You can generally shower a few hours after getting a tattoo, but it's best to wait at least 24 hours before the first wash, following your artist's advice, especially if it's wrapped in a standard bandage; if covered with a medical-grade bandage (like Saniderm), you might wait a few days, so always follow your artist's specific instructions for your wrap. When you do shower, use lukewarm water, mild/fragrance-free soap, and your clean hands, avoiding hot water, scrubbing, or submerging the new tattoo.
Wait at least 24 hours before showering, and when you do, keep it short and avoid direct water on the tattoo to help it heal nicely.
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.
Showering With a New Tattoo: Precautions
Use lukewarm water and mild, scent-free soap to avoid irritating the sensitive skin. Remember to pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel gently; avoid rubbing it. After showering, apply a thin layer of scent-free, alcohol-free moisturizer to keep the tattoo hydrated.
You'll want to avoid washing your tattoo too soon or waiting too long. Generally, you'll want to wait for no less than five hours and no more than 24 hours. And of course, not washing your tattoo at all is a bad idea. Be aware of the importance of only washing or touching your tattoo when your hands are clean.
How to Get Wet With Your New Tattoo. 1) keep your showers short 2) keep your ink covered with Saniderm for the first 3 to 4 days following your tattoo while you shower 3) do not soak your tattoo in pools or baths for 3 to 4 weeks and 4) avoid hot showers which open your pores and cause ink to seep or fade.
After 3 days, your tattoo should show reduced redness and swelling. It will appear slightly dry with a thin film forming over it. Some clear fluid and ink may still seep out, but significantly less than the first day. The colors will appear bright but may have a shiny, tight feeling.
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.
Submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub can cause serious damage. So avoid doing that for at least two to three weeks. However, showering is perfectly fine, as long as you don't saturate your tattoo. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo, wash it quickly with water.
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.
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.
Steam and hot water can potentially cause the color to fade prematurely. Avoid getting shower gel/cleanser and water on the area as much as possible.
The Next 24 Hours
With clean hands, wash your tattoo with the same gentle tattoo cleanser or antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Gently pat it dry with a fresh paper towel. After 24 hours, it's time to start moisturizing your tattoo. Always use a fragrance-free lotion.
A fresh tattoo is effectively a wound, so it's important to keep it clean in order to avoid infection. “It will need to be cleaned regularly, particularly in the first 24-48 hours”. You can get them wet, but 'they shouldn't be submerged or soaked', for instance, in the bath or swimming.
For the first few days, your focus isn't on moisturizing, but on keeping your new tattoo clean. Hold off on applying lotion until the tattoo is dry, usually 1–3 days after your appointment at Wild Heart. You'll know it's dry when it starts to feel tight, flaky, or starts scabbing. Don't apply lotion to wet ink.
Johnson's baby wash is perfect for washing your tattoo or piercing because it's hypoallergenic and contains no dyes or scents.
Whether it's a shaky hand, inconsistent pressure or choosing the wrong needle for the job, these errors can lead to a final piece that doesn't live up to your client's expectations. Our tips: Focus on consistency: Aim for steady lines and even shading. Take your time, and remember that practice makes perfect.
How to Speed Up Your Tattoo Recovery?
The tattoo will begin to peel and flake, similar to a bad sunburn. This is normal! Continue to wash twice a day with warm (not hot) water - no soap on tattoo - using your hand or clean paper towel to remove any scabs that are flaking off naturally.
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.
Yes, a tattoo can often be 100% removed, but it's not guaranteed and depends heavily on factors like ink color (black is easiest, yellow/white hardest), tattoo depth, skin type, immune system strength, and aftercare. While many people achieve complete clearance, some might be left with faint "whisps" or ghosting, though significant fading to near invisibility is common, even if 100% clearance isn't reached.
Unfortunately, tiny tattoos may not age well. Tiny tattoos are small and have lots of detail in one concentrated space. These intricate details will be lost with time as your skin changes.
Signs of a Tattoo Infection
After getting a tattoo, avoid scratching, picking scabs, submerging it in water (baths, pools, hot tubs), prolonged sun exposure, tight clothing, and using harsh/fragranced soaps or heavy petroleum jelly; instead, keep it clean with unscented soap, moisturize lightly with artist-recommended lotion, and let it heal naturally to prevent infection and fading. Always follow your tattoo artist's specific aftercare instructions for best results.
Overwashing: While it's essential to keep your tattoo clean, overwashing can strip away essential oils and moisture needed for healing. Stick to the recommended washing frequency (usually twice a day) with mild, fragrance-free soap.