How to Sleep With a New Tattoo

Sleeping with a new tattoo can be a bit of a challenge, but don’t worry, it’s nothing you can’t handle. The key to sleeping with a new tattoo is to closely follow your artist’s instructions. That is true of the full tattoo aftercare process - your artist knows their work and your skin and can help guide you through the ever-important healing process. 

When it comes to sleeping with a new piece, it can be tricky. But that’s why we are here - to help make life (and sleep!) easier with a few tricks of the trade. When game planning for your sleep, consider the size and placement of the tattoo—this will help you figure out the best way to avoid rubbing, pressure, or irritation overnight. Make sure your sheets are fresh too—fresh, soft sheets can help keep your tattoo from getting too much friction or exposure to dirt and germs. If you notice any weepage as the tattoo heals, be sure to clean and change your sheets quickly for proper hygiene.

The secret to long-lasting tattoos is the proper tattoo aftercare. As for your aftercare routine, Hustle Butter is here to help keep the area clean and nourished with a full lineup of vegan & cruelty-free products. Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm is designed to keep the area moisturized and hydrated, and is made with naturally-derived ingredients you can feel good about. When it comes to wrapping and washing the area, the Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Wrap and Hustle Butter Antibacterial Foaming Wash are the perfect duo. The wrap will keep the area protected against unintentional contact and will help contain the area. The tough-on-germs foaming wash is gentle on skin, cleaning the area and helping to prevent infection.  Proper tattoo aftercare during the healing process is the first step to long-term tattoo vibrancy.  

Preparing for the First Night With a New Tattoo

The first night with a new tattoo is important for setting the tone of the healing process. Your sleep setup can make a real difference in how well your tattoo heals.

Start by changing to clean, fresh bed sheets. Old sheets can carry bacteria and irritants, so don’t take any chances. Keep a clean roll of paper towels close by to gently pat the tattoo dry if you need to. Paper towels are recommended instead of bath towels, where possible, as bath towels can leave behind fibers and impurities.

Next, think about where your tattoo is placed when you’re setting up your sleeping space. You might need to adjust your sleeping position to keep pressure off the tattooed area. 

Before hitting the pillow, make sure to follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions. After the first 2-3 days (or as advised by your artist), once your initial wrap is removed, you can start cleaning the tattoo with lukewarm water and a gentle wash, and applying a thin layer of Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Balm to keep your skin nourished and hydrated. If your artist recommends keeping the area covered for an additional few days, Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Wraps can help protect the area as you sleep, reducing mess while providing breathable comfort. 

Choosing the Right Sleeping Position

Finding the right sleep position can tremendously improve healing and comfort. The location and size of your tattoo will dictate the best way to sleep without messing with your artwork.

If you've got a back tattoo, try sleeping on your side or stomach to avoid putting pressure on the inked area. Extra pillows can help keep you comfortable and in place. For tattoos on your arm, sleep on the opposite side to keep your new art off the sheets and to keep it elevated. Got a leg tattoo? Prop that leg up with a pillow to reduce swelling and cut down on friction.

Remember, a fresh tattoo is an open wound. So, minimize pressure and contact to avoid irritation or ink transfer onto your sheet and to reduce the risk of infection. Adjust your position based on where the tattoo is, and keep it undisturbed as much as possible. By paying attention to your sleeping position, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother healing process, helping your tattoo stay fresh long-term. 

Guarding Your Fresh Tattoo During Sleep

Depending on your individual art, your artist may want you to keep your tattoo covered for a few days. Shielding your fresh tattoo while you sleep can be crucial to keeping it clean and protected from unintentional contact. Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Wraps are an excellent option for this. These wraps provide a gentle, breathable layer that is mess-free and contained. Just remember to follow your tattoo artist’s advice on how long to use the wraps for. Using a proper, breathable wrap is paramount for optimal tattoo healing and comfort.

Maintaining Tattoo Care While Sleeping

The healing process goes beyond the first few days—even after the initial wrap comes off - and how you care for your ink sets the tone for the overall heal. The same goes for sleeping - make sure to follow proper protocol before bed each night. Follow your artist’s instructions, like cleaning the area or applying a thin layer of balm, to keep your skin nourished overnight. Sleep positions matter too—avoid pressure on your fresh tattoo to prevent irritation or damage. Treat your tattoo right while you rest, and you’ll set the stage for vibrant, long-lasting results.

Every artist will have this own instructions for caring for fresh ink depending on the size, style, and location of the tattoo. Still, the overall process will almost always go something like this:

First, rinse the tattoo gently with lukewarm water to get rid of any leftover ink or debris that can irritate the area.  Make sure not to use water that is too hot as this can irritate the skin. Next, use Hustle Bubbles Antibacterial Foaming Soap to gently clean the area. Then, apply a thin layer of Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Balm - a little hustle goes a long way. It’s packed with naturally-derived ingredients to keep your skin nourished and hydrated during the healing process.

And if your tattoo’s in a spot that might rub against your clothes, go for loose, breathable fabric. Less friction means a smoother healing process. For more detailed advice, check out our Ultimate Guide to Tattoo Aftercare. Stick to these steps to keep your skin and ink on the right track.

Common Issues and Solutions

As your tattoo heals, you may run into a few bumps along the way. Don’t sweat it—recognizing these issues early means you can handle them like a pro.

Scabbing is totally normal, but whatever you do, don’t pick at it. Let those scabs fall off naturally—this keeps your tattoo’s detail sharp and its color fresh. 

Keep an eye on the tattooed area for signs of irritation. If you notice a lot of redness, swelling, or pain, that might be a red flag for infection. In that case, don’t wait—contact your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

Skin Nourishment for New Tattoo Success

Taking care of your new tattoo is the key to keeping it looking good for years to come - trust us when we say your future self will thank you.

Follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions—they know what’s up and will help set you up for the best possible heal. When it comes to sleeping, adjust your sleeping position based on where your tattoo is, and make sure your sheets and environment are clean to support the healing process.

Tattoo aftercare is all about attention and commitment. By putting in the effort to care for your tattoo, you’ll keep that fresh ink looking its best. If something doesn’t feel right or you’re unsure about anything, reach out to your tattoo artist or a healthcare pro. Don’t guess—get expert advice. 

For even more tips and tricks for caring for your tattoo, check out some more of our recent blogs on tattoo aftercare and more!