How Long Do You Leave Your Tattoo Wrapped?
You’ll need to keep your tattoo wrapped in cling film from one to three days. Depending on the size of your artwork this may be longer and your artist will let you know but a general rule of thumb is: Small line-work pieces – keep the cling film on for one to two days.
Contents
How long should a new tattoo be covered?
⏳ How long should I keep my tattoo covered with cling film? – After you leave the salon or your tattoo artist, you need to keep the tattoo wrapped for 2-4 hours if you use simple cling wrap (plastic foil). If you have a protective tattoo film, then keep it for 3-5 days.
When can I take my tattoo wrap off?
Method 1: Ointment – Remove the bandage after 3-12 hours. For example, if you get tattooed early in the day, leave the bandage on until the evening, but if you get tattooed at night and go to bed soon after, it’s ok to leave the initial bandage on until the morning.
Either way, don’t remove the bandage until you can properly clean the tattoo with mild soap and warm water. Rinse it well, gently rubbing off the slimy coating that may have formed over the tattooed area while underneath the bandage.
Gently pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel, then allow it to air dry for 15 minutes before applying ointment. Apply a tattoo healing product like Vitalitree to the tattoo as needed, massaging a very small amount into the skin to keep the tattoo slightly moisturized, but NOT smothered.
- Use just enough ointment to give the tattoo a barely noticeable, slight shine, and blot off any excess;
- For the first day or two, your tattoo may require more cleaning or blotting, as the traumatized skin may still be seeping a small amount of plasma;
The proper minimal amount of ointment, along with daily cleaning, will prevent this small amount of plasma from forming into a thicker scab that could pull out color or cause cracking. The healing tattoo should never stay submerged in water. Therefore, limit yourself to only short showers until the tattoo has finished peeling.
- It’s also important that a fresh tattoo be protected from the sun and dirty environments (gyms, pet dander or saliva, etc;
- ) with clothing or by simply avoiding certain activities, as it’s still an open wound for 3-5 days until the skin has peeled;
All normal activities involving water, sun exposure, or dirty environments can usually be resumed after one week. Only apply ointment for as long as it takes for your tattoo to peel, usually 3-5 days. When the peeling begins, the outermost layer of tattooed skin will flake like a sunburn.
What happens if you take the wrap off your tattoo too early?
Fresh tattoos can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to heal. During this healing phase, there are 7 things that can ruin your new tattoo before it has even healed. Bad art from a bad artist It’s possible to ruin your new tattoo by choosing an unskilled artist.
- When speaking about skills, I’m not referring to their artistic skills;
- This would be about the artists’ tattooing procedure and application skills;
- Everyone’s skin is different skin;
- Healthy, unhealthy, plump, loose, tight, oily, or dry;
Our skin’s surface, thickness, and tightness are also different throughout our bodies. These differences can have a detrimental impact on how the ink lays into your skin. An inexperienced artist can further implicate this. Finding and choosing an experienced artist goes without question 2.
- Keeping your fresh tattoo covered too long Fresh tattoos are open wounds, and after the tattoo session, the artist will cover your new tattoo;
- Every artist has a different preference for what they use;
- Some still use the old school plastic Saran Wrap crap made for sandwiches;
Try to avoid using this food cellophane wrap on new ink. Fresh tattoos should be wrapped with a sterile bandage. The best options are medical-grade adhesive bandages and protective tattoo films like Saniderm or Dermalize. Wrapping a fresh tattoo is essential to help the initial healing while providing protection from environmental contaminants like dirt, germs or anything else that should not go near an open wound.
After the wrap has been on for a few hours, you will start to see blood and plasma underneath. Once this happens, it’s time to remove the wrap, as this can block your skin pores from breathing. This can ruin your new tattoo before the first day is over.
And trust me, I’ve ruined two tattoos by leaving the wrap on too long as per the artist’s instructions. The bandage or wrap should stay on no longer than 6-8 hours max. If using products like Saniderm or Dermalize, you can always remove it, clean the tattoo and apply a new layer.
Tattoo Infections As discussed above, the post-procedure wrapping helps protect your skin from getting infected. Once unwrapped, keep your skin clean and follow proper tattoo aftercare instructions. This will ensure your new tattoo heals without getting infected.
During tattoo healing, avoid touching your ink unless washing or applying aftercare. It’s very easy to transfer dirt and germs onto your fresh tattoo (open wound) from dirty hands. Sleeping with a fresh tattoo Getting a goods night’s sleep can be awkward during the tattoo healing process.
Even more awkward is the size and location of your new tattoo. Try to avoid laying on the tattoo, and or having it covered under the sheets or blankets. Covering a fresh tattoo under blankets or sheets can cause a risk of infection.
The bed is a great place for hidden germs that you do not want to get into an open wound. The same as above, your skin needs to breathe, so not covering up under the sheets helps. Then there’s the issue of laying on the tattoo. You risk having the tattoo stick to the bed or pick up dirt and germs.
You can always lay down a clean towel on the bed if you need to. Another option for sleeping is applying a breathable medical wrap like Saniderm. Make sure to remove it as soon as you wake up so that there’s not too much blood and plasma accumulation.
Cleaning and excess water exposure Keeping a fresh tattoo clean goes without question. So never submerge a fresh tattoo underwater. Also, avoid excessive water exposure while showering. Our skin is like a sponge and it will absorb the water, which can damage the tattoo.
When it comes to cleaning your new tattoo, make sure you do this several times a day. You can read our 17 Best Tips To Heal New Tattoos here. Picking or scratching itchy or peeling skin During the tattoo healing stages, some people experience itchy and scabby skin.
The reason for this to happen is part of your skin’s healing process. But whatever you do, resist the urge to pick or peel your skin as this can damage the color and lines of your new tattoo. To avoid or end any itchy peeling skin during tattoo healing, always use a good aftercare product.
Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized several times throughout the day. Don’t let your tattoo get dry, and only apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare after every cleaning. Now, in regards to peeling and itchy skin, I have never suffered from this.
I followed the above directions and none of my 21 tattoos have ever peeled or got itchy. Excessive sun exposure Excessive sun exposure is a fast way to ruin a new tattoo. Be aware of any direct sun exposure on your fresh ink. If you must be outside, always keep your tattoo covered, for at least the first 40 days.
Cover Up with clothing or try to stay out of the sun. Never apply any sunscreen on a fresh tattoo. Some of these products have ingredients that are not good for your fresh ink during healing. A list of nasty skincare ingredients will be for another blog.
After your new tattoo has healed, make sure to keep it protected with quality sunscreen product if going outside. Excessive direct UVA/UVB sun exposure accelerates skin aging, which causes tattoo fading.
What should you not do after a tattoo?
Can I drink 2 days after getting a tattoo?
Drinking before or after – That drink beforehand is not smart. Bruno Vincent/Getty Images If you’re thinking about downing some liquid courage before taking the plunge, think again. Drinking before and after getting a tattoo is a no-no. Alcohol thins your blood, which means excess bleeding. When you bleed more than normal, it can cause visibility issues for the artist, potentially compromising the quality of the design.
Excess bleeding can also thin the ink. Of course, there’s also the fact that alcohol impairs judgment, and you don’t want to make permanent decisions while impaired. And it’s not cute if you have to stop and puke in the middle of a four-hour tattoo session.
Furthermore, drinking after the fact can compromise the healing of the tattoo because of its effects on your blood, so take it easy for a bit.
How do you sleep with a fresh tattoo?
Can you sleep on a new tattoo? – In an ideal world, you would be able to sleep and not have to worry about the tattoo. Actually, tattoos are effectively open wounds. This means that you need to take some precautions. Going days without sleep isn’t an option.
People have different techniques. If you can, you should try to avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo. For instance, if you have a tattoo on your back, try to sleep on your front and let the tattoo breathe.
A lot of tattoo artists recommend sleeping with the wrap that was put on. Others recommend re-wrapping, or just applying healing ointment and keeping the tattoo clean. The important thing is avoiding infection.
How do you shower with a new tattoo?
– Yep. It’s fine if your tattoo gets a little wet, but it shouldn’t be submerged in water or left under running water for long periods of time. Keep time in the shower to a minimum, and be gentle to avoid irritating your newly tattooed skin. This means skipping the loofah or washcloth — at least over the inked area, anyway.
- Getting your rub-a-dub on elsewhere is totally fine;
- In addition to being abrasive on freshly inked skin, loofahs, sponges, and washcloths can harbor bacteria and increase your chance of an infection;
- Wash the area gently using only a mild, fragrance-free soap;
Products with alcohol and certain chemicals can irritate and dry out the skin. This can lead to scarring and slower healing. If you have strong water pressure, try not to focus the spray directly on the inked area. Standing under a shower and letting the water run over you or using your clean hands to rinse the tattoo is fine as long as you don’t linger longer than you need to.
Is it OK to wear clothes over a new tattoo?
So, What Kind Of Clothes Should I Wear Over a New Tattoo? – After getting a tattoo, and during the healing process, which can last between 2 weeks and a month in its initial and most important stage, you should be wearing loose-fitting clothes. That is of course if the tattoo is placed on your body apart from the neck, head, and feet.
- For those areas, you need to pay special attention, especially in the case of feet tattoo (the issues of wearing socks and shoes);
- Loose clothes will cover the tattoo so much so that it stays protected;
- There is a lower chance the fabric will stick to the tattoo and introduce contaminants as well;
There will be minimal or rubbing of the fabrics against the tattoo, which will significantly minimize healing issues or the chance of an infection. Note: After getting a new tattoo, it will be wrapped and well protected. You can wear loose clothes over the wrap and not really worry about it.
Can you over moisturize a tattoo?
What Are The Risks of Over Moisturizing a Tattoo? – By applying thicker layers of lotion or ointment, several times a day (or every hour or two as some people do), you’re risking over-moisturizing a tattoo. By over-moisturizing a tattoo, you can cause the following problems;
- Due to excess moisture, the tattoo won’t be able to dry and heal
- Excess moisture can create a perfect environment for bacteria and germ growth
- Over moisturizing can lead to tattoo inflammation and infection
- Excess moisture can cause clogged pores since the moisturizer prevents the skin from breathing
- Excess moisture can cause the tattooed skin to break out
To avoid these issues, make sure to follow the moisturizing rules we mentioned before. However, make sure to not under moisturizing your tattoo as well. Some people are afraid they might over-moisturize their tattoo, so they leave it dehydrated, which results in heavy scabbing and tattoo dryness. So, make sure to stay in the middle and simply apply a thin layer of lotion/ointment twice a day.
What’s the best lotion for tattoo aftercare?
Should I wrap my tattoo under clothes?
So, What Kind Of Clothes Should I Wear Over a New Tattoo? – After getting a tattoo, and during the healing process, which can last between 2 weeks and a month in its initial and most important stage, you should be wearing loose-fitting clothes. That is of course if the tattoo is placed on your body apart from the neck, head, and feet.
- For those areas, you need to pay special attention, especially in the case of feet tattoo (the issues of wearing socks and shoes);
- Loose clothes will cover the tattoo so much so that it stays protected;
- There is a lower chance the fabric will stick to the tattoo and introduce contaminants as well;
There will be minimal or rubbing of the fabrics against the tattoo, which will significantly minimize healing issues or the chance of an infection. Note: After getting a new tattoo, it will be wrapped and well protected. You can wear loose clothes over the wrap and not really worry about it.
Can I leave my tattoo bandage on overnight?
TEGADERM METHOD – Some of our artists will provide you with a Tegaderm (also known as Saniderm or Tattooderm) bandage. This method of healing is a little different, so it’s important to follow these steps. Tegaderm is a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo.
- Tegaderm will protect your tattoo from contamination and will also protect your clothes and sheets from excess ink, blood and fluid that are the normal by-products of healing a tattoo;
- You can shower normally while healing, but please still abstain from swimming or submerging your tattoo in bodies of water;
Your artist will bandage your new tattoo with Tegaderm. He will provide you with a second bandage. Leave the original bandage on overnight. Remove your bandage slowly and carefully the next morning. Discard this Tegaderm. Wash your tattoo with warm water and liquid soap.
What happens if Saniderm comes off early?
Here at The Edge we want to ensure you have a happy, safe and effective healing process. In order to meet these promises we use a product called Saniderm, a clear bandage that is applied to your tattoo after completion. If your artist does not use saniderm, follow the verbal instructions they gave you in the studio.
- HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TATTOO WHILE WEARING SANIDERM : Keep it on for 24 hours;
- Normal showering and activity is fine, however do not excessively soak, submerge it under any water, or expose it to any pool, ocean, river, lake, or pond water;
If the Saniderm begins coming off, do not stick it back down, instead remove the plastic early. Additionally, the Saniderm will accrue body fluids and ink under the wrap, your tattoo is not falling out or staining your skin. However, if you notice water under the wrap, then it also must come off early.
After the 24 hour period, remove the Saniderm. We recommend doing this slowly after cleaning your hands with antibacterial soap and soaking it thoroughly in a long warm shower. Once removed, simply wash the area gently with antibacterial liquid soap using warm water and skin to skin contact.
Afterwards let it air dry. HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TATTOO AFTER REMOVING SANIDERM : Still keep it out of any previously described water for 2 weeks. Wait until the area is completely air dried to apply any moisturizer. The main theme of how to moisturize your tattoo is to apply it frequently and lightly.
Ensuring that only enough to keep the area moisturized is applied, as you do not want to suffocate the area with over application of the moisturizer. The first week of moisturizing will be done using Aquaphor, no other ointments such as A&D, Neosporin, or triple antibiotic will heal the tattoo properly.
Following the first week, an unscented and undyed lotion will be used, a thicker lotion such as a Palmer’s Coacoa Butter is best as it requires less frequent reapplication. If any product stings when applied, do not use it again. There should be no visible moisturizer left on the skin.
- If you do over apply or if your skin looks slimey, then moisturize to the areas around the tattoo, don’t wipe away the excess;
- Moisturize throughout the day, at least 7 times per day, for the first 4 weeks;
After that taper off to at least 3 times per day for the next 3 weeks. There is no maximum amount of times, just do not over apply. If the skin looks like dry skin or feels itchy, then moisturize again. The tattoo area will look red and irritated for a bit, this is normal, as you did just get stabbed with a needle.
During the healing process it is also normal for the area to flake and maybe lightly scab, DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO, rather continue to moisturize. Contact your tattoo artist with any questions or concerns, we are here for the entire process and to answer any questions you may have.
Clean bedding and clothing are important, as dirt, body oils and other substances can find their way into your new tattoo. THINGS TO AVOID : For the first 3-4 weeks, please avoid any activity that would involve soaking the skin or the tattooed area such as hot tubs, baths, swimming in pools or ocean water, pedicures, etc.
- Regular showering is fine;
- The tattoo only needs to be cleaned with antibacterial soap the one time that the bandage comes off;
- Any further cleaning should be done in a normal daily shower with soap that does not irritate your skin or sting;
DO NOT WASH EXCESSIVELY, it will dry your tattoo and cause improper healing. It is VERY important to keep a new tattoo out of the sun, as the skin is already traumatized. Any other damage such as a sun burn will have increasingly adverse effects on your new tattoo healing properly.
The most important thing to do in the long term is to use SPF 45 or stronger sunscreen, reapplying every 2 hours anytime your tattoo is subject to the sun. The sun can damage Tattoos through clothing, so UPF clothing or using SPF under your clothing is the best way to remain protected.
Keep in mind that the sun can fade your tattoos at any point. Therefore, if you want to keep those pigments bold, bright, and beautiful and details from blobbing up, then invest in sun protection. Apply this at least every 2 hours and do not use alcohol based or aerosol sunscreen.
We guarantee our work and offer free touch ups within the first four months with the artist who originally did your tattoo. This policy does have some exceptions depending on the area of the body the tattoo is located.
There are a million different ways that people claim the healing process should be handled, this method is what we recommend, as this is what has worked best for us. Please do not refer to the advice of a non-professional or an artist who did not do your tattoo for something as important as the safety of your body and the quality of your permanent artwork.
