You should wrap your tattoo in cling film, even while sleeping for the first couple of nights. This helps keep the germs out and helps with keeping fabric off of the tattoo to reduce rubbing/chafing.
You'll want to keep the tattoo wrapped for at least the first night because it will take a while for it to settle down and stop leaking. You don't want an open wound like that touching your bed sheets, getting blood everywhere, or dirt and dust getting into the wound itself.
Knowing how long and when you should cover your tattoo plays a large role in effective aftercare. So, how long should I have my tattoo wrapped? Keep your tattoo wrapped for 2-4 hours after leaving the tattoo shop. If using protective tattoo film instead of plastic foil, keep the wrap on for 3-4 days.
On the first night, you may want to wrap your tattoo to prevent sticking to your bedding. It is helpful to tape a loose non-fabric bandage or paper towel over your freshly medicated tattoo for the first 3 days. After a few days, your tattoo will begin to peel. Do not pick at the skin.
Remove your bandage after a few hours. Many artists will recommend leaving your bandage on overnight to prevent sticking to clothing and sheets. Wash your tattoo with warm water and liquid soap. Gently dry your tattoo.
One of the biggest questions is when can we go back to sleeping like normal. The average person who has followed their aftercare instructions can start sleeping on their tattoo between 4 to 7 days after getting it.
Tattoo Tips
Your tattoo may be susceptible to sticking to your sheets or clothes. It is better that it sticks to you clothes rather than your sheets. If the tattoo sticks to your clothes, splash warm water on it and remove the clothing from the tattoo very gently. Remember, this is an open wound, so use common sense.
Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
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.
So what product should you use? You may have heard some rumours that Bepanthen shouldn't be used on new tattoos, but this absolutely isn't the case. Bepanthen is by far one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for most tattoo artists and studios.
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. As discussed above, the post-procedure wrapping helps protect your skin from getting infected.
This bandage should be left on anywhere between 3 and 24 hours after getting your tattoo – depending on the bandage used and the size of your piece. Tattoo bandages often come off before going to bed the first night. Usually, you should remove your tattoo bandage after 3-4 hours.
Too much washing can wash away your body's natural bacteria which helps your skin to heal. Washing the tattoo in the morning and at night before you go to bed is sufficient. For the first day, the tattoo will “ooze” clear plasma.
Ink is a pigment that can easily be stained, so it's important to keep the area around the tattoo clean while it's healing. Cling wrap or plastic wrap helps to protect the tattoo from dirt and debris, which can speeds up the healing process.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
Allow It to Breathe
Although in the early stages the tattoo needs to be wrapped, it is important to remember to let it breathe as time goes on. Don't wrap it for longer than you have to, and when you clean and apply ointment it is a good chance to leave your skin uncovered.
Tattoo cream: how many days you need to apply it for optimal skin healing. After getting a tattoo, you should moisturize it daily for at least 10 to 14 days. Respecting these timeframes is absolutely crucial because, if your skin dries out, you are likely to get very disappointing results.
You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.
Tattoo Aftercare Pointers
Your bandage (Saniderm, Tegaderm, or RxDerm) is waterproof and breathable, so you can leave it on for 2–3 days without worrying about it. You may see ink seepage and plasma building up underneath your bandage. Do not panic! It is part of the healing process.
Your freshly tattooed skin takes longer to heal if it isn't exposed to enough air. This prolonged healing time can actually increase your risk of infection. Because of the wetness in the area, your skin is unable to form a new, protective barrier.
The constant needle pricks can be physically draining for the body. As a result, the body can go into “fight or flight” mode and release adrenaline, which can cause feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. This adrenaline rush is a natural response to stress and pain, and it can have a significant impact on the body.
Should I cover my tattoo with cling film when I sleep? You should wrap your tattoo in cling film, even while sleeping for the first couple of nights. This helps keep the germs out and helps with keeping fabric off of the tattoo to reduce rubbing/chafing.
If you move around a lot and have the blanket rubbing against your tattoo, it can cause inflammation. Inflammation leads to swelling. This literally distorts the skin and makes healing properly more difficult. Lying flat on your tattoo can also ruin it.