Yes, you can generally swim one month after a tattoo because it's usually fully healed by then, but it's best to wait until all peeling and scabbing have stopped (around 2-4 weeks) to avoid bacteria, chlorine, and sun damage, which can cause infection, ink loss, and fading; if you must swim sooner, use waterproof bandages and clean thoroughly, but waiting is safest.
Swimming should be avoided until your tattoo is fully healed, which usually takes about two to four weeks. Submerging a fresh tattoo in water can increase the risk of infection and affect the ink's vibrancy.
Yes, chlorine is bad for new tattoos because it's harsh on healing skin, can cause irritation, dryness, and stinging, and significantly increases the risk of infection and ink fading/discoloration, so you should avoid chlorinated pools for at least 2-4 weeks until your tattoo is fully healed. A fresh tattoo is an open wound, and pool chemicals and bacteria can damage the delicate healing skin, leading to poor results or complications like rashes and sores.
If you're wondering just how long after getting your tattoo you can take a bath: the answer is only after your tattoo has healed completely which typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, and in some cases longer.
Swimming with a new tattoo can introduce harmful bacteria, chemicals, and contaminants into the healing skin, increasing the risk of infection and slowing down the healing process. Chlorine and saltwater can also cause moisture loss, dehydration, and scabbing, which can affect the appearance and healing of your tattoo.
The signs your tattoo is ready
Your healing tattoo must check these boxes before you return to the water: No scabs or peeling skin remain. Your skin feels smooth, not raised or tender. The protective skin over your tattoo appears clear and even.
We recommend waiting at least 3–4 days before exercising to allow your tattoo to begin healing properly. You should avoid swimming in the sea or at the beach for at least two weeks. For chlorinated pools, it's best to wait around three weeks before swimming.
How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming. If you have to go swimming, you should make sure your tattoo is fully covered with a waterproof dressing. Once you're out of the water, it's best to remove the dressing straight away and rinse the tattoo with warm, fresh water.
It's recommended to wait at least 2–4 weeks before taking a bath, or until your tattoo is fully healed. By this time, the scabs should have fallen off naturally, and the skin should no longer appear raw or irritated. However, healing times can vary depending on the size, placement, and individual skin type.
Signs of a Tattoo Infection
It's always best to follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions and only use the products they recommend during this initial phase. Typically, you'll need to wait four to six weeks before using sunscreen, but that timeline can vary based on tattoo placement, skin sensitivity, and how well the area is cared for.
You should wait 2-6 weeks (you should be post scabby peeling phase) but even then I recommend not submerging it till the 4 week mark. I personally still go swimming with fresh tattoos (private pool only) but typically will put on a thin layer of aquaphor and keep it out of the water.
Tattoos take 2-4 weeks to heal on the surface, and 3-6 months for the skin underneath to heal. Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo for at least four weeks to help with healing. Get medical attention if you develop signs of an infection or allergic reaction.
Chlorine, salt, and contaminated natural water sources can cause redness, rashes, and inflammation. Harsh chemicals in pools and hot tubs can further irritate the healing skin. Prolonged exposure to pool chemicals or saltwater can increase the risk of irritation and fading of your tattoo.
It is generally recommended to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks before engaging in vigorous exercises. This period allows your tattoo to heal properly without the risk of excessive sweating or irritation.
You should wait until your new tattoo is fully healed, typically 2 to 4 weeks, before swimming in pools, oceans, lakes, or hot tubs to prevent infection and ink fading, as a new tattoo is an open wound exposed to bacteria, chemicals (like chlorine), and sun. Look for signs of healing like no redness, scabbing, or peeling, and smooth, even skin texture before getting back in the water.
If your tattoo looks and feels not healed after 6 weeks, then don't do anything until you have seen a medical professional to confirm there are no underlying problems. As I stated above, the average time is about 4 weeks. By then your tattoo should look and feel fully healed, and you will be good to go.
Here's how second skin helps: Acts as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria from entering. Maintains a moist environment, which speeds up healing by 3-5 times compared to dry healing. Reduces scabbing and itching, leading to a smoother healing process.
Like any other wound, a fresh tattoo needs the appropriate conditions to facilitate healing. Exposure to water can lead to infections, skin irritation and fading. Give your tattoo two to six weeks before submerging it in swimming pools, hot tubs or open waters.
However, if swimming is unavoidable, the next best option is to cover your tattoo with a waterproof bandage like Sanaderm, Tegaderm, or medical retention tape. Make sure to apply the bandage immediately before swimming to avoid as much sweat buildup as possible beforehand.
While Saniderm is a medical-grade, waterproof bandage, it's not recommended to go swimming while wearing it. The pressure and movement of swimming can dislodge the bandage and disrupt the healing process. Additionally, the chemicals and chlorine in swimming pools can irritate the healing tattoo.
While chlorine won't necessarily ruin your tattoo, it can dry out your skin, which can indirectly affect your tattoo's appearance. Keeping your skin moisturized is key, both for your overall skin health and the vibrancy of your ink.
How to Speed Up Your Tattoo Recovery?
Some tattoo artists recommend using a light coating of Vaseline before showering to protect from the onslaught of water. However, getting a new tattoo wet for a quick shower is okay, as long as you aren't soaking in a bath, swimming, or spending more than 10 minutes in the shower.