Now that you have your fresh ink masterpiece, you might be wondering how to sleep with a new tattoo, whether you should wrap your tattoo while sleeping, and so much more. The most important thing after getting a new tattoo is to make sure you take care of it well. How you sleep with your new tattoo is extremely important to make sure it heals correctly. Follow these 9 tips and tricks for seamless post-tattoo healing.
1. Plan Ahead of Time!
Before you head into the shop, make sure you know what safety precautions you are going to take once you are home with your new tattoo. No matter where the placement of your new tattoo is, make sure you are sleeping on the opposite side. A new tattoo is an open wound, so it is important to treat it carefully so that your wound does not get infected.
2. Change Your Bed Sheets
Do you change your bed sheets often? If you do, make sure you keep it up and change your bed sheets and covers before you go get your new tattoo. Bacteria can easily infect your tattoo since it’s a tender and fresh wound. A common place hiding bacteria is actually your bed. It’s a good idea to put clean sheets on your bed beforehand.
3. Move Your Pets Out of The Bedroom
If your pets normally sleep in your bed, you might want to move them out for a couple of days or sleep elsewhere. Pets shed lots of hair and dandruff, and all of this unhealthy bacteria is dangerous for your new tattoo. You are risking infection, red haze and itching by sleeping with your pets, so it is important to not only wash your sheets carefully, but keep the pets out of the bedroom while your new tattoo heals.
4. Ask Your Tattoo Artist About Tattoo Wrapping
Before you leave the tattoo shop, ask your tattoo artist whether you should keep your tattoo covered or remove the wrapping while you sleep. Normally, tattoo artists recommend to keep the bandage on for the first night and then put on new bandages the following night. The key is to make sure you secure the wrapping safely and sterilize the bandage to avoid sweat and bacteria from invading.
5. Don’t Sleep On Your New Tattoo!
When choosing a sleeping position, make sure you aren’t lying on your new tattoo. New tattoos need circulating air in order to heal quickly, so it’s important to sleep on the opposite side where you got your tattoo. This is crucial to ensure that you don’t irritate your tender skin or trap moisture in your bandage. You can choose to sleep in a side position, back position, or stomach position depending on your tattoo placement, and use pillows to make your first night more comfortable.
So how long until you can sleep on a tattoo? It is recommended that you wait 4-7 days to ensure a new layer of skin forms over your new tattoo before you sleep on it.
6. Get A Good Night’s Sleep
While it is always important to get a good amount of rest, when you get a new tattoo it is absolutely crucial. When you get a new tattoo, your body reacts to it as if it were a wound. In order to heal a wound, you need to rest at least 8 hours a night if not more. Make sure to prioritize resting, as this recovery time will help your tattoo heal faster. Eating a healthy diet is also important during this time, so that your immune system can assist your healing.
7. Don’t Pull Off Stuck Fabric
Sometimes your fresh tattoo can stick to fabric and cause you to panic, but don’t worry. Simply grab the fabric that is stuck on your tattoo without ripping it off. You don’t want to interfere with your tattoos ink, especially during the healing stage. Go to the nearest sink and rinse it gently with warm water. The fabric will easily slide off and your tattoo will be safe. Make sure to wash the fabric after to remove any excess bacteria.
8. Use Tattoo Wipes When Necessary
Tattoo antibacterial wipes can be extremely useful the first few days after getting your tattoo in order to safely clean your tattoo. Keep a handful near your bed, car, or work office and wherever else you frequent often to ensure you have them if you accidentally brush your tattoo against something. These wipes sooth your fresh wound and keep it sterilized.
9. Don’t Drink Alcohol
Want to have a speedy recovery? Stay away from alcoholic beverages. You want your liver to focus on healing your new tattoo, and alcohol makes your blood thin. Your body will need plenty of fluids, and alcohol normally dehydrates the body. If you want to speed up your recovery time try not to overindulge.
These 9 tips will help ensure your new tattoo heals quickly and beautifully. Remember, proper aftercare is essential for maintaining the vibrant colors and sharp lines of your new ink. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional. Happy healing!
Contact us or your artist for more info when it comes to preparing for your next tattoo!
