When Can I Soak My Tattoo?
– Nope. Your tattoo is an open wound, and soaking in water could expose it to bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Soaking can also dry out the skin, leading to cracking and making it more susceptible to infection and scarring. You need to avoid submerging your tattoo in water or keeping it wet for a prolonged period of time.
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How soon can you shower after getting a tattoo?
Exactly when to wash your new tattoo – She adds that, when you do go to clean your new tattoo, do so with a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap (like one of these choice recommendations ) and warm water. Be sure to dry it completely, either using a blowdryer on a cool setting or gently dabbing the area with a paper towel, then apply a moisturizing ointment like Aquaphor (after the first few days, Richmond says you can switch from an ointment to a lotion).
- So, you can (and should ) clean your new tattoo pretty soon after getting it;
- But, as far as showering goes, Richmond says to wait 24 hours — and, even then, don’t let the water’s stream hit your tattoo directly;
Keep up that initial cleaning routine a few times a day for two to four weeks while your skin heals. You might start to notice scabbing or crusting around your tattoo, but this is totally normal. A tattoo is like any other wound — it has to scab in order to heal (so resist the urge to pick at it).
- With that in mind, it’s still very important to keep your tattoo out of direct contact with water during this period;
- Richmond explains that your skin barrier isn’t fully intact until the tattoo is done healing, so any possible contaminants in a swimming pool or bath tub could very easily find their way into your skin and cause an infection;
In other words, wait until your skin looks healed and free of scabs (depending on the size and location of your tattoo, this might take longer than four weeks) before you think about taking a dip. Bottom line: Try your best to stay aware of your new tattoo and be cautious of water, sun and cleanliness for the first few weeks.
What happens if you Soak Your Tattoo in water?
– Nope. Your tattoo is an open wound, and soaking in water could expose it to bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Soaking can also dry out the skin, leading to cracking and making it more susceptible to infection and scarring. You need to avoid submerging your tattoo in water or keeping it wet for a prolonged period of time.
How often should you clean your tattoo after getting it done?
Exactly when to wash your new tattoo – She adds that, when you do go to clean your new tattoo, do so with a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap (like one of these choice recommendations ) and warm water. Be sure to dry it completely, either using a blowdryer on a cool setting or gently dabbing the area with a paper towel, then apply a moisturizing ointment like Aquaphor (after the first few days, Richmond says you can switch from an ointment to a lotion).
So, you can (and should ) clean your new tattoo pretty soon after getting it. But, as far as showering goes, Richmond says to wait 24 hours — and, even then, don’t let the water’s stream hit your tattoo directly.
Keep up that initial cleaning routine a few times a day for two to four weeks while your skin heals. You might start to notice scabbing or crusting around your tattoo, but this is totally normal. A tattoo is like any other wound — it has to scab in order to heal (so resist the urge to pick at it).
- With that in mind, it’s still very important to keep your tattoo out of direct contact with water during this period;
- Richmond explains that your skin barrier isn’t fully intact until the tattoo is done healing, so any possible contaminants in a swimming pool or bath tub could very easily find their way into your skin and cause an infection;
In other words, wait until your skin looks healed and free of scabs (depending on the size and location of your tattoo, this might take longer than four weeks) before you think about taking a dip. Bottom line: Try your best to stay aware of your new tattoo and be cautious of water, sun and cleanliness for the first few weeks.
When can you get Your Tattoo wet?
How Soon Can YOU Swim AFTER Getting A NEW TATTOO?
Stages of Tattoo Healing – In the first few weeks following your appointment, your tattoo will go through various stages of the healing process. While it’s healing it will form thin, dry, crackly skin, and some scabs which will eventually flake off. As it is healing, you should wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap and warm running water during your typical showering routine, but avoid soaking it. Timeline for Post-Procedure Tattoo Care:
- The new tattoo is wrapped by the artist for the journey home.
- After waiting at least two hours and no more than four (depending on your artist’s recommendation), you can wash off the plasma, blood, and extra ink. Do not use a cloth. Only use your hands.
- Allow it to air dry in a clean environment.
- Apply a small amount of tattoo aftercare cream.
- Over time, dry, flaky skin or scabs will form on the tattoo’s surface. Do not scratch or pick off the healing skin or scabs. You should allow scabs to naturally fall or flake off when they have completely dried and the skin has healed underneath.
- Continue to moisturise with approved tattoo aftercare cream.
It’s worth taking the effort to avoid infection. Besides potentially damaging your new design, an infection could cause a lot more damage to your actual limb in extreme circumstances. But they do happen. Good luck with your scabs, your healing, and your freaking awesome tattoo! 
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