Is it okay to sleep on your new tattoo?

Author: Mr. Monte Mann  |  Last update: Sunday, May 4, 2025

As long as you take all the necessary precautions, sleeping with a new tattoo shouldn't ruin it, but you'll want to avoid putting pressure on it.

What happens if you accidentally sleep on your new tattoo?

Lying in it won't affect the tattoo. Just might be uncomfortable. And be careful with sheets. You'll get ink/plasma on them if you don't use a second skin product. I have special ``tattoo sheets''. Just sleep on those for a few days after new work. The ink mostly comes out in the wash, but not all.

When can you start sleeping on a new tattoo?

If you have a preferred sleep position, sorry, but you will likely have to give it up for the first week. But you will definitely thank yourself when your tattoo has healed well.

Is it okay to sleep during a tattoo?

This is totally normal. You're sitting/lying on a comfy chair in a chill environment. Unless it's noisy or the artist is chatty, anyone would fall asleep in that situation. I only have one tattoo but I fell asleep during it too. The artist didn't seem to mind, I think the silence allowed them to focus on their work.

Is it okay for clothes to touch a new tattoo?

You should keep your new tattoo covered for a minimum 8--10 days. The fabric should be cotton as would absorb any perspiration from around the tattoo and also help the skin breathe to heal. Close fitting or tight clothes will rub against the skin and cause irritation, maybe even infection.

SLEEPING with a NEW tattoo | What you need TO DO and AVOID in bed

Can I sleep with clothes on my tattoo?

Wear loose clothing

You don't want your clothing to get too tight around your tattoo, as the pressure can cause pain, aggravate the skin, and make the healing process take longer. Like with the bedding, we recommend choosing clothing you don't mind possibly getting stained if your tattoo leaks!

Why no coffee before a tattoo?

Avoid alcohol and coffee

In addition to this alcohol also has a blood-thinning effect that may cause you to bleed more easily. Bleeding will reduce the quality of your tattoo. Coffee, and energy drinks containing caffeine, have similar effect, and should therefore also be avoided before having a tattoo done.

Why do I feel sleepy when I get a tattoo?

Feeling nauseous and lethargic after an appointment is sometimes referred to as the "tattoo flu," which can happen when your body is working to fend off what it perceives as a threat — like a needle poking your skin for eight hours straight.

Will my tattoo smudge if I sleep on it?

Back is Best: Whenever possible, try sleeping on your back to relieve pressure on your tattoo. This helps prevent smudging and ensures your tattoo heals beautifully. Don't: Squash Your Art: Avoid sleeping directly on your tattoo, especially during the first few nights when it's most sensitive.

Should I cover my tattoo when I shower?

Keep the time underwater short, the water lukewarm, and avoid soaking your tattoo. Additionally, you usually need to wear a wrap over your tattoo for the first two to three days. You can shower with your wrap, but you should follow the same rules of minimizing your time under the water and only using lukewarm water.

How often should I moisturize my tattoo?

Moisturizing your tattoo regularly is extremely important. You should moisturize your clean tattoo 3 – 6 times per day, for roughly two weeks (though proper skincare is always important, and most tattoo enthusiasts moisturize their tattoos daily for life!).

How to protect a fresh tattoo while sleeping?

Here's how to sleep with a new tattoo:
  1. TAKE SLEEP SERIOUSLY! ...
  2. KEEP THE ADHESIVE WRAP ON OVERNIGHT. ...
  3. SHOWERING AND REWRAPPING. ...
  4. USE A SPARE BED SHEET. ...
  5. ROTATE YOUR BED SHEETS. ...
  6. SLEEPING POSITIONS. ...
  7. LOOSEN STUCK BEDDING WITH WARM WATER. ...
  8. KEEP YOUR PETS AWAY.

What does an infected tattoo look like?

Signs of a tattoo infection may appear across the entire tattoo or only within specific colors. They can include: Bumps on your skin (papules) that sometimes contain pus (pustules). Nodules, bumps on or below your skin that are larger than papules.

What is the best tattoo aftercare?

Carefully wash your tattoo area three times a day with soap and water, and gently pat it dry. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean your tattoo to keep it moist. After 5 days, you can switch from an antibiotic ointment to a gentle fragrance-free body lotion.

What happens if I fall asleep on my tattoo?

Sleeping directly on the new tattoo

Pressure can cause irritation and disrupt the healing process. Instead, try sleeping on your back or on the side opposite the tattoo!

Why do I feel so good after a tattoo?

While tattoos are undeniably painful, many people describe the experience as oddly pleasurable. The process involves sharp needles puncturing the skin repeatedly. But this pain activates the body's natural release of endorphins, the same chemicals responsible for the high experienced by runners.

How much to tip a tattoo artist?

As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done. So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that's $240.

What not to do the night before a tattoo?

Don't make these mistakes before getting your first tattoo
  • Don't Drink Alcohol. Excessive Bleeding. ...
  • Avoid Sunburns and Tanning. Protect You Skin. ...
  • Skip Over-the-Counter Blood Thinners: ...
  • Avoid Numbing Creams: ...
  • Avoid Impulsive Decisions. ...
  • Say No to Excessive Caffeine. ...
  • Avoid Going in “Hangry” ...
  • Hydration is Good.

How long does a small tattoo take?

A small, simple quarter-sized tattoo could take an hour, whereas a large backpiece could take seven or 10. Size matters in this equation, and it's important to remember that time is also money. The longer it takes to finish, the more your piece will cost.

Why do tattoo lines get thicker?

Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.

Do fine line tattoos age well?

Aftercare & Aging

Fine line tattoos are applied with less ink. While the ink is still embedded in the second layer of skin, the single needle does not penetrate as deeply or deposit as much ink. As a result, it is common for fine line tattoos to fade with age.

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