The bottom line. Showering with a new tattoo isn’t only fine; it’s necessary for the sake of good hygiene. As long as you follow the aftercare instructions your tattoo artist gives you, and you’re careful not to rub or soak your tattoo, showering shouldn’t interfere with the healing process of your new ink.
How long should you wait to shower after getting a tattoo?
If you are looking to shower without washing your tattoo, you can do it 3-4 hours after the artist has wrapped the tattoo. It’s important to avoid soaking the area for at least 2 weeks, and remove any soap immediately.
Can I shower 3 days after a tattoo?
This type of covering is waterproof. If you get a classic bandage or cling wrap, then you must wait anywhere from two to 12 hours, depending on what your artist recommends. After you take that off, you can shower anytime.” But it’s important to use a mild, fragrance-free soap when you do shower or wash your new ink.
What to avoid after getting a tattoo?
13 Things to Avoid After Getting a Tattoo
- Doing Nothing After Getting a Tattoo.
- Exposure to Direct Sunlight.
- Touching, Picking, Scratching, and Rubbing.
- Shaving.
- Neosporin and Medicated Ointment.
- Excess Exposure to Water.
- Avoid tight fitting clothes that don’t breathe well.
- Over-Treating the Tattoo.
Can I take a bath 1 week after tattoo?
“You should wait until your tattoo is fully healed before soaking the area in a bath or hot tub. This means that you should have gone through the initial peeling stage and the skin should be feeling normal again, other than a little dryness. The Health Department states a minimum of 2 weeks.”
How do you sleep after getting a tattoo?
If you can, you should try to avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo. For instance, if you have a tattoo on your back, try to sleep on your front and let the tattoo breathe. A lot of tattoo artists recommend sleeping with the wrap that was put on.
Should I wrap my tattoo at night?
Many artists will recommend sleeping with your tattoo wrapped for the first few nights (up to 3-4). This protects it from bacteria, your sheets, and accidental picking or ripping of the scabs. Use only a good wrap developed specifically for tattoo healing, which should be breathable, anti-bacterial, and waterproof.
Do and don’ts after tattoo?
DON’T…
- Don’t remove your bandage too soon!
- Don’t use hot water to clean your new tattoo; wash with warm water instead.
- Don’t put your new tattoo directly under running water—don’t soak it either.
- Never rip the bandage off!
- Don’t re-bandage or cover your new tattoo.
- Don’t pick the scabs—yuck!
- Don’t go tanning.
How can I speed up my tattoo healing?
There are some things you can do to speed up the healing process.
- Cover tattoo with clothing. Sunlight can cause your tattoo to fade, and fresh tattoos are especially sensitive to the sun.
- Don’t re-bandage after you take off the initial dressing.
- Clean daily.
- Apply ointment.
- Don’t scratch or pick.
- Avoid scented products.
Can I drink 2 days after getting a tattoo?
Drinking before and after getting a tattoo is a no-no. Alcohol thins your blood, which means excess bleeding. When you bleed more than normal, it can cause visibility issues for the artist, potentially compromising the quality of the design. Excess bleeding can also thin the ink.
How do I know my tattoo is healed?
You will know that your tattoo is completely healed when there are no scabs, the texture of your skin where the tattoo was placed is the same as a similar surface of skin, and the colors on your tattoo are no longer faded.
Why am I so tired after a tattoo?
Your Adrenaline Will Kick In
Top Health News explained that the body experiences tattooing as a sort of trauma, and responds with a classic “fight or flight” kick of adrenaline. You can expect “a heady feeling that is sort of intense yet relaxing at the same time.”
Can I slap my tattoo if it itches?
It’s extremely important to not pick, scratch, or peel your tattoo! If you do you will lift the scab and pull the ink out leaving your tattoo with missing ink and scars. If your tattoo is itchy you can lightly slap it or apply an ice pack.
How long will my tattoo hurt?
Your tattoo may feel like it’s burning, which is irritating but normal. Days 15 to 30. Your tattoo will be significantly less painful and itchy.
Is it OK to put clothes over a new tattoo?
It needs air to breathe and dry out, clot, and form scabs. So, make sure to wear the loosest clothes possible, and if necessary, wrap the tattoo during the first few nights to prevent it from sticking or ruining your clothes and sheets.
Can I put Vaseline on my tattoo?
Once your bandages are off, you’ll want to stay away from Vaseline during the healing process, too. You may be able to use Vaseline on a newer tattoo only after it’s completely healed. The only use for petroleum jelly on your tattoo is for extremely dry skin around the area.
How often should you wash tattoo?
around 2-3 times a day
How often should you wash your new tattoo? Generally, it is recommended that you wash your tattoo around 2-3 times a day until it is completely healed, which can take several months.
Can I wash my tattoo after 48 hours?
As a rule of thumb, you can shower 3-4 hours after getting your new tattoo. You should take extra caution when in the shower, though— avoid getting the tattoo wet directly, and clean it gently and with neutral soap.
Can I put lotion on my tattoo?
During your aftercare routine, instead of adding ointment, apply a thin layer of lotion at least twice a day. However, you might need to apply lotion as much as up to four times a day to keep your healing tattoo hydrated. Be sure to use unscented lotion.
Can I donate blood if I have a tattoo?
Most people can donate blood immediately after getting inked, as long as the tattoo was applied at a state-regulated entity that uses sterile needles and ink that is not reused.
How should a tattoo feel after 2 days?
Your skin will be dry and flakey as it heals, so some level of itchiness is to be expected. Some clients may also have a slight allergic reaction to some inks, which may cause an itchy feeling. Although it may take every ounce of willpower, do not scratch your new tattoo.
