Both Rabach and Otsuji agree to wait at least two weeks (four on the safe side) to shave after getting a tattoo. "Once the skin is fully closed and any scabs that were present are gone is a good sign,” says Rabach. "Avoid scented shave gels and exfoliating cleansers when shaving over a tattooed area.
Shaving won't affect tattoos as long as they're healed and you take care of the skin when you do begin shaving it, keeping it exfoliated (to prevent ingrown hairs) and hydrated. Tattoo'd skin is exactly the same as regular skin once it's healed so the same care applies.
After getting inked, you can't shave over the area of your new tattoo until it's fully healed. This could take two to three weeks.
Eaves recommends allowing your new tattoo anywhere between two weeks to a month to fully heal before shaving (you can find his tattoo aftercare tips here) — this means no scabbing, peeling or shininess on or around the site of the tattoo. Once your tattoo is fully healed, however, shave as your heart desires.
After a week, the redness and swelling should have subsided. At this point, the skin should begin to scab and flake. The itchiness may persist, but the tattoo should gradually appear more vibrant as it continues to heal.
Weeks 5 and 6: completely healed
You'll know you're in this phase — and that your tattoo is fully healed — because all the dry skin and scabs have sloughed off to reveal new, smooth skin with a vibrant tattoo and you no longer feel the burning and itchiness because the body has repaired itself.
Electrolysis is the best solution for permanently removing problem hairs. This treatment works well on all skin and hair types, and it's also a safe treatment option for people with tattoos.
You see, wax is applied to the top layer of skin, aka the epidermis, only. Your tattoo ink is injected into the dermis, the layer below the epidermis. Therefore, you can wax over a tattoo without having any worries about harming it. And (bonus) waxing may actually make your tattoo brighter!
Even peach fuzz has got to go. Hair prevents the needle from properly penetrating the required layers of your skin. If you don't shave the area, the tattoo may not take. And if hair is thick, the design will be compromised.
"You should wait at least two weeks or until the tattoo is healed to remove hair. To be sure when your tattoo is fully healed, you can ask your tattoo artist," says Chimento.
Shaving the area to be tattooed is mandatory before the ink application because we need to ensure there is no visible or invisible hairs between the needle and the top layer of the skin. Shaving helps the tattooist to perform a precise and beautiful artwork.
Furthermore, over-exfoliation can damage the skin and cause the ink to become distorted or faded. This can have the opposite effect, making your tattoo look dull or blurry. It is important to approach exfoliation with caution and to be mindful of the needs of your skin and your tattoo.
Since this is a natural body process, growing hair will not harm your new tattoo. However, the appearance may be affected, and it is dependent on the density and thickness of hair that develops in that area. If you have thin, light hair (particularly blonde), it will not affect the look of your tattoo.
Sunscreen only damages freshly tattooed skin because the act of tattooing penetrates the epidermis and exposes the skin's sensitive dermis layer.. However, it is okay to use sunscreen after 4 to 6 weeks of getting a tattoo. It is crucial to use sunscreen after this period to protect and moisturize your skin.
For the first 2 days, do not wash your hair at all or in a traditional manner in the shower (salon washes or dry shampoos are great alternatives). For days 3-10, you can wash your hair in the shower but be sure to put Vaseline on your eyebrows to provide a protective barrier while in the shower.
Conclusion. As you can see from our guide, hair will grow back over your tattoo once the tattoo area starts to heal. However, If you didn't have hair there before, you won't get any new hair after the tattoo process. The hair may grow back slowly initially but will be back to normal in no time.
Why Vaseline and petroleum-based jelly aren't great for a new tattoo. Petroleum-based products can cause ink to fade and may trap moisture and bacteria on top of the tattoo, increasing your risk of developing an infection. Use water-based moisturizers on new tattoos instead.
Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.
It can take anywhere from two to four weeks for your tattoo to heal depending on the size and location of the tattoo. Some people also heal faster or slower depending on their skin. If this is your first tattoo, here's a look at what you can expect during the healing process.
Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.
"During the healing process, you should moisturize your tattoo three to six times a day," Ladna says. "Keeping your tattoo hydrated during the initial days is especially critical. If your tattoo becomes too dry, the healing may actually take longer, and you may risk losing color saturation."
Tattoos technically start healing right away but it takes about four months for your tattoo to fully heal. The outer layers of your skin will heal in about two to four weeks, while the deeper layers where the ink sits will take about 4 months to heal. That's the short answer!