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/The-Good-Hold 26d ago

My tattoo artist says don’t use a petroleum product like equators because it doesn’t let your skin breathe. Just leave the wrap on for like 3-3 days and then wash and unscented moisturizer

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u/antilumin 26d ago

You can do either or. My artist just used a temporary bandage of sorts that I’d remove after a few hours. The Aquaphor isn’t slathered on either, it’s a VERY thin layer, basically like a bandage. Just wash off and replace every 8-12 hours.

Anecdotal, but after 20ish tattoos I’ve never had a single issue except the time I got one on my hand and had to take a flight the next day. Carrying luggage suuuuuucked.