Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience. However, the tattoo healing process requires proper aftercare to avoid infection and damage to the tattoo. There are certain activities and exposures that should be avoided during the tattoo healing process. Here we will explore what is not allowed after getting a tattoo and why those precautions need to be taken.
Swimming
Swimming should be avoided for 2-3 weeks after getting a new tattoo. Getting into bodies of water such as pools, hot tubs, lakes or the ocean can expose new tattoos to bacteria and contaminants. The chemicals and minerals in the water can also be very drying and irritating to fresh tattoos. Chlorinated water can draw ink out of fresh tattoos. Ocean water contains salt and minerals that can get into and aggravate new tattoos. Bacteria and contaminants in any body of water can cause infection when introduced into the broken skin and open wounds created by tattooing.
When can you swim after a tattoo?
Swimming should only resume after the tattoo skin has fully healed, which takes 2-3 weeks on average. Once the tattooed area is no longer tender, peeling, scabbing or cracking, swimming can be safely resumed without risk of damage or infection.
Hot tubs and saunas
Hot tubs and saunas should be avoided for 1 month after getting a new tattoo. The hot water and steam can open pores and introduce bacteria into new tattoos. The heat can also draw out natural lubricants needed for tattoo healing. Hot tubs and saunas also tend to harbor more bacteria than regular tap water, so they carry a higher risk of infection. The chemicals and minerals in the water can also irritate and dry out fresh tattoos.
When can you use a hot tub after a tattoo?
Most experts recommended waiting at least 4 weeks after getting a tattoo before using a hot tub or sauna. This allows the tattooed skin to fully complete the healing process so it can withstand the exposure without adverse effects.
Sun exposure
Exposing a new tattoo to sun should be avoided for 3-4 weeks after getting inked. UV rays from the sun can damage and fade fresh tattoo pigments before they have fully settled in the skin. Sun exposure also dries out and irritates the skin, which can disrupt the tattoo healing process.
When can you go in the sun after a tattoo?
It is best to keep a new tattoo covered and out of the sun entirely for the first month during the most crucial healing phase. After 3-4 weeks, you can resume moderate sun exposure with the tattooed area protected by clothing or a high SPF sunscreen.
Exfoliation
Exfoliating the skin over a new tattoo should be avoided during the entire healing process. Exfoliating removes surface skin cells through scrubbing or chemical peels. This can damage and scuff the delicate new skin growing over the tattoo. It can also pull out ink and lead to patchiness or fading.
When can you exfoliate after a tattoo?
Gently exfoliating the area around a tattoo can resume 3-4 weeks after getting inked once peeling stops and the skin is fully closed. However, you should avoid scrubbing or exfoliating directly on the tattooed skin for at least 2 months after getting inked.
Picking scabs
Picking scabs that form on new tattoos can damage the design and pull out ink. This causes holes, uneven lines and faded spots. It can also introduce bacteria under the skin and lead to serious infection. Never pick, peel or scratch at new tattoo scabs as they naturally flake off.
What to do if a tattoo scab won’t come off?
Gently wash the area with mild antibacterial soap and water to soften and loosen stubborn scabs. Never pick or forcefully remove scabs. Leave any scabs that do not naturally flake off within 2-3 weeks alone and let the tattoo heal fully underneath.
Bathing
Soaking a new tattoo in water from a bath, pool or other source can draw out plasma and fluids needed for healing. Long hot showers or baths should be avoided for 2 weeks until the tattoo seals over. Keep showers brief using mild cleaner and gently pat dry afterwards.
How long after a tattoo can you take a bath?
Ideally bathes should be avoided for 2-3 weeks until after all scabbing falls off. After this point, quick gentle baths are okay as long as you avoid soaking or scrubbing the area. Lightly clean it with mild soap and avoid submerging it.
Working out
Vigorous exercise and activities that produce sweat should be avoided for 10-14 days after getting a new tattoo. Sweat is filled with salts, bacteria and enzymes that can irritate a healing tattoo. Friction from exercise can also disrupt delicate new skin and pull out ink.
When can you workout after getting a tattoo?
Light activity can resume in 7-10 days but vigorous sweating exercise should wait 2 full weeks. This ensures the deeper layers of skin have stabilized. After this point, resume exercise gently, clean sweat away quickly and watch for signs of irritation.
Tight clothing
Wearing tight elastic clothing such as leggings, athletic wear, waistbands, bras and bindings should be avoided over fresh tattoos when possible. Restrictive clothing puts pressure on the area which can pull out ink and cause friction irritation.
When can you wear tight clothes after tattoo?
Loose, breathable clothing is best for the first 10-14 days. After this point, you can resume wearing fitted clothing as long as it does not rub on or compress the healing tattoo.
Re-wrapping
Re-wrapping or bandaging a new tattoo after the initial bandage is removed should be avoided unless directed by a doctor. Keeping the tattoo covered inhibits oxygen circulation needed for healing. It also risks trapping bacteria against the skin.
Should you rewrap a tattoo while healing?
No, rewrapping should be avoided unless medically necessary. Allow the tattoo to breathe and heal exposed once initial bandaging is done. Watch for signs of infection and see a doctor if the tattoo appears to be worsening.
Submerging in water
Soaking a fresh tattoo in baths, pools, hot tubs or other bodies of water should be avoided for 4 weeks during healing. Water pulls out plasma, fluids and inks needed for proper healing. It can also introduce contaminants and bacteria leading to infection.
How long after getting a tattoo can you soak it?
Submerging or soaking a new tattoo should wait at least 1 month after getting inked. Once the skin is fully sealed and closed, light contact with water can be resumed as long as the area is gently patted dry and moisturized afterwards.
Using lotion
Using regular body lotion should be avoided on healing tattoos for the first 10-14 days. Standard lotions can clog pores and trap bacteria. Only unscented gentle moisturizers made for tattoo aftercare should be used at first.
When can you use lotion after getting a tattoo?
Let the tattoo breathe using only a thin layer of gentle unscented aftercare balm for the first 2 weeks. After this point, switch to an unscented daily moisturizer to keep the area hydrated as it finishes healing.
Scratching or touching
Touching, scratching or picking at a new tattoo should be avoided entirely during healing. Your hands have bacteria that can infect the area. Picking can pull out ink. Rubbing can disrupt fresh skin growth and cause scarring.
What happens if you scratch a new tattoo?
Scratching a new tattoo almost always causes damage by removing ink. It also risks breaking the skin seal and introducing infection. Avoid touching the area altogether until after healing finishes unless gently washing.
Drinking alcohol
Drinking alcohol is not directly prohibited after getting a tattoo, but excessive intake can impact healing. Alcohol dehydrates the body which dries out skin and inhibits plasma flow needed for proper tattoo healing and bright colors.
How long after a tattoo can you drink alcohol?
There is no definitive rule, but it is wise to avoid excessive alcohol consumption for at least the first week after getting inked. This allows the deepest skin layers to stabilize before depleting fluids.
Activities that cause sweating
Intense exercise, labor, yardwork, sports, sex and any other strenuous activities that produce heavy sweating should be avoided during the first two weeks of tattoo healing. Sweat breaks down plasma and pigments while also irritating skin.
When can you sweat after getting a tattoo?
Avoid heavy sweating for 10-14 days after getting inked. Light exercise can resume after 7 days but wait 2 weeks before intense sweat-inducing exertion so deeper skin has time to heal.
Submerging in natural water
Swimming in the ocean, lakes, rivers or other natural bodies of water should be avoided for 1 month after getting a tattoo. These waters contain dirt, organisms and minerals that pose infection risks to healing tattoos.
How long after tattoo can you swim in ocean?
Wait at least 4 full weeks before swimming in natural waters like the ocean which have higher bacteria levels. Make sure the area has fully sealed over before submerging to avoid contamination.
Petting animals
Petting dogs, cats, horses and other animals can transfer bacteria onto the skin that can infect a healing tattoo. Avoid contact with pets near the tattooed area until fully healed after 4 weeks.
When can you be around animals after tattoo?
Pet exposure should be limited for the first 14 days when possible. After this point, gently wash hands before and after contact to avoid transferring bacteria onto the healing tattoo.
Oral contact
Letting bodily fluids such as saliva make contact with a healing tattoo can introduce bacteria and viruses leading to infection. Avoid oral contact with new tattoos during the healing period.
How long after getting a tattoo can you kiss?
Avoid direct mouth contact with fresh tattoos for at least 2 weeks until the majority of scabs have fallen off. Gentle contact may resume after this point but avoid excessive saliva exposure.
Shaving
Shaving directly over a new tattoo should be avoided until it fully heals after 4 weeks. Razors disrupt fresh skin growth and can cut or scar the area. Even electric razors can irritate and damage unhealed tattoos.
When can you shave after getting a tattoo?
Avoid shaving the tattooed area for at least 1 month after getting inked. This gives adequate time for all scabbing to cease so razors do not pull off any scabs prematurely.
Using sunscreen
Using regular sunscreen on a healing tattoo should be avoided for 2 weeks. The chemicals, fragrances and ingredients can migrate into the skin and irritate fresh tattoos. Use only unscented sunscreen made for sensitive skin at first.
When can you put sunscreen on a new tattoo?
Let the fresh tattoo heal with proper aftercare ointment only for the first 10 days if sun exposure will be minimal. After this point, use a thin layer of fragrance-free sunscreen until fully healed.
Risk Factors to Avoid
Here is a summary table of common risk factors to avoid after getting a new tattoo during the healing period:
| Risk Factor | When to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Swimming | 2-3 weeks |
| Hot tubs | 1 month |
| Sun exposure | 3-4 weeks |
| Exfoliation | Entire healing period |
| Picking scabs | Entire healing period |
| Bathing | 2 weeks |
| Working out | 10-14 days |
| Tight clothing | 10-14 days |
| Re-wrapping | Entire healing period |
| Submerging in water | 1 month |
| Using lotion | 10-14 days |
| Scratching/touching | Entire healing period |
| Drinking alcohol | 1 week |
| Sweating activities | 2 weeks |
| Swimming in natural water | 1 month |
| Petting animals | 14 days |
| Oral contact | 2 weeks |
| Shaving | 1 month |
| Using sunscreen | 2 weeks |
Conclusion
Getting a new tattoo is exciting but proper aftercare is crucial. Avoiding certain activities and exposures reduces risks of infection, fading and damage to the tattoo. Swimming, sun exposure, hot tubs, exercise, clothing friction, picking, scratching and soaking should be avoided during at least the first month of healing. Follow your artist’s instructions and allow the tattoo adequate time to fully heal before resuming normal activities. With proper precautions, your new tattoo will heal beautifully and last for many years.