So you finally did it – you got that new tattoo you’ve been dreaming about for ages. Now that the adrenaline rush of the experience is fading, the questions start flooding in.

How long do you really need to keep that cling film on? When can you shower? How do you properly care for your new ink so it heals perfectly? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

For the next few minutes, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about new tattoo aftercare.

The most important thing is keeping your new art clean, moisturized and protected as it heals. Follow these tips and your tattoo will heal beautifully, leaving you with a piece of art you’ll love for years to come.

Why You Need to Wrap Your New Tattoo:

Getting a new tattoo is exciting, but taking good care of it during the healing process is critical. The first few days are the most important, and keeping your new ink wrapped in cling film is essential.

Why is cling film so important?

For starters, it protects your fresh tattoo from airborne bacteria, dirt, and debris that could infect the wound. Your new tat is basically an open wound, so keeping it wrapped creates a sterile barrier.

Cling film also helps your new tattoo retain moisture. When you first get inked, your skin releases plasma and excess fluid. The cling wrap seals this in, keeping the area hydrated as new skin forms over the tattoo.

If the tattoo dries out too quickly, it can damage the new skin forming over the ink and affect how well it heals.

You should keep your new tattoo wrapped for 3 to 5 days. After that, you can gently wash the area with antibacterial soap and water and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer 3 times a day.

Be very gentle when washing and moisturizing, and avoid submerging the new tattoo in bodies of water like pools, lakes or oceans for at least 2 weeks.

Caring for a new tattoo properly is worth the effort. By keeping it wrapped, clean and moisturized, you’ll promote healing and ensure your fresh ink looks vibrant for years to come.

Your tattoo artist spent hours crafting your perfect tattoo, so do your part and keep it wrapped! In a few short weeks, you’ll be ready to show off your new body art.

How Long Should You Keep a New Tattoo Wrapped?

So you finally got that new tattoo you’ve been wanting! Now it’s time for aftercare. The most important thing is keeping your new ink wrapped in cling film for the first few days. But how long exactly?

Generally, you should keep a new tattoo wrapped for 3 to 5 days. This protects your fresh ink from air, bacteria, and friction while your skin is healing.

For the first day, leave the original bandage on for 4 to 6 hours. After removing it, wash your hands and gently clean the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and cover with cling film.

Change the cling film at least once a day, or if it gets wet or dirty. Make sure your hands are washed and the tattoo is clean before re-wrapping.

After 3 to 5 days, you can stop wrapping the tattoo. Keep it clean and moisturized as it continues to heal. Avoid submerging it in water like baths, pools or lakes for at least 2 weeks.

If your tattoo shows signs of infection like swelling, redness, or pus, see your artist or doctor right away. It’s best to avoid infection in the first place by properly caring for your new ink during the aftercare period.

Keeping a new tattoo wrapped for a few days is key. Be diligent, keep it clean, and let your body heal. Your patience will pay off with a tattoo you’ll love for life!

Signs It’s Time to Remove the Cling Film:

After getting a new tattoo, keeping it wrapped in cling film helps protect it as the skin heals. But how long should you keep it covered? Here are some signs it’s time to remove the cling film.

Excessive moisture under the film:

If you notice excess fluid building up under the cling film, it’s best to remove it. Too much moisture can damage the new tattoo and increase the risk of infection.

Gently peel off the cling film, pat the area dry with a clean cloth, and let your skin breathe for a few hours before reapplying a new piece of cling film.

Severe itching under the bandage:

As your new tattoo heals, mild itching is normal. But if the itching becomes severe or constant, it may indicate an allergic reaction to the cling film, tattoo ink, or ointment.

Remove the cling film and wash the area with mild unscented soap and water. Let it air dry completely and call your tattoo artist for guidance before rebandaging. They may advise using a different brand of cling film or ointment.

Foul odor coming from the tattoo:

If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from under the cling film, it could signal an infection. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, so prolonged use of cling film creates the perfect conditions.

Remove the cling film, wash the area thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water, and let it air out for several hours. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover it loosely with gauze. See your doctor right away for an exam and possible oral antibiotics.

The cling film is damaged or coming off:

Once the cling film is damaged or starts peeling away from your skin, it’s no longer serving its purpose to protect your new tattoo. Gently remove the cling film, wash the area, pat dry and let it breathe for a few hours before applying a new piece.

Damaged or loose cling film also increases the risk of infection by allowing airborne bacteria to reach your tattoo.

In the end, you should remove the cling film once excessive moisture, severe itching, foul odors or damage occur. After 3 to 5 days, most tattoos have healed enough to leave uncovered.

But if in doubt, check with your tattoo artist for their recommendation on when it’s safe to leave your new ink exposed.

Proper Aftercare Once the Cling Film Is Removed:

Once you’ve removed the cling film from your new tattoo, it’s important to properly care for it as it heals. Follow these tips to keep your ink looking fresh and avoid infection.

Clean Gently:

Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo. Gently clean the area 2-3 times a day with lukewarm water and a mild antibacterial soap. Gently wash away any excess ink, plasma, or blood. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.

Moisturize:

Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer like petroleum jelly, aloe vera gel, or a tattoo aftercare product 3-5 times a day. This will keep your skin hydrated as it heals and peels. Don’t use too much, just a thin layer.

Air Out:

When possible, let your new tattoo breathe by not covering it with cling film or bandages. Exposure to air will aid healing. However, if the tattoo will be exposed to dirty or irritating environments, cover it with a breathable bandage. Change bandages daily.

Avoid Scratching:

As your tattoo heals, it will peel and itch. Resist the urge to scratch, as this can damage the new ink and cause scabbing. Gently rub the area with a moisturizer instead.

Protect from Sun:

Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds while your tattoo is healing. Too much sun can fade the colors and damage your skin. Keep the area covered and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher if sun exposure is unavoidable.

Following these aftercare steps will ensure your new tattoo heals beautifully. Be diligent for the first 3 to 4 weeks. If you notice signs of infection like swelling, redness, or pus, see your doctor right away. With proper care and time, you’ll be left with a tattoo you’ll love for years to come.

FAQs:

Common Questions About Caring for a New Tattoo

Once you get your new tattoo, you’ll likely have some questions about properly caring for it as it heals. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and what you need to know:

How long should I keep the cling film on?

Keep the cling film or bandage on for 3 to 5 hours after getting your tattoo. This allows the plasma, blood, and excess ink to seep out, and the cling film protects the new tattoo during this initial period. After 3 to 5 hours, gently wash the new tattoo with antibacterial soap and water, pat dry with a clean towel, and let it air out. Do not re-bandage.

When can I shower?

You can shower after the initial 3 to 5 hours when you remove the cling film bandage. Gently wash the new tattoo with antibacterial soap and water, pat dry with a clean towel, and let it air out.

Avoid submerging the new tattoo in baths, pools, hot tubs, or lakes for at least 2 weeks. The tattoo needs to stay clean and dry as much as possible during the healing process.

How often should I moisturize and clean it?

Gently wash your new tattoo 2-3 times a day with antibacterial soap and water, pat dry with a clean towel, and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer 3 times a day. This will keep your new tattoo clean, promote healing, and avoid scabbing. Use moisturizer for at least 2 weeks as directed.

When will it stop peeling and scabbing?

Your new tattoo will peel and scab for roughly 5 to 7 days. Do not pick at any scabs, as this can damage the new tattoo and cause scarring.

The peeling and scabbing is a normal part of the healing process as your skin regenerates.

Moisturizing and washing the tattoo 2-3 times a day will help minimize scabbing. If scabs do form, they will fall off on their own when ready.

How long until I can go in the sun or tan?

Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 2 weeks after getting your new tattoo. Too much sun can fade and damage a new tattoo before it fully heals.

Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on the new tattoo for at least 2 weeks if sun exposure is unavoidable. Take extra precautions to limit sun on the new tattoo for the first month.

Conclusion:

So there you have it, the lowdown on how long you should keep your new ink wrapped. While every tattoo and person is different, using cling film for 3 to 5 days is a good rule of thumb.

Give your tattoo some breathing room after that, but continue to keep it clean and moisturized as it heals. If you notice any signs of infection or the healing doesn’t seem to be progressing well after the first week, don’t hesitate to contact your artist.

Otherwise, enjoy your new body art and show it off with pride once it’s fully healed! The most important thing is taking good care of your new tattoo so you can have it for life.