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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Should I moisturize my tattoo the first night? You should only concern yourself with keeping your tattoo clean and protected with a bandage during the first night. Wait until your skin becomes dry to start moisturizing.
If you miss a few chances to wash it or moisturize it, don't worry. Your body is completely capable of healing it without any help.
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.
We would suggest you to avoid going out in the sunlight in the first 24 - 72 hours. This is the time when your tattoo needs to rest and not come into contact with continuous heat or water.
“Keep the original cling film on for a few hours, then wash it and pat it completely dry with a towel, then reapply fresh cling film,” agrees Liv. “I recommend rewrapping for the first three days – especially if you're going to work.
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.
Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't put on another bandage. Gently wash your tattoo area twice a day with soap and water and gently pat dry before reapplying the antibacterial/Vaseline ointment. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean it to keep it moist.
The first 24 hours
“Some swelling, redness, and general irritation is all normal after a fresh tattoo (after all, you've just had foreign particles stabbed into your skin repeatedly). However, this goes down relatively quickly within the first 48 hours,” Liv says.
Days 2 to 3
Over the next couple of days, you may notice that your tattoo looks dull and cloudy. No need to panic or start thinking about a touch-up. This happens as your skin heals and new skin starts to form. Excess ink and plasma may still ooze from your skin during this time.
Generally speaking, we recommend you moisturise your tattoo only once or twice a day - morning and night often works best. You should apply a small amount of moisturiser to your hand and then smooth a thin layer over your tattoo.
Don't sleep on your tattoo
This could not only cause the tattoo to stick to the sheets while you're sleeping, but it could also starve the area of oxygen, which can delay healing times. Your wound needs good, fresh air in order to breathe and regenerate effectively.
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.
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.
Wash your tattoo in the morning after waking up and in the evening before going to bed. Be gentle. Use clean water, good soap (our soap is pretty great), and a clean paper towel. And moisturize after.
Shower. This one might be obvious but we wanted to mention it just in case. You should be showering every day (hopefully), but please remember to do so before your appointment. You want to keep your skin as clean as possible since tattooing creates small cuts and opens the skin up.