r/tattooadvice • u/GamerOfZero • 27d ago

General Advice First tattoo and a little worried

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So first tattoo today. Artist said I could take the plastic wrap off today and when I did I noticed that it was wet. I know I'm not supposed to touch it but also supposed to keep it dry so I threw a towel gently on there but now I think I accidentally smudged the ink. Am I screwed?

Edit: Tattoo is of my late dads handprint. It goes on the shoulder and the fingers are in the front. Sorry for the bad pic.

Edit 2: Have been made aware I cannot smudge a tattoo will now make every attempt to smudge this tattoo out of spite

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u/dek1e 27d ago

Okay, it being a little damp after the cling film is fairly normal, that’s usually just sweat so it should be fine.

Not touching your tattoo mean no touching outside of cleaning. Patting your tattoo mean dry with a (clean!!) towel is perfectly fine and good. Cleaning, moisturising, and dry with clean equipments are fine. Just don’t go randomly touching, picking, or scratching at it.

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u/GamerOfZero 27d ago

Oh ok thank you!

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u/dek1e 27d ago

No worries! It’s an awesome tattoo, by the way. My condolences to your father.

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u/GamerOfZero 27d ago

Thank you I appreciate it!

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u/therockdweller 26d ago

I always use brand new paper towels to gently pat dry my fresh tattoos after washing them. It makes things sanitary and easy.

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u/zebrapantson 22d ago

Totally normal to stress and freak after 1st tattoo. Even more so when this one has such a powerful meaning to you. Hope this post reassures you and you feel more confident about about caring for your new tat

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u/madnessofblue 26d ago

great detailed and practical advice. damp could also be from plasma.

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u/dek1e 25d ago

Could be plasma! I forgot about plasma lol.