How long should i leave my tattoo covered? Should i air it out now?

Question

how long are you supposed to cover tattoos up? The guy said keep it covered the first 8 hours then wash it twice a day with your hand & antibacterial soap & keep ointment on ti but he didnt say after that first day if it should be covered/uncovered? should i bee keeping it covered or letting it breathe?? thanks

Thanks for all the responses!

Answer 1

I always uncover mine after the first day and keep it moist with ointment. Also I only use the A&D ointment for the first 3 days or so because it's an antibiotic ointment, which can mess up the healing process if used for too long (what two tattoo artists have told me). They both had me use A&D or Tattoo Goo for the first few days and then I switched over to Bananna Boat's After Sun Lotion (a moisturizing lotion with aloe and vitamin E in it; does work great on sunburn too, just FYI).


If you know you're going to be getting sweaty, dirty, or having something roughly rub against the tattoo you should cover it though during those times. The one on my foot had to stay covered a lot because of my shoes at work, but I let it air out after work everyday.

Hope that helped.

Answer 2

For my tattoos (I have 5), I just keep it covered for a couple hours. Once you take the bandage off, do not put it back on. It is important to let it breathe and scab over so that it can heal. You should wash it with mild soap a couple times a day, do not scrub it, wash it very lightly with your fingers. Then apply antibacterial ointment after washing it. Also, it will probably begin to itch while it is healing, but do not scratch it!! It could lead to scarring.

Answer 3

Keeping it covered is mainly to help stop the bleeding. The main thing you want to avoid with a tattoo is scabbing. This is why you want to use ointment to keep it moist all the time until it heals.

Answer 4

I think just 2 days, at the most. As long as you keep applying the antibiotic ointment you should be OK.
You should keep it out of the sun for a little while, too.

Answer 5

You should call your tattoo artist and ask him

but I have found for me my tattoos heal best uncovered they need to breathe
but as you are finding out everyone is different

call your artist it is his work of art he knows it

and congrats on the new tat

Answer 6

1 day will be sufficient :)

Answer 7

you should keep it coverd for two days.

Answer 8

not too long!