How Long Do You Have To Keep A Tattoo Covered?

How Long Do You Have To Keep A Tattoo 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.

How long should I keep tattoo covered?

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.

When can I take my tattoo bandage 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.

  1. It’s also important that a fresh tattoo be protected from the sun and dirty environments (gyms, pet dander or saliva, etc;
  2. ) 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.

Is it better to keep a new tattoo covered?

How Long Should a New Tattoo Be Wrapped For? – This is where many people start to get confused, and this confusion is mainly caused by the fact that there are so many different opinions with regard to the most optimal time in which to keep a tattoo wrapped up for.

What may help to alleviate some of this confusion is to understand the rationale behind the wrapping. As already mentioned, the main goal of having your new ink wrapped and covered is to help keep harmful germs and bacteria out of your new open wound.

These germs are can pose a serious risk; not only to your tattoo, but also your general health by causing unwanted infections. Generally speaking, the wrap is there to keep your ink germ-free, up until the point where you’re able to clean the area yourself.

Once you’re home from the studio, there’s no reason why you cannot remove the wrapping as long as you’re able to give the tattoo  a good clean  in soapy, lukewarm water straight away, before using a suitable healing/moisturizing lotion on the area.

This initial wash not only helps to keep the area clean, but also assists in the removal of any blood or  plasma  that may have dried and stuck onto the skin since the wrap was first applied. The moisturizing cream then helps to soothe, hydrate and nourish the area to promote healing.

The best tattoo lotion I’ve ever personally used is a vegan aftercare product called  After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Lotion. This stuff works amazingly well during the healing process; not only by keeping your tattoo really well hydrated but also by soothing any annoying itching and irritation.

When using it from the very start of the healing process, this lotion will help to decrease tattoo healing times and work towards eliminating any lingering dryness and scabbing. However – it is generally advisable to wait for at least a couple of hours after leaving the studio before taking the wrapping off.

  • This is just to let the area settle down a bit, and to allow some of the blood around the tattoo to disperse (which may also help to slightly reduce swelling and tenderness, so that the cleaning process isn’t unbearably sore or painful);
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Another reason for the wrapping is to help prevent direct contact between anything that you may accidentally rub up against or knock into – especially if the tattoo is on a very exposed area of your body, such as on the forearm, shoulder or foot. These knocks and bumps can not only be painful, but they can also aid in the transfer of germs and bacteria to the area if you come into contact with anything unsanitary.

Finally, some people prefer to sleep in their wrapping for the first night , and some artists recommend this too. This is especially true if the tattoo is in an area that is highly likely to come into contact with your bedsheets, which can expose the area to bacteria and can also cause the sheets to become stuck to the skin due to the drying/hardening of leaked blood and plasma.

At the end of the day, you should trust the advice that your own specific tattoo artist gives you, as they know you and your tattoo better than anybody else. If your artist tells you that you can remove your wrapping in an hour, then go ahead. Alternatively, if your artist suggests that you keep it on until the next day, then I would suggest taking their professional opinion as long as they’re a reputable and experienced artist. How Long Do You Have To Keep A Tattoo Covered.

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.

  1. Keeping your fresh tattoo covered too long Fresh tattoos are open wounds, and after the tattoo session, the artist will cover your new tattoo;
  2. Every artist has a different preference for what they use;
  3. 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;
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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.

  1. Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized several times throughout the day;
  2. Don’t let your tattoo get dry, and only apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare after every cleaning;
  3. 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.

  1. Cover Up with clothing or try to stay out of the sun;
  2. Never apply any sunscreen on a fresh tattoo;
  3. Some of these products have ingredients that are not good for your fresh ink during healing;
  4. 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.

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.

Will sweating ruin a new tattoo?

Sweat Can Disturb the Healing Process – It’s essential to comprehend the organic recovery process of the body. This will give you more insight into why sweating can negatively affect a healing tattoo. The healing of the wound relies heavily on the aftercare it’s subjected too. How Long Do You Have To Keep A Tattoo Covered All tattoos go through a considerable healing process Despite the body working so effectively, excessive sweating with a new tattoo can disintegrate the ink before the skin has had time to trap it. The macrophages will then be unable to carry out their work successfully. This can also alter the appearance of the tattoo and create blurriness or fading.

Can second skin ruin a tattoo?

IV) ONE WEEK AFTER SECOND SKIN: – 1. Your tattoo might appear flaky. DON’T PICK AT THEM. You might pick the ink out of your skin and the tattoo will heal poorly. Some flakes might appear to be black. It looks weird but it is totally normal. Your tattoo might feel itchy as the flakes keep forming.

Can I take second skin off after 2 days?

To Remove –

  1. Test an edge: Pick an edge of the bandage and peel it away. If it’s difficult to remove, try taking a warm shower to help reduce the stickiness
  2. Remove slowly: Pull the second skin off slowly. It’s very similar to removing a plaster. If you pull too quickly, it’s going to sting. You might also damage the new layer of skin underneath. Just go slowly, and you’ll be fine
  3. Clean: Make sure you wash your tattoo carefully after removing the bandage and apply moisturizer

How Long Do You Have To Keep A Tattoo Covered It’s totally normal to see some ink or blood under the bandage. This will usually appear within the first day. If you want to, you can replace the old dressing with a new one, following the application instructions. You can leave a second skin on for as long as it feels comfortable to you. Most people remove it after three to four days.

What should you not do after a tattoo?

What should you avoid after getting a tattoo?

How do I take care of my tattoo the first week?

Aftercare for Your Tattoo – So, how can you make sure that new tattoo is something you don’t end up regretting? Follow these steps while your new tattoo heals.

  1. Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage.
  2. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water  and be sure to pat dry.
  3. Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don’t put on another bandage.
  4. Gently wash your tattoo area twice a day with soap and water and gently pat dry before reapplying the antibacterial/Vaseline ointment.
  5. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean it to keep it moist.

You should repeat this process for 2 to 4 weeks. Also try not to wear clothes that will stick to your tattoo, and avoid swimming and the sun for about 2 weeks. And take cool showers. Scalding hot water will not only hurt, but it can also fade the ink. Wear a physical blocker sunscreen  with at least 7% zinc oxide sunscreen during the daylight hours and/or cover it up (with clothing, a bandage).

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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.

Can I shower with a new tattoo?

The bottom line. Showering with a new tattoo isn’t only fine; it’s necessary for the sake of good hygiene. As long as you follow the aftercare instructions your tattoo artist gives you, and you’re careful not to rub or soak your tattoo, showering shouldn’t interfere with the healing process of your new ink.

Can I take Saniderm off after 3 days?

Saniderm / Second Skin Bandage: – If your tattoo is bandaged with Saniderm (Second Skin), you should keep the bandage on for 3-4 days. During this time, it is normal to see some fluid build up beneath the bandage. (If the bandage begins to leak, you must remove the bandage and follow the standard aftercare instructions listed below).

  1. After 3-4 days, remove the Saniderm bandage gently under warm running water;
  2. To take the bandage off you must stretch from each side rather than peel it off like a Bandaid;
  3. When you stretch the bandage it allows the adhesive to come off the skin without disrupting the tattoo and taking any ink with it;

Wash the tattoo with a mild, fragrance-free soap or warm water. At this point, your tattoo should be well into the healing process – you may use an unscented, non-greasy lotion (like Hustle Butter, Lubriderm or Aveeno Unscented moisturizer) to keep the tattoo moisturized.

Can I take second skin off after 24 hours?

It is crucial that you take proper care of your new tattoo. Your tattoo will not heal well if you do not follow these guidelines. Your artist is not responsible for any issues resulting from poor aftercare. Bandaging Do not let anyone touch your new tattoo.

Keep your new tattoo covered to protect it from bacteria. Leave the bandage on for a minimum of one hour. If SecondSkin is used, keep on for 2-3 days. Washing Your Tattoo Use lukewarm water and gentle soap, such as Cetaphil, to gently wash the area.

Do not use a washcloth, just your hand. ( We recommend that you remove the SecondSkin in the shower, allowing water to wash over the tattoo and SecondSkin as you remove it. )  Your tattoo may feel slimy – this slime is called plasma. Try to gently remove as much of this possible, as when plasma dries, it creates scabs.

Gently pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a clean paper towel. *DO NOT use cloth towels as they hold bacteria. *  Follow with a light application of Aquaphor or Cetaphil lotion. Use these products for a minimum of two weeks.

*DO NOT use Neosporin or alcohol!* Bathing and Swimming You can shower with a new tattoo. It is ok to get your tattoo wet. But DO NOT soak your new tattoo. Submerging your tattoo can cause damage or infection. Swimming, hot tubs and baths should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.

  1. Scabbing and Peeling After a few days, you may notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing – this is a normal part of the healing process;
  2. *DO NOT apply ointment or lotion to scabs;
  3. *  You will also start to itch when it begins to heal;

*DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH YOUR TATTOO!*  If the skin itches, slap it. If it is peeling, put lotion on it. If it is scabbing, let it heal. Sun Protection After your tattoo is healed, always protect it from the sun. Use a minimum of 30-SPF sunblock. TLDR :

  • Remove the bandage after 2 to 3 hours unless SecondSkin is used –keep SecondSkin on for 2-3 DAYS.
  • Wash the tattoo area with lukewarm water and gentle soap.
  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
  • Apply a thin layer of Cetaphil lotion or Aquaphor.
  • Don’t scratch, peel or pick at your tattoo.
  • Avoid hot tubs, swimming pools and the beach during the healing process (approximately 2 weeks)
  • Always apply a high SPF sunscreen on the tattoo before exposure to the sun

What NOT to Do:

  • DO NOT let anyone touch your new tattoo.
  • DO NOT use Neosporin or ointments other than what was recommended by your tattoo artist
  • DO NOT apply lotion or ointments to scabs
  • DO NOT use rubbing alcohol, peroxide or cortisone.
  • DO NOT use cloth towels as they can harbor bacteria.
  • DO NOT pick, peel or scratch your new tattoo.
  • DO NOT soak your new tattoo.
  • DO NOT expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight.

If abnormal irritation, redness, swelling or fever should appear, please contact your physician. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at info@maydaytattoooco. com..