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Piercing Aftercare Instructions Template

Good aftercare is the biggest factor in a successful piercing. Clients who leave with clear written instructions have fewer complications and fewer panicked calls. Hand this to every client at the end of the appointment.

TemplateCopy and customize for your shop

Piercing Aftercare Instructions

Studio: [Studio Name]

Piercer: [Piercer Name]

Client: [Client Name]

Piercing Location: [Piercing Location]

Appointment Date: [Appointment Date]

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Cleaning Routine

Clean your piercing twice daily for the duration of the healing period.

Steps:

1. Wash hands thoroughly before touching the piercing.

2. Spray or apply sterile saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride, preservative-free) directly to the piercing and surrounding skin.

3. Allow to air dry, or gently pat dry with a clean single-use paper towel.

4. Do not rotate or move the jewelry during cleaning unless instructed otherwise.

What to use: Sterile saline wound wash (available at pharmacies). Do not use hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, Bactine, or antibacterial soap — these are too harsh and slow healing.

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General Do's

Use sterile saline solution for cleaning
Always wash hands before touching the piercing
Wear loose, breathable clothing near the piercing site
Keep pillowcases and clothing that contacts the piercing clean
Eat well, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep — your body heals better when you take care of it

General Don'ts

Do not twist, rotate, or play with the jewelry
Do not remove the jewelry before the piercing is fully healed
Avoid submerging in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans during healing
Do not apply alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ointments , or tea tree oil
Avoid touching with unwashed hands
Keep makeup, lotions, and hair products away from the piercing site

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Approximate Healing Timelines

These are general estimates — healing varies by individual, anatomy, and how well aftercare is followed.

| Placement | Typical Healing Time |

|-----------|---------------------|

| Earlobe | 6–8 weeks |

| Helix / Cartilage | 6–12 months |

| Nostril | 4–6 months |

| Septum | 6–8 weeks |

| Eyebrow / Surface | 6–9 months |

| Navel | 6–12 months |

| Nipple | 6–12 months |

| Tongue | 4–6 weeks |

| Lip / Labret | 2–3 months |

Your specific placement: {{piercing_location}} — estimated healing: {{healing_estimate}}

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Warning Signs — When to Seek Medical Attention

A healing piercing will have some normal symptoms: minor swelling, mild tenderness, and clear or white-ish discharge that crusts around the jewelry. These are expected.

Contact a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:

Increasing pain, swelling, or warmth after the first few days
Thick yellow or green discharge with an unpleasant odor
Red streaking spreading from the piercing site
Fever or chills
The jewelry appears to be moving toward the skin surface (rejection/migration)
Significant allergic reaction (rash, hives, difficulty breathing — the last requires emergency care)

Removing the jewelry during an active infection can trap the infection inside. Consult a doctor before removing jewelry if you suspect an infection.

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I have received these aftercare instructions, understand them, and will follow them.

Client Signature: ______ Date: ______

Piercer/Staff Signature: ______ Date: ______

Customize this template

  • Fill in the healing estimate for the client's specific placement before printing
  • Add your studio's recommended saline brand or aftercare product
  • Include your contact info and hours so clients know how to reach you with questions
  • Consider adding a QR code linking to a video walkthrough of your aftercare routine
  • Print on card stock — it holds up better in a pocket or wallet
  • Send a digital copy via email at booking so clients can reference it anytime

Want this handled automatically?

Apprentice sends prep links before appointments — consent, deposit, and instructions in one flow. Clients arrive ready. You just tattoo.

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Disclaimer: This template is provided as a general starting point and is not legal advice. Laws vary by location — consult a lawyer before using this in your business. Apprentice is not responsible for any legal issues arising from the use of these templates.

Want this handled automatically?

Apprentice sends consent forms, deposits, and prep instructions before clients arrive. No printing. No chasing. Everything signed and ready.