Is It Safe to Use Plastic Wrap on Fresh Tattoos? Experts Weigh In

Most of us equate a shiny, plastic-wrapped body part with a colorful, freshly finished tattoo healing just beneath. The practice became popular in the '70s and '80s when untrained tattoo artists came up with the idea to use plastic wrap and its transparent nature as a way to dissuade people from eagerly ripping off traditional, opaque bandages—and compromising the new tattoo—to show off their new ink. At the surface, the solution makes sense—but a deeper look into the medical implications of wrapping a wound, such as a tattoo, in plastic wrap reveals greater dangers of continuing the risky practice.

We spoke to professional, board-certified dermatologists Brendan Camp, MD, and Lauren Penzi, MD, as well as Burak, an expert tattoo artist at Fleur Noire Tattoo in Brooklyn, to get the full details on the risks of covering a tattoo in plastic or saran wrap. Read on to understand the art of proper bandaging in tattoo aftercare.

Is It Safe to Use Saran Wrap On a New Tattoo?

According to experts, it is not advisable to use saran wrap on a new tattoo. "Plastic wrap or Saran wrap creates an occlusive layer over the tattoo," explains Camp. "While helpful to protect the tattoo from infection, a thick layer of plastic wrap prevents the exchange of oxygen and can affect wound healing."

The idea is that this keeps all of the body fluids pooling on the skin's surface. That surface may build up body temperatures, potentially creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. "If the plastic wrap is left on for an extended period, it creates a warm, moist environment ideal for bacterial growth," continues Penzi. "Also [there is] a risk of suffocation of the skin. Prolonged wrapping can inhibit oxygen supply and hinder the skin's natural healing process." Essentially, your new tattoo may turn into a petri dish for bacterial growth.

Additionally, Burak notes that "Saran wrap is [created] for food. Tattoos are an open wound and need to be taken care of with medical-level bandages."

How to Safely Wrap Tattoos

To prevent contamination, tattoo studios use polyurethane-acrylic adhesive medical bandages like Saniderm Tattoo Aftercare Bandage Sheets and Dermshield Tattoo Aftercare Bandage Roll to wrap tattoos. Once applied correctly, these products act as second, waterproof skin that is completely sealed, preventing water and bacteria from entering your new tattoo. Regardless of the wrap, Camp advises cleaning the tattoo after sweating, as there will likely be moisture retention beneath.

Burak says that some artists have different preferences, but in his studio, they advise keeping the bandage on for at least the first two to three days. 

Tattoo Aftercare

Besides keeping your bandage on for two to three days, Burak also instructs that proper tattoo aftercare includes washing your tattoo with antibacterial soap when you remove it. "Apply a very thin layer of a natural, petroleum-free tattoo ointment for the next two weeks, three to four times a day," he adds. 

Remember to not pick or scratch at any scabs that may form. And ideally, it's best to avoid excessively touching your tattoo at all for about two weeks. 

"It's important because a good healing process is key to the longevity of a tattoo. It is just as important as tattooing being done technically correctly," Burak says. "For the first four to five days, there is a higher chance of infection because it is essentially an open wound. You need to keep it clean and keep it moisturized, this will help your tattoo heal properly."

When to See a Doctor

Infections aren't just bad for the tattoo healing process but can lead to serious health issues if left untreated to the person and area. All experts say that you should call a doctor if you start to experience any extreme redness around your tattoo, if you notice any swelling or discoloration, or if you start to see any discharge. All of these are not good signs and point to an infection.

"Signs and symptoms of a skin infection include redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and drainage of pus," says Camp. "Skin infections should be treated immediately because inflammation associated with an infection can cause scarring, which could alter the appearance of the tattoo."

"Look for redness that goes greater than one inch beyond the border of the tattoo, warmth, pain, pus drainage, and/or fever and chills," echoes Penzi. "If any of these signs occur, do not delay care and go see your doctor immediately"

The Final Takeaway 

As a client, do the research on tattoo studios before you get your next tattoo and observe the practices in your chosen studio. If plastic wrap bandaging is one of them, seek another tattooer who cares to educate themselves on proper procedure. Think: If they don't have bandaging correct, what other errors in the process are they committing? Tattoos are a beautiful way to express yourself visually on your body but keep in mind the potential risks involved the next time you get fresh ink.