body’s immune cells to completely remove, but they do cause some degree of breakdown, especially in the epidermis.

The process of skin regeneration plays a large part in fading and blurring. Your skin is constantly producing new cells and shedding old ones, which means that over time, the ink particles can move or degrade. As the dermis regenerates, some of the tattoo pigment can disperse or lose sharpness, leading to a faded or blurry tattoo.

Sun Exposure

One of the primary factors that cause tattoos to fade over time is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UV radiation breaks down ink particles, leading to quicker fading and loss of vibrancy. Black ink is more resistant to UV damage than lighter colors, but even black tattoos will fade with prolonged sun exposure.

Prevention Tip: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your tattoos from the sun and help them retain their color longer.

Skin Aging and Movement

As you age, your skin loses elasticity and the layers of skin thicken. This natural aging process impacts how tattoos hold up. Tattoos on areas of the body with more movement, such as joints (elbows, knees), may experience more stretching and distortion, which can blur the lines over time. Tattoos on areas with more friction or less blood flow, like the hands or feet, may also fade faster.

Ink Quality and Tattooing Technique

Not all tattoo inks are created equal. Poor-quality ink or subpar tattooing techniques can lead to faster fading or blurring. If an artist doesn’t inject the ink deep enough into the dermis, the tattoo may not last as long. Similarly, fine lines in tattoos are more susceptible to fading because they use less ink and are more likely to blur as the skin heals and regenerates.

Pro Tip: Choose a skilled tattoo artist who uses high-quality ink and knows how to work with different styles and designs to ensure longevity.

How to Prevent Tattoo Fading and Blurring

While some degree of fading and blurring is inevitable over time, there are steps you can take to preserve your tattoo’s clarity and vibrancy for as long as possible:

• Follow Aftercare Instructions: Proper aftercare ensures the tattoo heals well and minimizes scarring. Always follow your tattoo artist’s advice for cleaning, moisturizing, and protecting your tattoo during the healing period.

• Use Sunscreen: Protect your tattoo from UV rays by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF.

• Stay Hydrated: Healthy, hydrated skin heals better and holds ink more effectively.

• Avoid Scratching or Picking: Never pick or scratch your tattoo as this can cause damage to the design and lead to ink loss.

• Choose the Right Placement: Tattoos on areas that receive less wear and tear tend to hold up better over time.

Understanding Tattoo Fading and Blurring

Tattoos are a beautiful and lasting form of self-expression, but like all things, they’re subject to the natural processes of the body. Understanding how tattoos heal and why they fade or blur over time can help you make informed decisions about your tattoo. By following proper aftercare, choosing the right artist, and protecting your tattoo from the sun, you can keep your artwork looking fresh for years to come.

Sources

• UCSF Synapse – Why Tattoos Stay Put: https://synapse.ucsf.edu/articles/2024/05/28/why-tattoos-stay-put

• National Center for Biotechnology Information – Tattoo Ink Nanoparticles in Skin Tissue and Fibroblasts: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4464189/

• Wikipedia – Process of Tattooing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Process_of_tattooing

• Byrdie – What Causes Tattoos to Fade? Experts Explain How to Avoid It: https://www.byrdie.com/tattoo-fade-8628678

Is Getting Tattooed on Your Period Really More Painful?

Science Says Yes

Ever wondered why that tattoo session felt way worse than usual, even though it was the same spot, same artist, and same needle? It might have everything to do with where you're at in your menstrual cycle.

Turns out, science backs up what many women have suspected for years; tattoos (and pain in general) hurt more when you're on or just before your period. But why exactly is that?

Your Hormones Are Calling the Shots

During your menstrual and premenstrual phases, estrogen levels drop sharply. Research shows lower estrogen is directly linked to increased sensitivity to pain, making those needle pricks more intense. A study published in Pain journal found women rated their pain significantly higher during menstruation and just before, compared to mid-cycle when estrogen levels are highest (PubMed).

Inflammation Isn’t Helping

Periods also come with inflammation, thanks to compounds called prostaglandins. They're what cause cramps and bloating, but also heighten your body's pain response. Increased inflammation means even mild discomfort feels amplified (ScienceDaily).

Tattoo-Specific Research: It’s Real

Studies on tattoo pain have noted women often experience higher post-tattoo pain than men, influenced by stress, bleeding, and duration. While in-session pain intensity can vary, the hormonal swings during your period can absolutely make the experience feel sharper and more uncomfortable (PMC).

Hydration Matters, Too

Fluctuations in hydration levels, common during menstruation, can further impact how you perceive pain. Being even mildly dehydrated increases pain sensitivity, turning what might have been tolerable tattoo pain into something more intense (Frontiers).

What Can You Do?

If you're planning your next tattoo and want to minimize discomfort, timing can make a huge difference:

• Schedule your tattoo appointment after your period, closer to mid-cycle.

• Stay extra hydrated—drink plenty of water leading up to your appointment.

• Shorter sessions with breaks help if your period timing can't be avoided.

Your body isn't just playing tricks, it's biology. Understanding your cycle can help you have a better, less painful tattoo experience.

Sources:

• PubMed

• ScienceDaily

• PMC

• Frontiers in Physiology