FAQs & Aftercare

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after getting my tattoo can I shower?

You can shower as you naturally would; the only difference will be avoiding scented body washes as the chemicals used to make the product scented can irritate the wound.

How long after I get my tattoo can I start exercising again?

The very next day as long as it’s comfortable for you. After the tattoo has been thoroughly washed and dried, apply a thin layer of petroleum free lotion. We do not recommend A&D ointment for the aftercare of your tattoo. Be sure not to apply too much lotion as it may clog the pores, possibly causing a breakout on and around the tattoo. In addition to this, applying too much lotion may pull out the ink from your new tattoo. Keep in mind less is more. Only apply the lotion after the tattoo has been cleaned and never reapply without again washing your tattoo. Anything foreign that may be naturally sitting on the surface of the tattoo will get trapped under the lotion if it is not thoroughly cleaned first. You will apply the lotion for 5-7 days after receiving your tattoo depending on how your body heals.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Our pricing starts at $120, but final costs depend on size, detail, and placement.

Do you take walk-ins?

We accept walk-ins when availability allows, but appointments are recommended.

Is getting a tattoo painful?

Pain levels vary based on placement and personal tolerance. Our artists do their best to ensure a comfortable experience.

What are your safety measures?

We follow strict hygiene protocols, use sterilized equipment, and adhere to all health regulations.

Tattoo Aftercare

Please remember for the first few days, your tattoo will look like a ‘tattoo’. However, do not forget it is still an open wound. At this stage it is extremely important to keep it clean and take care of it properly to avoid potential infection or improper healing.

You can remove your bandage within an hour and wash immediately afterward. When washing your new tattoo, be sure to use water as warm as you can tolerate with a liquid unscented antibacterial soap (Dial Gold). A wash cloth will definitely be too abrasive to wash your new tattoo with. Instead, only wash your new tattoo with freshly cleaned hands. On a daily basis we touch money, doorknobs, along with countless other surfaces that easily transmit bacteria. To avoid infection, be sure to always wash your hands immediately before performing aftercare.

***Tips on other ways to prevent infection include not letting your friends/children touch your fresh tattoo, avoid pet hair getting directly on your tattoo, making sure that any fabrics that come in contact with your tattoo are freshly clean such as bed sheets or clothing, and not letting your tattoo rub against anything that may harbor staph infection such as shower curtains or gym equipment. Also, do not share aftercare with anyone. It is cross contamination of your bodily fluid with theirs.

Let the warm water run over your tattoo for 30 seconds to a minute. During this time it will burn and be sensitive, however, after a little while the warm water will actually start to feel soothing. At this point, lather up your tattoo and cleanse thoroughly, removing any blood, plasma or excess ink. Once the tattoo is clean, allow the tattoo to air dry or gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Bath towels or hand towels should be avoided as they may have bacteria hidden in them. It is better to use a single use paper towel to avoid potential contamination of your new tattoo.

You will wash your tattoo like this for a duration of two weeks, two to three times a day. This is the average amount that your tattoo will need to be cleaned, not the maximum amount. Do not let your tattoo dry out and if it does, continue aftercare on it even if it exceeds two to three times per day. Avoid dirt, oil, grease, scented products such as lotions or perfumes, and other irritants. If your tattoo comes in contact with any of these things, wash it immediately after. If you exercise, wash it immediately after.

Piercing Aftercare

Things to know...what to do...What not to do:

  • New piercings are open wounds, and it is extremely important to keep them clean to avoid potential infection risks.

  • Do not touch the new piercing area with unwashed hands.

  • Do not let anyone else touch your new piercing or jewelry for any reason.

  • Avoid any contact with chlorinated water.

  • Avoid ponds, lakes, beaches, pools, or hot tubs.

  • Avoid sleeping on the location of the piercing.

  • Avoid rough housing or other activities that will potentially bump, rub, or otherwise irritate the piercing site.

  • Avoid putting anything on the piercing site, such as makeup, lotion, or fragrance.

  • You can shower as you normally would, but avoid scented body wash on the piercing area or scrubbing the piercing at all.

  • When washing the piercing, do not remove the jewelry. Use saline wound wash piercing aftercare 2-3 times a day.

  • Speed up the process with Steriwash piercing aftercare.

  • Wash your piercing after any physical activity, including exercise.

  • Do not let the piercing area directly touch gym equipment of any kind, including home gym equipment or yoga mats.

  • Avoid dirt, oil, grease, or other irritants on the piercing area.

  • For oral piercings, get a new toothbrush and rinse with non-alcoholic antimicrobial mouthwash 4-5 times a day or anytime you put anything in your mouth, including cigarettes, food, soda, or any beverage other than water.

  • As a normal part of any piercing, during the healing process, a white to yellow discharge will release from the piercing hole.

  • A crust will form that must be washed away daily.

  • Avoid Neosporin, triple antibiotic ointment, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Bactine, or home remedies.

  • Avoid tight-fitting clothing, wool, or lace on the piercing area.

  • Some piercings take an incredibly long time to heal. You should consult with your piercer to get an estimate on how long your specific piercing might take to heal.

  • Body piercings and genital piercings, because of their very nature, can be prone to bacterial infections or rejection—even some time after the initial piercing has taken place. Keeping cleanliness in mind throughout the life of the piercing is very important.

  • Piercing jewelry is a foreign object in your body, which it will naturally try to push out. Sometimes this is how your body naturally heals the piercing, not the way the piercer performed the service. Understanding this is important.

Endless Journey Tattoo

Contact us

Studio: 2314 Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL, United States

Call us: 847-672-4839

Business Hours:

Monday - Saturday 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Our Studio

2314 N Green Bay Rd, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA

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