When can I leave my tattoo exposed?

Author: Hobart Becker  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

All normal activities involving water, sun exposure, or dirty environments can usually be resumed after one week. Only apply ointment for as long as it takes for your tattoo to peel, usually 3-5 days. When the peeling begins, the outermost layer of tattooed skin will flake like a sunburn.

When can I leave my tattoo uncovered?

A new tattoo should generally be covered with a bandage for about 2 to 24 hours after getting it. Most artists recommend keeping the bandage on for at least a few hours to protect the tattoo from bacteria and to absorb any excess ink and fluid.

When can I start exposing my tattoo?

Your best bet is to wait until the tattoo feels smooth, like the rest of your skin, that depends on what kind of tattoo you got. Most of the time, it takes a week to 10 days. However, its not a bad idea to wait two weeks.

Do tattoos heal faster, covered or uncovered?

A tattoo is a wound and if you cover it, it will heal faster but can pull the ink out of your skin as well. Do not wrap again after the first time.

How long should you wait to cover up a tattoo?

Generally, it's recommended to wait at least 2 to 4 weeks after getting a tattoo before adding shading or additional work. This allows the initial tattoo to heal properly, reducing the risk of infection and ensuring better results.

Tattoo aftercare tips from a dermatologist| Dr Dray

Should I cover my tattoo or let it breathe?

Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.

Can I leave my tattoo uncovered first night?

Keeping your new tattoo covered for at least the first night or two will help reduce the risk of it leaking onto your bedding and lower the risk of infection. After your tattoo has been finished, it may have been wrapped in some form of protection, such as cling film or other protective material.

When to stop using Aquaphor on a tattoo?

Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.

When can I sleep with my tattoo uncovered?

In general, a person should not sleep with a new tattoo uncovered until their tattoo artist say it is ok to do so. Usually, they will suggest covering the tattoo for at least the first night to avoid staining sheets and putting pressure on the tattoo.

When can I start touching my 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. After removing the bandage in a clean environment, gently wash the tattooed area with warm water and an antibacterial soap. Do not scrub.

When can I let the shower hit my tattoo?

Do not take a bath and fully submerge your tattoo for 3-4 weeks after getting a tattoo. The larger the tattoo, the longer we recommend you wait to fully submerge your tattoo in water. You should never submerge a new tattoo in water for any length of time directly following a tattoo.

Is it good to air out your tattoo?

If your tattoo artist pulls out seran wrap from H-E-B to wrap your new tattoo, run fast. Fresh air is ultimately necessary to heal a brand new tattoo, but it is very common to have your tattoo wrapped just as a preliminary measure to protect from bacteria and other antibodies.

When can I stop putting cling film on my tattoo?

Leave the cling film on for 2 to 3 hours after getting your tattoo. This initial period helps protect the new ink from bacteria and environmental contaminants. Once you remove the initial cling film, avoid re-wrapping your tattoo unless necessary.

Should I cover my new tattoo when I go outside?

Key Sun Exposure Tips

To protect tattoos from sun damage, always apply sunscreen when the tattoo is exposed. New tattoos should be completely covered while in the sun for at least four weeks.

How long to keep a tattoo covered?

When the tattoo is dry to the touch, cover it completely with a new piece of plastic wrap, using small pieces of tape as needed to hold it in place. Do NOT use any healing ointment or moisturizer. With this method, the tattoo is kept completely covered with plastic wrap 24 hours a day, usually for 48-72 hours.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.

How to speed up tattoo healing?

7 Hacks To Help Heal Your New Tattoo
  1. Relax and Stay Calm. First things first, relax. ...
  2. Say No to Re-Bandaging. ...
  3. Let Your Tattoo Breathe—No Picking Allowed. ...
  4. Avoid Baths, Pools, and Hot Tubs. ...
  5. Stay Out of the Sun (For Now) ...
  6. Embrace Healthy Lifestyle Habits.

Can too much Aquaphor fade a tattoo?

There hasn't been an official study on how much ink (if any) Aquaphor can remove or fade from a tattoo. In the interest of fairness, plenty of tattoo artists claim that they've never experienced ink loss in their clients that use Aquaphor.

Should I let my tattoo dry out?

You can pat the tattoo gently with a clean paper towel, but you must let the tattoo dry, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes after each cleaning. Any extra moisture trapped by immediately covering the tattoo is an invitation for bacteria to multiply.

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

Can my new tattoo touch my bed sheets?

Sleep on a clean surface

Avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo, as the friction from the sheets can disrupt the healing process. Be sure to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist and use a clean pillowcase or bedding to promote a healthy healing process.

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.

When to stop washing a tattoo twice a day?

After your tattoo has started peeling, you can stop washing it daily and begin moisturizing with thin layers of lotion or coconut oil until it is fully healed. During the second week of healing, your tattoo will continue to flake and may become itchy.

Previous article
What are the five key points you must consider before beginning an updo milady?
Next article
How long do damaged hair follicles take to heal?