Tattoo Aftercare Plastic Wrap: Tips and Precautions

Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience. Choosing the design, finding the right artist, sitting through the session, and seeing that finished work of art on your skin makes it all worthwhile. But the experience isn’t over when you walk out of the tattoo shop. Proper aftercare is crucial for letting your new ink heal properly with vibrant colors intact.

Should You Wrap a New Tattoo in Plastic Wrap?

Wrapping a new tattoo in plastic wrap has become a popular aftercare method. The main rationale is that the plastic wrap helps keep the tattoo moist and protects it from friction, preventing the ink from fading and scabs from forming. However, there are also risks to overwrapping tattoos. Too much moisture and lack of airflow can lead to plasma buildup and even infection.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore both sides – weighing the potential benefits against the possible downsides. You’ll learn tips on the safest way to wrap a tattoo if you choose to try this method. We’ll also cover key information on what to look out for and when you should avoid wrapping with plastic.

Does Plastic Wrap Help New Tattoos Heal Better?

There are a few reasons why loosely wrapping a new tattoo in plastic has gained popularity as an aftercare tactic:

• Keeps New Tattoos Moist: Wrapping your fresh ink creates a moist environment needed for proper healing in the early stages. The plasma secreted during healing won’t form thick scabs if the area stays hydrated. No heavy scabbing means less ink fading and cracking.
• Prevents Friction and Contamination: Covering with a thin plastic layer shields your tattoo from friction against clothes, towels, or bedding. This helps prevent fading and irritation during initial healing when tattoos are highly vulnerable. The wrap also blocks contaminants like dirt and bacteria from getting into the tattoo.
• Promotes Healing With Minimal Scabbing: By keeping your new tattoo moist and protected, plastic wrap lets your ink heal cleanly with minimal to no scabbing. Less scabbing reduces the risk of the ink cracking or lifting out when the scabs fall off.
• Some Artists Recommend It: While opinions vary widely, many tattoo artists advise lightly wrapping new tattoos in plastic wrap after the initial 2-4 hour settling period. They often suggest continuing this for the first few days depending on ooze levels.

History of Plastic Wrap Tattoo Aftercare

Plastic wrap rose as a common tattoo aftercare method in the 1990s and early 2000s. As tattoo culture was growing rapidly in popularity, artists noted how food service plastic wrap seemed to help large and vibrant ink heal with more color retention. The practice soon spread quickly thanks to tattoo magazines, conventions, word-of-mouth, and online forums. However, not all artists endorse excessive wrapping. Many advise letting tattoos breathe as well.

Risks and Downsides of Using Plastic Wrap

Wrapping a tattoo in plastic may seem like a foolproof protection method, but there are risks to overdoing it. Keeping new tattoos completely airtight can lead to complications.

For starters, not allowing the skin enough oxygen exposure can cause irritation, rashes, and even infection for some people. The damp, humid environment underneath the plastic wrap actually promotes bacteria growth. Trapping excess fluids and plasma can also lead to inflammation, maceration, and ink dilution as well.

Additionally, improper wrapping technique poses problems too. Pulling plastic wrap too tight restricts blood flow which interferes with the body’s natural healing abilities. Covering a very fresh tattoo right away can make the ink leech out as plasma gets pulled up into the plastic. This causes permanent patchiness and fading.

Also Read: Laser Tattoo Removal

Proper Tattoo Wrap Application

If you want to try wrapping a new tattoo, there are some best practices to follow for proper technique:

First, wait at least 2-4 hours before initially wrapping. This gives the ink time to settle in and avoid pulling out blood or plasma. Gently blot any oozing fluids first and check for continued seepage before applying the first layer of plastic wrap. Opt for thin plastic food wrap rather than thicker plastics that don’t breathe well. Wrap the tattoo snugly but not so tight that blood flow is restricted. Leave some room for air exposure. Re-wrap the tattoo every 4-6 hours with fresh plastic wrap to prevent moisture buildup. Remove the wrap fully at bedtime to let the skin breathe overnight.

When re-applying the wrap, be sure to thoroughly wash hands first and use clean wrap to prevent contamination. Try to keep the area very clean throughout the healing process. Avoid excessive wrapping past the first 3-5 days as thicker scabs begin to form. The plastic will just tear these open. Monitoring the tattoo and listening to your artist’s advice is key to finding the right balance of protection versus airflow circulation.

Key Tips for Caring for a Wrapped Tattoo

If you do choose to wrap a new tattoo, keep these vital care tips in mind:

Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo or changing the wrap to prevent contamination. Try to sleep in clean bedding as well to avoid transferring bacteria. Pay close attention to the skin under the wrap and watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, oozing, and warmth which require prompt medical care.

It’s also important not to wrap too tightly, especially when sleeping. The plastic can stretch and adhere firmly to skin folds overnight as you move around. If excessive plasma or blood fluids collect under the wrap, stop wrapping altogether until seepage slows. Remove wrap fully at night – aim for about 6-8 hours of unobstructed skin breathing per 24 hours. Lightly applying fragrance-free lotion before re-wrapping can help prevent dryness but don’t over-lather and suffocate the skin. Finding the right balance takes attentiveness and following your artist’s guidance.

The Healing Stages of a Wrapped Tattoo

How long you keep a new tattoo wrapped depends on each unique person’s healing stage:

• Initial Healing Days 1-3: If wrapping a new tattoo at all, limit it to only 4-6 hours at a time during the first three days. The body produces a significant amount of plasma and fluid during this time that can pool under plastic.
• Early Scabbing Phase Days 3-10: As scabbing starts to form by days 3-5, you’ll want to wrap less, only if needed to soften forming scabs. Stop wrapping completely once scabs fully develop so they can properly dry and slough off.
• Late Healing After 2 Weeks: Once tattoos pass the two week mark, they should no longer need protective wrapping as the top layers start to heal. By 3-4 weeks peeling should complete and a wrap barrier is unnecessary unless clothing rubs firmly over the area.

Your Most Common Plastic Wrap Questions Answered

Still unsure about using plastic wrap on your new ink? Here are answers to some of the top frequently asked questions:

Conclusion

When used properly, plastic wrap can help create ideal moist healing conditions for a new tattoo in small doses early on. However, wrapping too much prevents needed air exposure which allows bacteria to breed. Find the right balance for your unique healing journey by listening closely to your skin and artist’s aftercare advice.