You should wait at least 2 to 4 weeks, or until your tattoo is fully healed (scabs gone, no redness/tenderness), before taking a bath, as soaking an open wound in bathwater introduces bacteria, softens scabs, and risks infection or ink damage, though quick, lukewarm showers are fine. Always follow your tattoo artist's specific advice for the best healing, as larger tattoos or individual skin types might need more time.
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.
You should never submerge a new tattoo in water for any length of time directly following a tattoo. 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.
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.
How to Speed Up Your Tattoo Recovery?
You can only soak a fresh tattoo once it's fully stopped peeling, for some people that's 2 weeks, for others that's 3-4 weeks. It all depends on colours used, size and location of the tattoo.
However, one of my tattoos is fairly large (about 6 inches/15cm long) and I'm not confident that a bunch of bandages would cling to my skin while soaking in hot water. Luckily, there's a solution: tattoo seals, which are also referred to as tattoo stickers, tattoo covers, or foundation tape.
Why is my new tattoo fading after just a few days? It's not unusual for your new tattoo to appear to fade shortly after application. During the healing phase, the top layer of skin may dry out and flake, causing the tattoo to look dull or less vibrant. This is a normal reaction as your skin begins to heal.
It's recommended you wait at least 24 hours before showering after getting a new tattoo. This allows the tattooed area to begin the healing process and reduces the risk of infection. Showering too soon after getting a tattoo may expose the open wound to bacteria and increase the chances of complications.
Your new tattoo is an open wound, meaning it's highly vulnerable to bacteria, irritation, and fading if exposed to water too soon. Water—especially in swimming pools, oceans, and hot tubs—can disrupt the healing process and cause complications like infections or blurred art.
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.
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.
The 80/20 rule in swimming has two main applications: polarized training, where 80% of time is low-intensity (Zone 2) and 20% is high-intensity for fitness gains, and technique focus, where 80% of improvement comes from mastering key technical elements like body position and streamlining (the 20% of effort). For open water, it can mean 80% mental focus on managing discomfort, cold, and fear, versus 20% physical effort.
The 25:10 rule states that if a child is unable to swim 25 meters continuously (no stopping) and unassisted, then a parent needs to remain in the water with them within 10 feet of the child.
Maarten van der Weijden 🇳🇱 holds the record for the longest continuous swim in a counter-current pool —an astonishing 45 hours in Vught, North Brabant, Netherlands! 🏊♂️ This feat wasn't just about endurance.
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.
How to Speed Up Your Tattoo Recovery?
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.
After getting a tattoo, avoid picking or scratching it, submersion in water, tight clothing, and exposure to direct sunlight. Avoid harsh products, including scented soaps, petroleum jelly, and medicated ointments, unless your artist or dermatologist recommends them.
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 can usually shower after a new tattoo, but wait at least 24 hours if it's wrapped in a regular bandage, or shower immediately if it has a special waterproof bandage (like Saniderm), following your artist's specific instructions for both types of coverings. When showering, use lukewarm water, mild unscented soap, keep it short, avoid direct pressure, gently pat dry with a clean towel, and don't soak it.
You have a rash or bumpy skin around your tattoo
If you notice a rash or lumpy, bumpy skin around your new tattoo, this could be something to worry about. Any itching that seems extreme, or rashes and cracked skin, could indicate infection.
No, $200 an hour is generally not considered a lot for a professional, experienced tattoo artist in 2025-2026, often falling into the standard or even lower-mid range, especially in major cities or for specialized styles like realism or fine-line work, though rates vary significantly by location, artist demand, and expertise. While some talented artists charge around $100-$150/hour, high-demand or highly specialized artists can easily charge $250-$300+ per hour.