Should I Wrap My New Tattoo and For How Long?

So you’ve got an appointment squared away at your favorite tattoo shop, and you’re excited to get started. Before you sit down in the chair for the session, there is one thing that you need to know about: aftercare. Most people know about wrapping a tattoo, but many don’t know the importance of it. Knowing why tattoos are wrapped and how long to keep the ink bandaged is very beneficial, especially if you want your new tattoo to heal up well and look amazing.

Here is everything you need to know about tattoo wrapping.

The Purpose of Wrapping a New Tattoo

The main reason the tattoo artist wraps your tat with film is to create a barrier against bacteria and other contaminants that could potentially cause an infection. Of course, that isn’t the sole purpose or benefit to bandaging a new tattoo.

• Creating a safer environment –  After the artists complete the piece, they sterilize and moisturize. The wrap then goes on, creating the ideal space for a new tattoo to heal.
• Protection from irritants –  Some things that you’re exposed to daily are going to be irritating to your healing tattoo, like bedding, rough fabrics, and even certain environments. The wrapping helps shield you from that. Having the extra layer of protection may even help relieve some of the pain of getting accidentally bumped into while your tattoo heals.

When to Wrap a Tattoo

You’ll receive the wrapping shortly after your new ink has been completed. The tattoo artist will disinfect the tattooed area with a mild soap or antibacterial cleaner. Once the area has been sterilized and is completely dry, the artist then places a professional tattoo film or plastic foil over the tattoo to shield it from harmful microbes.

Other times to wrap your tattoo include:

• When you are sleeping
• When you wear tight clothing or an irritating material
• When you’re playing contact sports
• While in a dirty environment

You do not wrap your tattoo when:

• You shower
• You’re wearing loose-fitting clothing
• During leisurely, low, or non-contact activities

What Should I Wrap a New Tattoo With?

The best way to wrap a new tattoo is with a special film made specifically for new tattoos. However, if you can’t find professional tattoo wrapping, the next best option is a sterile medical bandage that completely covers the tattoo. The bandage will need to be taped down with medical tape. If you don’t have medical-grade bandages, consider using muslin clothing or cheesecloth as an alternative.

Don’t let the sticky ends of the tape touch your new tattoo, as it could interrupt the healing process. Also, only use plastic wrap as a last resort.

If you have any questions about how to wrap your tattoo, be sure to consult with your tattoo artist. They’ll be able to give you some tips about aftercare before you leave the shop.

Avoid Plastic Wrap and Cling Film

Plastic wrap, Saran wrap, and other clingy films create what is known as an “occlusive seal,” meaning that air cannot get in or out. As such, plastic wrap is not recommended for wrapping a tattoo. Here’s why: since the skin can’t breathe, the temperature of the skin will increase, blocking moisture. This makes a healing tattoo a petri-dish for bacteria and other germs.

Some states, like Hawaii, even have laws that make wrapping a new tattoo in plastic wrap illegal. According to Hawaii, a tattoo is an open wound that requires medical-grade bandages or an approved adhesive. Similarly, plastic wrap can be considered offensive, because the client deserves better. This is why the Alliance of Professional Tattooists and the National Tattoo Association have outlawed the use of plastic wrap at conventions.

How Long a New Tattoo Should Be Wrapped

One common error people make with wrapping a tattoo is misunderstanding how long they need to keep it wrapped.

This is a suggested time frame:

• At the tattoo shop and your journey home with your new ink, you will be given a wrap that should stay in place for 1-2 hours. Once you get home, give the tattoo a quick wash and let it air dry. Afterward, apply aftercare cream.
• For the next 3-5 days, wrap the tattoo while you sleep. Upon waking, remove the wrapping and wash your tattoo with an antibacterial wash.
• If you wrap the tattoo to protect it from dirt, remove the wrapping only after returning to a sterile environment and washing your hands.
• You can stop wrapping the tattoo once the ink is naturally sealed with a fresh layer of healthy skin.

On average, your new tattoo is going to be wrapped anywhere from 3-5 days, depending on how quickly you heal up.

What Happens When the Wrapping is on Too Long?

Leaving the bandage on for a longer period of time might seem like a good idea, but you are actually doing more potential harm than good.

When you leave the wrapping on for too long, the risk of infection increases. This is why changing the wrapping regularly is a good idea. If you notice a lot of blood or plasma on the bandage, you should consider changing the wrapping even more frequently.

You want to do this so that your skin can breathe. Otherwise, the area will remain too moist, which will stop the healing process and leave openings for bacteria to invade.

Summary

Getting a new tattoo is always exciting, but the aftercare part isn’t always what people look forward to. That’s because wrapping and caring for a new tattoo can be confusing at best. While there are many things you can do to ensure that your tattoo heals swiftly and without issues, wrapping is certainly one of the most vital factors.

Be sure to do as your tattoo artist instructs you to do. They will let you know how long to keep the tattoo wrapped, when to change the wrapping, and when it comes off. Once your tattoo is all healed up, it’s going to be beautiful. At Oracle Tattoo Gallery, we make it a point to provide customers with the customization and excellence that they deserve. If you would like to know more, feel free to call us at (215)638-1601.