How to sleep with a new tattoo (2024)

FAQs

How to sleep with a new tattoo? ›

The main thing is to try to keep pressure off of the new tattoo, so if you are a side sleeper with a new arm tattoo, sleep on the opposite arm. If it's a back tattoo, try to sleep on your front. Taking the pressure off will relieve the pain you can feel with a new piece, and it will also help you to avoid damaging it.

If you can, you should try to avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo. For instance, if you have a tattoo on your back, try to sleep on your front and let the tattoo breathe. A lot of tattoo artists recommend sleeping with the wrap that was put on.

Wearing loose-fitting clothing is also a sure way to ensure you don't accidentally scratch your tattoo in your sleep, leading to a distorted tattoo. Protecting your fresh tattoo while sleeping by wearing loose-fitting clothing ensures it doesn't stick to the ink and you don't knock it accidentally.

Sleeping. For the first three nights before bed, wash the tattoo and apply a very thin coat of Aquaphor ointment. Wrap the tattoo in plastic wrap and secure with paper tape. Remove the wrap in the morning and wash thoroughly.

Remove the bandage after 3-12 hours. For example, if you get tattooed early in the day, leave the bandage on until the evening, but if you get tattooed at night and go to bed soon after, it's ok to leave the initial bandage on until the morning.

Sleep on Your Side

If your tattoo is on the right side of your body, sleep on your left — always the opposite side.

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.

Sleep on a clean surface

To reduce the risk of infection, be sure to sleep on clean sheets or a freshly laundered pillowcase. Avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo, as the friction from the sheets can disrupt the healing process.

Always cover your tattoo under loose clothing before going outside. Never wear tight clothes, like fitted shirts or skinny jeans, over a fresh tattoo. Avoid wearing clothes made with nylon, polyester, or wool. Let your tattoo air out when inside.

If you're feeling a bit under the weather after getting some new ink, you might be experiencing “tattoo flu.” Usually mild and quick to pass, this post tattoo flu-like illness is a common result of your body's natural defenses saying “Whoa!

At which stage of tattoo process should I stop using Aquaphor? ›

Although it's safe to continue using Aquaphor or Dr. Bronner's, you can typically switch to lotion after the first week.

Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.

You'll want to keep the tattoo wrapped for at least the first night because it will take a while for it to settle down and stop leaking. You don't want an open wound like that touching your bed sheets, getting blood everywhere, or dirt and dust getting into the wound itself.

Although in the early stages the tattoo needs to be wrapped, it is important to remember to let it breathe as time goes on. Don't wrap it for longer than you have to, and when you clean and apply ointment it is a good chance to leave your skin uncovered.

Tattoo blowouts occur when a tattoo artist presses too hard when applying ink to the skin. The ink is sent below the top layers of skin where tattoos belong. Below the skin's surface, the ink spreads out in a layer of fat. This creates the blurring associated with a tattoo blowout.

A tattoo done under general or intravenous anesthesia is recommended for individuals with a low pain threshold who are afraid of needles and the entire tattooing procedure.

If you must bandage your tattoo, use clean, non-stick gauze pads. It is best to leave the tattoo open to the air because the constant friction of a bandage may cause healing problems. Only bandage if necessary! - DO NOT use Vaseline, A+D ointment, Neosporin or petroleum jelly.

Good aftercare is the single most important thing you can do to protect your tattoo. While it is healing, NEVER touch your tattoo without first washing your hands with a mild, liquid antibacterial soap. Initially, leave your bandage on for 1-3 hours.

In the first 48 hours, try to avoid too much contact with water. Showers are fine, but avoid going for a swim in the ocean or pool. Need to relieve the pain or itch around your ink? Repair your skin with our soothing gel to promote wholesome healing of your tattoo, while maintaining proper airflow to your tattoo.