Aftercare | Hibernia Tattoo

TATTOO AFTERCARE

Caring for your new tattoo during the healing process is most important, particularly during the first week, while it settles into the skin. Here are some basic do's and don'ts to help you out, but we encourage you to contact your artist if you're not sure about anything.

DO's

KEEP IT CLEAN

You may shower immediately after getting the tattoo, and be sure to clean it at least twice daily with a gentle cleanser before applying cream.

APPLY A THIN LAYER OF CREAM TWICE DAILY FOR 1 WEEK

Antiseptic creams like Bepanthen and Savlon are available from your supermarket, or get Protat or Doctor Pickle's online. ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE APPLYING CREAM.

WRAP THE TATTOO BEFORE BED OR IN DIRTY AREAS

We reccommend wrapping the tattoo with breatheable bandage or Glad Wrap to avoid staining your sheets for the first two nights. Also wrap if you work in a dirty environment.

APPLY MOISTURISER AFTER 1 WEEK

Stop using antiseptic cream after the skin has peeled, and instaed use a gentle moisturiser. Moisturising daily will help keep the tattoo looking vibrant for the rest of your life.

DONT's

AVOID EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE TATTOO FOR AT LEAST 1 WEEK

Rapid and repetative movement of the freshly tattooed area will cause irritation and soreness, prolong the healing process, and could cause ink to fall out. Best to take a break from vigorous excercise for at least a week.

DO NOT IMMERSE UNDER WATER FOR 1 WEEK

While showering won't hurt, swimming in pools or the sea could cause infection.

AVOID PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO DIRECT SUN

Keep your fresh tattoo out of the sun for at least 1 month. Prolonged exposure to UV will cause bright colours to fade over time. Apply sunscreen wherever possible, but only AFTER the tattoo is healed.

DON'T PICK AT THE FLAKING SKIN!

Shedding of the damaged skin after a few days is normal. Picking at it could cause irritation and permanent damage to the tattoo.

DON'T APPLY TOO MUCH CREAM

Apply cream evenly and in small amounts. Wipe off excess. Too much cream can clog pores, causing pimples and irritation.