Aftercare - Plastic Wrap
Non-Adhesive
Despite what you may have heard, plastic wrap can (and will if you follow instructions and are cautious about cleanliness) give you just as great of a heal as second skin or other newer methods. Tattoo artists have used a variation of this plastic wrap aftercare for decades with vibrant results.
After you have been tattooed your artist will apply a wrap of plastic around your fresh tattoo. Keep this wrap on you for a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum of 5 hours. Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight while it’s in the wrap and do not tamper with the edges or tape of the wrap. *while in the wrap it is important to monitor the tattoo for any fluid - if fluid begins to leak out from under the bandage proceed to steps 2-7 even if the minimum of 3 hours has not passed.
When you are ready to remove your wrap make sure you are in your own bathroom at home or where you are staying - do not attempt to remove the bandage in a public restroom or other area. Get into the shower and carefully remove your wrap. Turn on the shower and wash your body and then hands before touching your tattoo.
Using your clean, open hand and unscented/mild liquid antibacterial soap (such as Dial in ‘Gold’ or Softsoap in ‘Crisp Clean’) gently lather yo your tattoo until the initial slimy feeling is done. Do not attempt to scrub, scratch or otherwise abrade your tattoo. Do not touch your tattoo with a loofah, washcloth or anything else but your clean hand.
Once the slimy feeling is gone from your tattoo rinse off the lather completely with warm to hot water, whichever is comfortable.
After the lather is completely gone exit the shower and pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel and/or allow to completely air dry. *Do not touch your tattoo with a bath towel.
Once your tattoo is completely air dry very gently apply a thin* layer of Aquaphor or Lubriderm (if you have a favorite lotion that has healed well on previous tattoos, you can also use that instead.) *Do not use any ointment in a tub - make sure to use ointment that can be squeezed or pumped out of its container, only apply ointment with freshly washed/clean hands.
For the next 2 weeks at least repeat steps 2-6 twice daily. Additionally, if you get very sweaty or your tattoo comes into contact with an unclean material/surface/object wash it according to steps 2-6.
Over the next 2-3 weeks you will begin to feel your tattoo tighten more and more until it forms a scab. Do not pick at your tattoo, allow the scab to crack naturally and fall off on its own. Move the tattooed area of your body as gently as you can during this time. If your tattoo is stretched too tight due to movement or forceful contact the scab can break before it’s ready which will cause a lot of unnecessary pain and increase your chances of infection.
*DO NOT submerge your tattoo in any body of water (jacuzzi, pool, river, ocean, full bathtub etc.) or expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks immediately following your appointment.
Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first 3-5 days of healing. If your tattoo is on a lower limb area (lower arm or lower leg) elevate that limb as often as you can to avoid unnecessary inflammation and swelling, even when you are sitting or laying down. Do not let pets lick or rub against your tattoo. Be mindful of changing your bedding and avoid wearing tight and/or unwashed clothing. Healing time is dependent on the person, surface area and placement of the tattoo. 2 weeks is the minimum healing time period – during this time please be extra vigilant about keeping your tattoo away from anything that can contaminate the area with harmful bacteria. It is best to avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo as much as you can, even after your tattoo is healed.
After your tattoo is healed completely healed, remember to apply SPF and avoid direct sunlight without protection whenever possible.
If you have any questions about the Aftercare instructions provided, please contact your tattooer via their preferred form of communication. If you exhibit signs of infection or disease in your tattoo contact a medical professional.
If you have a lower leg or lower arm tattoo it is extra important to take it easy for the next few days. Do not attempt to move or lift anything heavy, do not go on long walks, work outs, jogs or otherwise be on your feet for extended periods of time. When you are laying down elevate your leg with a pillow. When you are sitting down elevate your leg on a footstool or something similar. Lower leg tattoos are notorious for being extra sensitive, please take my advice and rest/elevate your leg as much as possible for at least the first 3-4 days after your appointment.
Extra Tips for after your appointment:
Make sure any bedding and clothing that will touch your tattoo are freshly washed to avoid any dirt or bacteria.
Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your tattoo.
Be mindful of the surfaces you touch during your healing process. Avoid resting or rubbing your tattoo on anything that could introduce bacteria or dirt.
If you have a lower leg tattoo, take it easy for the next few days. Limit physical activity, including walking and running, as these can increase swelling and sensitivity. Elevate your leg whenever possible to help reduce swelling.
Avoid scratching or picking at scabs. Let your tattoo heal naturally to avoid scarring.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that won’t rub against your tattoo and cause irritation.
Follow any specific aftercare instructions from your tattoo artist as each artist may have unique recommendations for the best healing.
