Getting a tattoo on your body will always be an outstanding experience that you will never forget. Because it’s so exciting, it’s easy to forget about aftercare. The very basic part of the step of proper aftercare is wrapping your tattoo. The length and timing of wearing your tattoo cover play a big role in ensuring that it is properly cared for.
So How Long Should I Keep My Tattoo Wrapped? After leaving the tattoo studio or shop you need to keep your tattoo wrapped for 2-4 hours. Keeping the wrap on for 3-4 days is recommended if you use protective tattoo film instead of plastic foil.
We have provided all the necessary answers below because we understand that a lot of questions may arise during this process. Get more tips on wrapping your tattoo by continuing to read!
Post-Tattoo Wrapping: Protecting Your New Ink from Infection
When a tattoo artist finishes their work, he or she wraps it:
First, they clean the area with a mild soap or an antibacterial cleanser.
When the tattoo artist has cleaned and dried the skin and ensured that it is perfectly sterile, and well-protected from germs and bacteria, the artist will apply a professional tattoo bandage (highly suggested) or simply use plastic foil to cover the tattooed area.
The goal of the tattoo wrap is to work as a protected shield against harmful germs and bacteria that will be the reason of unwanted infections.
Wrapping Duration: Factors that Influence It
Tattoo wrap duration depends on different factors. Mention some major factors:
1. Types of Wrapping Material
Plastic Wrap: It’s normally recommended for short-term use (2-4 hours).
Protective Tattoo Film: It can be used for some (3-5 days), offering a more protected environment against bacteria and germs that makes healing faster.
2. Tattoo Size and Complexity
Larger or more complex tattoos may need longer tattoo wrapping times to protect them from sunlight and irritation.
Small tattoo designs heal faster with a shorter period of tattoo wrapping.
3. Artist Recommendations
Following certain advice provided by your tattoo artist is important, as they may have tailored recommendations based on their experience and the design of your tattoo.
How Long Should You Keep Your New Tattoo Wrapped?
You can wear this wrap until you have grown a fresh layer of skin over your tattoo or wound. Most people have difficulty determining how long to wrap their tattoos after receiving them.
Normally, tattoo artists will have their own recommendations for how long you should keep your tattoo wrapped, which will cause confusion.
In much of cases, you can easily uncover your wraps after a few hours when you are comfortable washing your tattoo area with hot soapy water. Tattoo artists are often advised to keep your tattoo wrapped for the first night after getting it. If you are not too sure, the great thing is to get advice from your artist.
Protective Tattoo Film vs. plastic Foil
Protective Tattoo Film Or Tattoo Bandage
The tattoo industry has evolved for the better in the past few decades, and new products are being developed specifically for the care of tattoos. The first regenerative tattoo films appeared at that time.
Instructions: Tattoo artist or you will easily apply it on the tattooed skin area, then keep it on for more than 5 days.
Plastic Foil
Tattoo wrap is an old practice and tattoo communities have used plastic foil to wrap tattoos. After leaving the tattoo studio, it is an effective and practical way to keep your tattoo protected from germs and bacteria.
Is plastic foil better than Protective Tattoo Film?
Yes, Plastic Foil is Far Better Than Protective Tattoo film. There are plenty of advantages. Here is the list of Plastic Foil Benefits.
- Stop bleeding: In the beginning, there will be no bleeding that will mess up your bed.
- Breathable: Boost your skin’s regeneration.
- Regenerative: New tattoos need to breathe to be successful.
- Waterproof: You don’t have to think much about your new tattoo when taking a shower.
- Easy to Use: You don’t need a professional’s supervision to do it at home.
What Should I Do After The First Day Of My Tattoo?
You may need to wrap your tattoo for more than one day. It depends on which type of product you use (a tattoo bandage or plastic foil).
It depends on different types of factors such as the placement of your tattoo and whether germs or bacteria can easily attack it or any conditions that might make you heal slower than average.
Use Of Protective Tattoo Film
- Protective Tattoo Flim Wrap is a long process and you need to keep your tattoo wrapped for at least 3 to 5 days. Then you can remove it and go into your regular cleaning routine.
- If you feel too much bleeding, immediately remove it, clean your tattoo with antibacterial soap and wrap it again with a new one.
Use of Plastic Foil/Cling Wrap
- There are mixed opinions some tattoo artists will suggest you wrap your tattoo for just more than a day, and after a day remove it.
- When it comes to simple, small line-work tattoos, an artist may suggest wrapping them for a day or two before you apply them.
- Bigger pieces need more time frame.
- Your artist may recommend replacing the film periodically if your tattoo is to be kept on for longer than a few hours.
- There is no complex process involved in rewrapping a tattoo. Using antibacterial soap, non-fragrant tape, and fresh wrap is all you need.
Can I Wrap My Tattoo at Night?
If you are going to sleep with your tattoo wrapped, you will need to know how long you should keep it wrapped. Also, as mentioned above, if you use protective tattoo film then there is no discussion: you should wrap your tattoo at night.
How Should I sleep With a New Tattoo?
At The Start Of Wrapping
After completion of your tattoo, you can wrap the tattoo if it is a plastic wrap or cling film, and then you can keep it for the first 2 to 4 hours.
The tattoo artist will tell you to leave on a protective tattoo film, such as Saniderm, for 3-5 days after the tattoo is done.
Sleeping Position
- Don’t sleep directly on the tattoo for the first few nights
- If you get a tattoo on your back, we recommend you sleep on your side or stomach.
- For a chest tattoo, sleep in a straight position on your back.
- For a side tattoo, sleep on the opposite side.
- Keep the tattooed area elevated and supported with pillows.
Bedding
- If you are going to sleep on a clean towel, it is recommended that you use clean sheets.
- It is recommended that you avoid sleeping with pets for the first few nights after getting a tattoo, as they may lick or irritate it.
Is Rest necessary for Healing?
Yes, rest is very important to improve your tattoo healing. You must take 8 hours of sleep per night because it helps heal your tattoo faster. Take care not to roll over the tattoo in your movements.
Final Thoughts
We all love it and are excited to get new tattoos. But there are no hidden things that tattoo aftercare is a little bit confusing and most of us don’t enjoy it. Ensure that your tattoo heals faster without infection or complications. For this you can do many various things. Wrapping is a very major part of the healing process if your artist recommends it for your tattoo. You need to make sure that you accept your artist’s guidance regarding How Long Should I Keep My Tattoo Wrapped. How many times it will change and when you can remove it is a necessary part of the tattooing process.
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