Are you looking forward to taking a warm bath after getting your new tattoo? If so, it’s important to understand how long you should wait before submerging your freshly inked skin.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the answer to can I have a bath 3 weeks after a tattoo? Plus, what happens to a fresh tattoo, if you take a bath too soon in the healing process, so keep on reading to find out more.
What Are The Most Important Fresh Tattoo Aftercare Instructions?
It’s important to take proper care of your fresh tattoo to maintain its appearance and reduce your risk of infection.
It is essential to follow the aftercare instructions outlined by your tattoo artist, so you can give your tattoo the best chance of healing properly, especially during the first week. Here are the most important aftercare instructions to follow for a fresh tattoo:
1. Keep the tattoo clean and dry: This means cleaning it with a mild, unscented mild soap and warm water for at least 1–2 minutes per day, followed by patting the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or soft cloth. Do not rub, scrub, or pick at the tattoo.
2. Apply an antibacterial ointment or lotion: This will help to keep the tattoo moisturized, reduce irritation, and prevent scabbing. Use a fragrance-free, non-irritating ointment or lotion as recommended by your tattoo artist.
3. Wear loose-fitting clothing: Tight-fitting clothing can rub against the tattoo, irritating it and preventing it from healing properly. Wear loose-fitting clothing that won’t stick to the tattoo when you sweat.
4. Avoid direct sunlight: Exposure to sunlight and UV rays, can cause fading of the tattoo and can also increase the risk of infection. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least two weeks, or until your tattoo is completely healed.
5. Avoid swimming and hot tubs: Soaking the area in water can increase the risk of infection, which can compromise the entire healing process for the sensitive skin. Avoid swimming and hot tubs until the tattoo is completely healed, to prevent a bacterial infection from the dirty water.
These important aftercare instructions will ensure your new tattoo fully heals, and will look its best once it has all healed up, without fading.
Why Shouldn’t You Get A Fresh Tattoo Wet?
Getting a fresh tattoo wet should be avoided at all costs. When the skin is freshly tattooed it is still healing and susceptible to infection, so getting it wet can prevent the healing process and put you at risk of developing an infection.
The ink in a fresh healing tattoo has not fully set in the skin. If a fresh tattoo gets wet, there is a chance the ink could wash out, leaving the tattoo incomplete and unsatisfactory.
Submerging the freshly tattooed area in water can also cause irritation and discomfort to the area. The newly damaged tissue is more sensitive, meaning that the water can cause further damage and make the healing process longer.
If you do end up getting a fresh tattoo wet, it is important to dry it off as soon as possible. Pat it dry with a clean cloth and then make sure to apply a good moisturizer to keep the area hydrated.
Make sure to avoid any products that contain fragrances or alcohol, as these can irritate the freshly tattooed skin. It is also important to apply a thin layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to the area to help protect it from dirt and bacteria that can potentially introduce an infection.
Can You Shower With A New Tattoo?
A new tattoo should be treated with care and caution. If you must shower with it shortly after getting inked, then make sure to keep the area as dry as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about how to rinse the tattoo for best healing;
Avoid submerging your tattoo underwater for long periods of time or scrubbing it with a washcloth or loofah.
Instead, gently pat the area around your new tattoo with a clean cloth and use lukewarm water only, ensuring not to leave soap residue on your skin.
As always, discuss any specifics for caring for your particular new tattoo with your artist before leaving their tattoo studio.
How To Shower After Getting A Tattoo?
One of the most important steps is to take care when showering with a new tattoo. Cleaning and keeping your new tattoo clean is essential to ensure it heals properly and looks great for years to come. Here are a few tips on how to take a shower with a new tattoo:
First, always make sure to use lukewarm water rather than hot water. Hot water can irritate your new tattoo, so it’s important to be mindful of the temperature.
You should also use a mild, unscented soap and gently cleanse the area around your new tattoo in a circular motion with your hand or a washcloth.
Do not scrub your tattoo, as this could lead to scabbing and scarring. After washing the tattoo, use dry bath towels to pat the area dry and make sure not to rub it.
Once you’re done showering, be sure to apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer or cream to your brand new tattoo, to help keep the tattoo from drying out and cracking. Ensure you avoid hot showers, and don’t have direct shower water from the shower head on your new tattoo.
If You Put A New Tattoo In Water, Will It Scab Slower?
It is never a wise idea getting your tattoo wet too soon. Immersing it can damage the healing process and cause infection.
After getting a tattoo, you should wait at least two weeks for it to completely heal before going swimming or taking any kind of bath.
Adding water too soon increases friction on the wound and can delay how quickly your new ink scabs over. If you take care of your tattoo properly, it will scab over within 4–7 days after getting the tattoo done.
During that time, make sure to keep the area clean with antibacterial soap or astringent and use lotions – such as Tattoo Goo – twice daily to keep it moist and help protect against dehydration and cracking.
You also want to minimize contact with dirt and bacteria by keeping it covered until it heals, so no germs get into the open wound.
Can You Take a Bath 2 Weeks After Getting a Tattoo?
Taking a bath two weeks after getting a tattoo is generally accepted, as long as proper aftercare instructions are followed, with good care and attention to the healing process. To ensure your tattoo heals correctly and lasts for years, following the tattoo artist’s advice is essential.
Most artists will recommend avoiding swimming and soaking for two to four weeks after getting a tattoo. This means that taking a hot bath should be delayed until this period of time has passed.
When taking a bath after getting your new body art, make sure the water is lukewarm and not too hot or cold. Also, it’s important to keep the water out of the tattooed area.
It’s tempting to soak in the bathtub, but doing this can affect the healing process and cause infection in the affected area. Instead, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel and apply a thin layer of moisturizer or thin layer of ointment (don’t apply too much ointment) before going to bed.
It’s also important to note that while baths are generally considered safe two weeks after getting a tattoo, every tattoo is different. If you’re unsure about your specific aftercare instructions, contact your artist for more information.
Can I Have a Bath 3 Weeks After a Tattoo?
Can you have a bath after getting a tattoo? How long should you wait to wash your new tattoo? It is generally recommended to wait at least 2–4 weeks before submerging your new tattoo in water for a bath or shower. Remember, your tattoo is an open wound, and it’s best to wait until the tattoo is healed for the first few weeks.
This applies regardless of the size and area of the tattooed skin. The bath water when bathing, before proper healing can cause an infection, as well as remove color from tattoos by washing away scabs too soon. It can also lead to irritation and itching, so it’s best to avoid them until fully healed.
However, while waiting 3 weeks before soaking your tattoo in a bath with your fresh ink may sound daunting and uncomfortable due to sweat buildup, there are some steps you can take if necessary, until your tattoo has healed.
Cleaning with mild soap and lukewarm water is acceptable after 7–14 days in order for dirt or residue that might have accumulated over time to be removed gently without damaging the tattoo’s surface.
Be sure not to rub harshly when cleansing your new tattoos for fear of scarring or removing some of the pigment from its design. It’s a good idea to wait until your tattoo is healed before running a bath after a tattoo is first done, to protect your tattoo.
If You Submerge A New Tattoo Will It Fade It?
People often wonder if soaking a new tattoo will make it fade, and the answer can vary depending on the type of tattoo.
Generally speaking, submerging a new tattoo in hot water or any other liquid can cause it to fade, as the ink can start to bleed. Soaking your tattoo can also lead to infection, which is why it is important to be careful when caring for it.
To keep your tattoo vibrant and protected, it is typically recommended that you avoid submerging it in any type of liquid, like your regular bath. Keep your tattoo covered, or ensure your tattoo is wrapped, if you have no choice but to submerge your tattoo.
If you need to clean it, gently use warm water and soap or a mild cleanser recommended by your tattoo artist. Pat dry with a clean and soft cloth until it is completely dry. Avoiding soaking your new tattoo should help to keep it looking bold and crisp for many years to come.
How Long After a Tattoo Can You Take a Bubble Bath?
Aftercare is an incredibly important factor for anyone who wants to keep their tattoo looking vibrant and fresh. Regarding bubble baths after getting a new tattoo, it’s best to wait approximately two weeks before taking one.
During that time, you should focus on keeping the area clean by washing with warm water and an antibacterial soap twice daily.
After the first two weeks have passed, patting the tattoo dry after showers and carefully soaking in a warm (not hot) bath with a mild product can be beneficial to healing.
Even after that point, though, it’s still important to avoid submerging the tattoo entirely in any kind of water until it is fully healed.
Never try to rush the healing process, as you could ruin your beautiful tattoo. Ensure you follow your aftercare tips, given to you during your tattoo appointment.
When Can You Soak Your Tattoo In Water Normally?
Getting a new tattoo can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to follow proper post-tattoo care in order for your healing wound to heal properly. It is generally recommended that you wait at least one or two days before washing your tattoo with mild fragrance-free soap and warm water. Even then, it’s best to wait a couple of weeks if you can.
After washing, gently pat the area dry and make sure to apply a thin layer of moisturizing lotion that is non-scented and hypoallergenic – the last thing you want is allergic reactions, during the process of healing.
Keep moisturizing regularly for a few weeks until the open wound fully heals; this will prevent the skin from drying out, as part of the healing process, and may assist with preventing any spreading of bacteria or infection occurring in the open wound.
Make sure to follow your artist’s instructions on how long you should wait before getting into any open water such as swimming pools or hot tubs, as some activities could cause your new ink to become distorted or fade more quickly, during the healing time.
How Should You Dry Your Fresh Tattoo After Washing It?
After you have washed and cleansed your new tattoo with a gentle cleanser, the next critical step is to ensure that it is dried properly. To achieve this, always use clean hands to pat it dry using clean cloth or paper towels.
Then take an additional clean cloth or paper towel, fold it into a rectangle, and carefully place it over the tattoo.
You can then cover the cloth/towel with a piece of plastic wrap and secure it in place by lightly wrapping some medical tape around your arm. This step will provide enough airflow and keep your tattoo protected while it finishes healing. Ensure you have fully dry skin, and finish with a layer of healing ointment.
Which Ointment Should You Apply To Your New Tattoo To Help Your Tattoo Heal?
Aftercare products are essential for ensuring that a new tattoo heals properly and looks as vibrant as possible. When it comes to selecting an ointment, the best way to decide, is to choose an option that contains the ingredients lanolin and petroleum jelly; these not only keep the skin area moisturized and protected, but they also attract moisture to prevent scabbing.
Look for an ointment free of fragrances or dyes since these may lead to irritation, and make sure to read the instructions provided on the packaging carefully. It’s important to take your time with this decision because choosing the right ointment can make all the difference when it comes to preserving your newly inked art.
When Do Tattoo Artists Say You Can Swimming After Getting A New Tattoo?
It’s important to wait a while before taking a dip in the pool after getting a new tattoo. It’s recommended that you wait at least two weeks before swimming with a fresh tattoo.
During this time, the fresh ink is still in the process of healing and can be particularly susceptible to infection and irritation.
It’s important to make sure that the bandage over your new tattoo is replaced with a waterproof film and then sealed with waterproof bandages so that bacteria from the water don’t get in and cause an infection.
If you plan to swim in chlorine or saltwater, it’s best to wait at least four weeks before taking a dip, as salt and chemicals in these waters can damage the skin and ruin your artwork. No matter when you decide to take the plunge, it’s always important to keep your new tattoo well moisturized with lotion or ointment and out of direct sunlight to ensure proper healing.
Summary
Although it may feel tempting to take a bath or go swimming shortly after getting a new tattoo, it’s best to wait at least two weeks before doing so.
During this time, make sure to keep your new ink moisturized and out of direct sunlight for the best results.
After washing your fresh tattoo, be sure to dry it properly with clean cloth or paper towels, and follow up with a layer of healing ointment. To ensure your tattoo looks as vibrant and beautiful as possible, be sure to wait at least four weeks before swimming in salt or chlorine-filled waters.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty. In addition to Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!