Aftercare Guide

Quick reference for clients · Save or print this page

Congratulations on your new tattoo, piercing, or tooth gem from Le Krib! Following these aftercare instructions carefully is the single most important thing you can do to make sure your work heals beautifully and lasts.

Tattoo aftercare

Day 1 — first few hours

• Keep the bandage or second-skin film on for at least 2 hours (Saniderm/second-skin: 24 hours, then replace).
• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.
• Remove the bandage and gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap.
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel — do not rub.

Days 2 to 7 — washing and moisturising

• Wash 2 to 3 times per day with the same fragrance-free soap.
• Apply a thin layer of healing balm (Bepanthen, Hustle Butter, or Aquaphor) after each wash. Don't over-apply — your skin needs to breathe.
• Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo.
• It is normal for the tattoo to ooze a bit of clear fluid and ink in the first 2 days.

Days 7 to 14 — peeling and itching

• The tattoo will start to peel and itch — this is normal. Do not pick or scratch.
• Switch from healing balm to a fragrance-free moisturiser.
• Continue washing once a day.

Weeks 2 to 4 — final healing

• The outer layer of skin will look healed but the deeper layers are still settling. Keep moisturising.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 4 weeks. Once healed, always use SPF 30+ on tattoos to prevent fading.

Things to avoid for the first 2–4 weeks

• Swimming pools, the sea, hot tubs, and saunas.
• Long hot baths or showers.
• Direct sunlight and tanning beds.
• Tight clothing, gym equipment that rubs the area.
• Picking, scratching, or peeling scabs.
• Pets sleeping on or near the area.

Piercing aftercare

• Clean twice daily with a sterile saline solution (no alcohol, no peroxide).
• Do not rotate the jewellery — this delays healing and can introduce bacteria.
• Avoid swimming and baths until healed (4–8 weeks for most ear piercings, longer for cartilage and body piercings).
• Do not change the jewellery for at least 8 weeks (longer for cartilage).
• Sleep on a clean pillowcase and try to avoid sleeping directly on the piercing.

Tooth gem aftercare

• Avoid eating or drinking anything for 1 hour after application.
• For the first 24 hours, avoid hard or sticky foods (chewing gum, crunchy bread, ice).
• Brush gently around the gem with a soft toothbrush.
• Tooth gems typically last 6–12 months. If yours falls off, save it and book a quick reapplication.

Laser removal aftercare

• Apply a cold compress for the first hour to reduce swelling.
• Keep the area covered with healing balm (provided in your aftercare kit) for 5 to 7 days.
• Do not pick at any blisters or scabs that form.
• Avoid sun exposure for at least 4 weeks. Use SPF 50+ on the area.
• Wait 6 to 8 weeks between sessions to allow the skin to fully recover.

When to contact us

Reach out immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Excessive redness, heat, or swelling that is getting worse after day 3.
• Yellow or green discharge with a bad smell.
• Fever or feeling generally unwell.
• A rash that spreads beyond the tattooed area.
• Severe pain that is getting worse instead of better.