At Hold Fast Tattoo, we try to go above and beyond industry standards when it comes to cleanliness, technique and proper jewelry. Once you leave the studio however, the rest is up to you. Please carefully read the following to ensure you are setting your piercing up for successful healing.

Before we get into how to clean your piercing there are a few very important things to keep in mind. 

Leave it alone! Over handling and playing with your piercing can result in bumps, irritation, and excessive swelling and prolonged healing times.

Do not sleep on it! Sleeping on your piercings can result in migration, drifting, bumps, irritation, bleeding, and may result in your piercing needing to be removed (especially ear cartilage piercings) a good trick for side sleepers is to use a neck pillow as a normal pillow with your ear in the hole to avoid any pressure.

Do not over clean! Though it is admirable to want to keep your piercings nice and clean, being overzealous with cleaning will irritate it.

Downsize your piercing! When we do an initial piercing we often leave excess room on the jewelry for swelling. If left long it will tangle around hair, snag on towels and just be an general burden. We recommend a visit in 6 weeks. Your jewelry is universal so you will not need to buy a whole new piece, just the back and/or bar. If you come back to us you will get a $5 discount on your downsize jewelry.
Please carefully read the following
 
 
✦ What to Expect
Slight swelling, redness, and clear/white discharge are completely normal during early healing.
Itching and a tight sensation may occur as the piercing heals.
Healing is a gradual process—each body heals differently. Be patient and consistent.
 
 
✦ Cleaning Instructions
Clean your piercing 1–2 times daily with sterile saline. We include a small bottle with your piercing and sell more if needed, but you can find it in most drugstores or online if you are unable to make it to the store. 
Look for saline labeled “wound wash” with 0.9% sodium chloride. With no additional additives
To Clean:
Wash your hands before touching the piercing.
 
Spray directly onto the piercing or saturate a sterile gauze pad and gently compress the area.
 
Gently dry with non woven gauze or sponge gauze. This is also when you will remove any debris. Do not force any debris off of the area that seams attached to your skin. We don't want to accidentally remove good healing tissue. Clean jewelry equals clean piercings so make sure that jewelry is fully free of debris.
 
No need to twist or rotate the jewelry during cleaning.
 
 
⛔ Do Not Use:
Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or harsh soaps

These can damage healing tissue.
 
Ointments or creams

These block oxygen and trap bacteria.
 
Q-tips, cotton balls, paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, or cloth towels.

These can snag and leave fibers behind.
 
Makeup, sprays, or skincare products near the area

They can cause irritation.
 
Public water (pools, lakes, hot tubs) during initial healing.
 
 
 
Sleep & Clothing Tips
Avoid sleeping on the piercing, especially for ear and facial piercings.
Use a neck pillow to avoid sleeping on ear piercings
Use clean bedding and change pillowcases frequently.
Be mindful of tight clothing, belts, or straps that may irritate fresh piercings.
Be mindful of loose woven blankets as this can snag jewelry
For fresh nipple piercings sleeping in a loose fitting shirt is recommended.
 
 
 
Downsizing is Very Important
We are reiterating this because it is importantMost piercings are started with longer jewelry to allow for swelling. Once swelling reduces (usually in 4–8 weeks), it’s crucial to return for a downsizing appointment. This prevents irritation, shifting, and embedding of the jewelry.
We discount your downsize jewelry by $5 because we want to see your piercing be successful without having to worry about spending any more money than you have to.
 
 
When to Contact Us 

Reach out if you experience:
Increased pain, heat, or redness after several days
 
Yellow or green discharge (thick or foul-smelling)
 
Excessive swelling or embedded jewelry
 
We’re here to support your healing process. Don’t hesitate to reach out if something doesn’t look or feel right!
 
 
 
Thank you for trusting us with your piercing. Proper aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself. We’re here if you need follow-up care or want help selecting jewelry when you’re healed. Do not hesitate to stop by or give us a call!