Can I Shower An Hour After Getting A Tattoo? No. We don't recommend taking a shower within one hour of getting a tattoo. Even with a Saniderm bandage on, it's wise to let the ink settle for several hours before getting your tattoo wet.
While it's true that you should avoid soaking your tattoo in hot water for the first few weeks, showering with hot water is perfectly fine. In fact, hot water can actually help to speed up the healing process by increasing blood flow to the area.
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.
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.
Rewrapping the tattoo in cling film – how/if to do it
“Cling film is a non-breathable material,” explains Dexter. “If it's left on for long periods, it will get infected.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water and be sure to pat dry. Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't put on another bandage.
Your tattoo is an open wound, so soaking it in water exposes the open wound to bacteria, increasing the chance of infection—yikes! Wait at least two weeks, or as long as your tattoo artist recommends, before exposing it to swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, pools, saunas, and any other open water or moist environment.
The second skin is breathable and can be showered in, but do not bath or swim with it on.
Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.
Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while your tattoo is healing. Choose clothing carefully. Don't wear anything that might stick to the tattoo. Allow up to 2 weeks for healing.
Wash and Treat
After you remove the bandage, you should wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to gently remove any ointment, blood, and plasma and to completely clean the area.
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.
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.
***IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have pets, take extra precaution not to let them lick or rub against your new tattoo, as it's technically an open wound.
Clean Your Tattoo Before Getting Into Bed
They may recommend that you sleep with their wrap on for the first night. But from night two you'll need to clean and rewrap it yourself. Use lukewarm water and non-scented soap.
Once you're sure you've found a professional tattoo artist, the next best way to prevent blowout is to follow aftercare directions closely and pay attention to your ink during the healing process. Make sure you're cleaning your tattoo twice a day and keeping it moist until it's fully healed, at least two weeks.