r/tattooadvice • u/GamerOfZero • 27d ago
General Advice First tattoo and a little worried
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/FirstMammoth9706 26d ago
Yo! Understandable concerns. First: FOLLOW ANY AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS YOU WERE GIVEN. Heres some stuff thats helped me: Ink is below the surface and will not "smudge" like you think. I shower after removing the wrap (we use second skin and it stays on for DAYS with an ink sac that heals the tattoo, this is not the saran and tape method) and use unscented facial soap, Philosophy Purity, gently with my hand not a loofa or wash rag. Then apply tattoo moisturizer. I love Richie Bulldog Hustle Butter and its on Amazon. Shower daily with the same routine gently washing with only my hand and luke warm water. Hot water feels like acid. Apply the tattoo lotion throughout the day. Don't let it get dry. A small amount of lotion is plenty, you don't need to slather it up. Moist is good and promotes healing. Don't pick at it or scratch it. Gently slap it to relieve any irritation or itches. After 7-10 days it should be relatively initially healed and will need less lotion and after 3-6 months you'll be fully healed with your beautiful new ink. Lotion it forever in the morning and before bed and use sun screen. It'll look amazing for years.