Aftercare

TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
As recommended by PennyBlack Tattoo & Art

1: KEEP THE TATTOO WRAPPING ON FOR 3 TO 5 HOURS.

Leaving the bandaging on for longer isn’t advisable. Occlusive barriers are not good for a new tattoo; you want the area as clean and bacteria-free as soon as possible. DO NOT RE-BANDAGE!!

2: ONCE THE COVERING HAS BEEN REMOVED, WASH THE ART GENTLY WITH SOAP AND WATER, USING FINGERS ONLY. ENSURE RICH LATHER FOR AT LEAST 30 SECONDS. GENTLY PAT DRY WITH PAPER TOWEL ONLY.

A hypoallergenic, perfume-free soap like Neutrogena or Spectrogel is good, but not a pre-requisite. You're trying to kill all microbial life to prevent infection, thus the generous lather. You must use paper towel to pat dry, as tissue isn't stable enough to not fall apart in the wound, and even a fresh towel out of the dryer still has bacteria all over it.

3: FOR THE FIRST TWO DAYS, KEEP THE TATTOO CLEAN AND DRY. WASH IT THREE TIMES A DAY- WHEN YOU WAKE UP, JUST BEFORE YOU GO TO BED, AND ONCE MID-DAY. -NO MOISTURIZER FOR THE FIRST TWO DAYS!!-

Moisturizing agents can behave like low-grade glue, making the tattoo sticky enough that foreign elements won't just fall off, which in turn increases the chance of infection. Anything that has bacteria on it (Cat hair, dog hair, people hair, dirt, dust, etc.) is something you don't want sticking to the tattoo. Clean and dry for the first two days.

4: AFTER THE FIRST TWO DAYS, WHEN YOU FEEL THE TATTOO BECOME VERY DRY AND TIGHT, BEGIN USING A WATER-BASED, UNSCENTED MOISTURIZER EVERY 3 TO 6 HOURS AS NEEDED TO PREVENT ITCHING AND DISCOMFORT. REPEAT AS NEEDED FOR TWO WEEKS.

Once the wound has sealed, moisturizing is key to minimize scabbing and prevent itching. Use a water based lotion- Lubriderm, Aveeno, Vaseline Intensive Care, or a base lotion such as Wellspring Glaxal Base. Oil based aftercare like TatWax, Polysporin, or Preparation H will cause an occlusive seal over the wound. This will cause the body to create excess sebum and push it out in an attempt to clear the wound so that oxygen can get in. Colour will come out with the sebum. No oil-based moisturizers, water-based lotion only!

5: DO NOT

-Pick at or scratch the tattoo
-Expose the tattoo to excessive sunlight.
-Wear tight or restrictive clothing overtop of the tattoo.
-Lick the tattoo, or let anyone else lick it. No tongues, period.
-Keep the tattoo wet for an excessive length of time. No bathing, swimming, or excessive sweating. Showers are acceptable.

The complete healing process should take approximately two to six weeks, depending on the clients’ adherence to these guidelines and their personal biochemistry.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact the studio directly (604-568-1643), or via email, pennyblacktattoo@gmail.com