A fresh tattoo is covered with protective film, and it's best left alone for the first few hours. How long the film stays on depends on its type: your artist will specify the exact time in your aftercare instructions. Once it's off, wash the tattoo with warm water and a mild soap and pat it dry. Redness, swelling and plasma leaking from the skin are normal on the first day.
Why you need the film
A fresh tattoo is an open wound. The film protects it from dust, clothing and accidental contact until the skin starts to close up on its own.
- Regular film is like cling film. It stays on for a short time, usually a few hours, and then comes off.
- Breathable film is thin and adhesive, like a second skin. It's sometimes left on for several days.
Your artist will tell you which film they've used and how long to leave it on. Follow your aftercare instructions, rather than advice from a group chat: different films work differently.
The first hours
Right after the session your job is simple: leave the tattoo alone.
- don't take the film off or lift it before it's time;
- don't touch it or press on it;
- wear loose clothing that doesn't rub;
- don't go to the gym or drink alcohol that evening.
How to take the film off
Once the time specified in your aftercare instructions has passed, take your time removing the film:
- Wash your handsThoroughly, with soap: you'll be touching open skin.
- Peel it off under warm waterSlowly, pulling the edge back along your skin rather than up and away.
- Wash the tattooWith warm water and a mild fragrance-free soap, using your palm, not a sponge.
- Pat it dryWith a disposable paper towel. Don't rub.
- Apply your aftercare productA thin layer of whatever your artist recommended.
Breathable film is easier to take off in the shower: warm water softens the adhesive. Don't yank it off; pull it back slowly along your skin.
What's normal on the first evening
For the first day, a tattoo looks and feels like a fresh graze. This is normal:
- redness and slight swelling around the design;
- skin that feels warm to the touch;
- clear plasma leaking from the skin with traces of ink;
- a feeling like sunburn.
To find out how long these should last, see “Normal or a warning sign: how your tattoo is healing”.
When to message your artist
If you're not sure whether what you're seeing is normal, send your artist a photo. Better to ask on the first evening than to worry until morning.
If the swelling is getting worse, the redness spreads well beyond the design, you run a temperature or pus appears, that's no longer normal. Message your artist and see a doctor.
The first night
Put clean sheets on the bed and wear loose cotton clothes. If the film is already off, the tattoo may stick to the sheet by morning. Don't pull it away: wet the fabric with warm water and it will come off by itself. It's best to keep pets out of the bed that night.
Frequently asked questions
About the first hours after your session. Can't find your question? Message me on Telegram or Instagram. I reply personally.
What if the film comes off early?
Message your artist. They'll tell you whether to take it off completely and what to cover the tattoo with, if needed.
Dark fluid has collected under the film. Is that bad?
No, that's plasma with excess pigment. Your design won't drain away because of it. If there's a lot of fluid, ask your artist.
Can I shower with the film on?
You can usually take a brief shower with breathable film on, but avoid directing a strong jet of water at the tattoo. Check your artist's aftercare instructions for the details.
Do I need to cover the tattoo again after taking the film off?
Usually not. If your artist gave you a second piece of film, apply it to clean, dry skin as they explained.
What should I wash the tattoo with after that?
Warm water and a mild fragrance-free soap. More on this in “Daily tattoo aftercare”.
