![\"Why](\"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Why-Do-Tattooists-Wrap-New-Tattoos.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
1. Why Do Tattooists Wrap New Tattoos?<\/h3>\n
Generally speaking, tattooists wrap new tattoos for a few important reasons;<\/p>\n
- \n
- To ensure the tattoo stops bleeding and oozing faster<\/li>\n
- To protect the tattoo from external, infection-causing factors<\/li>\n
- To help you not mess up your clothes, furniture, and bedding until the tattoo stops bleeding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Even though the reasons for tattoo wrapping are completely valid and helpful, the notion of tattoo wrapping is still one of the most debated topics in the tattoo community. Apparently, some tattoo artists don’t find tattoo wrapping necessary, while others can’t imagine not wrapping a new tattoo.<\/p>\n
So, if you come across a tattoo artist that doesn’t, for some reason wrap tattoos, make sure to still ask them to wrap your tattoo. You don’t want to go home with bloody clothes sticking to your new tattoo. Nor do you want to transfer bacteria and germs to the tattoo and cause an infection<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Under certain legislation, the majority of countries require a new tattoo to be wrapped in a sterile bandage to prevent infection, so keep that in mind as well.<\/p>\n
2. What Are The Benefits of Wrapping a Tattoo?<\/h3>\n
As we mentioned, one of the main reasons, and benefits as well, of wrapping a tattoo is the fact that there is something to protect a tattoo or a ‘fresh wound’ from bacteria, viruses, and germs. However, some of the benefits also include;<\/p>\n
- \n
- The wrap creates a barrier between the tattoo and the potential external infections caused by bacteria, germs, viruses, etc.<\/li>\n
- The wrap controls the bleeding and oozing<\/a>, allowing you to go on with your life, mess-free.<\/li>\n
- The wrap allows you to sleep properly, without messing up your clothes and bedding or having the bedding stick to your tattoo.<\/li>\n
- The wrap protects your tattoo from external physical impact, for example, during contact sports, or other physical activities (which you should minimize, by the way, until the tattoo heals).<\/li>\n
- The wrap protects your tattoo in case you need to wear tight-fitting clothes<\/a> or clothes made from potentially irritating fabrics.<\/li>\n
- In case you move in a potentially dirty and unsanitized environment during your tattoo healing, re-rapping the tattoo could protect it from potential infections.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
3. Okay, But Why Do Tattooists Wrap Tattoos In Cling Film?<\/h3>\n
The origin of the practice of wrapping tattoos in cling film is allegedly the biker gangs from the ’60s and ’70s. The reason they wrapped their tattoos in cling film is pretty straightforward and silly; they wanted their tattoos to be visible even though they’re fresh, bleeding, and oozing.<\/p>\n
Cling film is seethrough, and when covered, it keeps the blood and excess ink more tamed and not as excessive and messy and it would usually be without the cling film. Plus, the tattoo would be visible, and partially protected from external infections.<\/p>\n
The practice continued in the decades to come, but nowadays, cling film wrapping is not as popular as it was before. There is a heated discussion about whether tattooists should wrap tattoos with plastic wraps, but that depends on the tattoo artist and their preferred methods.<\/p>\n
4. How Long Should I Keep a Tattoo Wrapped In Cling Film?<\/h3>\n
The time you should keep your tattoo wrapped with cling film also depends on what your tattoo artist thinks is appropriate. Some tattoo artists recommend you keep the tattoo wrapped between 2 and 4 hours<\/a>, others recommend you keep the tattoo wrapped overnight. However, this is a bit more complicated.<\/p>\n
The time your tattoo required to be wrapped depends on the heaviness of bleeding and oozing, and the activities you’re doing in the meantime. For example, if your tattoo is fresh and heavily bleeding, you should take off the cling film and wash the tattoo. After that, you should not re-wrap the tattoo, unless you’re going to sleep or wearing tighter clothes.<\/p>\n
Either way, make sure to follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare routine recommendations. Each tattoo situation is unique and the aftercare depends on the type of the tattoo, size, and placement, as well as the preferences and practices of the particular tattoo artists.<\/p>\n
Here are some of the general recommendations when it comes to tattoo wrapping duration;<\/p>\n
- \n
- After you get a tattoo, make sure to keep it wrapped for 2 to 4 hours<\/strong> before cleaning it. After you clean the tattoo<\/a>, tap dries it with a paper towel, and do not re-wrap it until you got to sleep.<\/li>\n
- Keep the tattoo wrapped during sleep for 3 to 5 days<\/strong>. In that period, the tattoo should start to dry out and close, so there won’t be any risk of sudden bleeding or bedding sticking to your tattoo as you sleep.<\/li>\n
- Once the tattoo is closed or sealed completely, there is no need for re-wrapping<\/strong>. Just keep the tattoo clean and properly moisturized, and you should be fine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Also Read:\u00a0How To Sleep With A New Tattoo: 8 Tips From Expert<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
5. Should You Re-Wrap Your Tattoo With Cling Film?<\/h3>\n
Some tattoo artists will say that you can use cling film or plastic foil to re-wrap your new tattoo. However, this is also highly debatable. Many think that tattoos wouldn’t be wrapped with plastic foils in the first place, while others believe the re-wrapping should be done with something medical-grade, like wrappings that are specifically made for tattoos with proper hygiene and sanitation.<\/p>\n
So, instead of re-wrapping your tattoo with cling film, we recommend you go for;<\/p>\n
- Keep the tattoo wrapped during sleep for 3 to 5 days<\/strong>. In that period, the tattoo should start to dry out and close, so there won’t be any risk of sudden bleeding or bedding sticking to your tattoo as you sleep.<\/li>\n