Can I go outside with a new tattoo?

Author: Kenyon Berge  |  Last update: Monday, August 4, 2025

AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT If possible, cover up with clothing when you are outside or avoid direct sunlight altogether. This may not always be possible depending on your plans, but it's important you provide your new tattoo the protection it needs to heal without the distress caused by harmful UV rays.

How long can I be outside with a new tattoo?

In general, you should keep a new tattoo completely protected from the sun for at least three to four weeks. New tattoos fade very quickly when exposed to sunlight. In addition, if your tattoo has not completely healed yet, exposing the area to sunlight could result in blistering.

Can you go outside after you get a tattoo?

Too much sun exposure can cause fading and discoloration of tattoos when the skin is unprotected. To protect tattoos from sun damage, always apply sunscreen when the tattoo is exposed. New tattoos should be completely covered while in the sun for at least four weeks.

Can I go out in the sun with a new tattoo?

It's recommended that tattoos remain out of direct sunlight for at least the first month, but that doesn't mean you're in the clear once that time is up. Sun exposure can still cause colors to fade, which is why it's always best to protect your tattoo from sun exposure whenever possible.

Can you go out in public with a fresh tattoo?

It's generally recommended to keep a new tattoo covered for at least the first few days after getting it to protect it from dirt, bacteria, and UV exposure. After that initial period, you can go outside without covering it, but there are a few important precautions to consider:

How To Treat A NEW Tattoo: Step By Step AFTERCARE Guide To Get AMAZING HEALS

What is not allowed after a tattoo?

Apply a mild moisturizer to the tattooed skin several times a day. Avoid sun exposure. Keep the tattooed area out of the sun until it heals. Don't go swimming.

Can a new tattoo get wet?

Yes, you can take a short shower in cold or lukewarm water. after getting a tattoo. Try to keep the tattooed area out of the direct flow of the water–never soaking it. Use your hand to lightly rinse the tattoo.

Will one sunburn ruin a tattoo?

With the exception of getting an infection, too much sunlight is the worst thing that can happen to a new tattoo. At best, a sunburn on a new tattoo will extend the time needed for the tattoo to fully heal. In extreme conditions, it can distort the lines and coloring of the tattoo.

What I cant do after getting a tattoo?

What NOT to do after getting a tattoo
  1. Scratching.
  2. Picking at scabs.
  3. Exfoliating the area.
  4. Using petroleum jelly.
  5. Direct sunlight.
  6. Applying sunscreen to the area until the tattoo is fully healed.
  7. Wearing tight clothing.
  8. Immersing the area in water (hot tubs, bathtubs, pools, etc.) until the tattoo is fully healed.

Can I go for a walk with a new tattoo?

However, one thing is clear: you should wait at least 24 to 48 hours from your appointment to exercise again. This is important not just for the tattoo to begin the healing process, but it also lets your body recover from the trauma of being stabbed hundreds of times in a single sitting.

When to stop using Aquaphor on a tattoo?

Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.

Can I leave my new tattoo uncovered?

During healing do NOT: Wrap the tattoo after the first night (wearing breathable clothes over it is fine as long as they are not causing friction. (Keeping tattoos wrapped in plastic or bandages will stop air from getting to the tattoo, slow healing, and make gross stuff grow in there.)

What food to avoid after a tattoo?

Examples of the main food to avoid include:
  • Soft drinks.
  • Processed juices.
  • Fried foods, such as French fries, pastries and other savory snacks.
  • Fast food.
  • Pork and processed meats, such as sausage, ham, sausage, bacon, mortadella and salami.
  • Sweets, cream-filled biscuits, cakes, ready-made cake batters, cereal bars.

Can I sit in the shade with a new tattoo?

Tattoos on the arms, upper torso, and areas that receive direct sun exposure tend to fade the fastest over time. Keeping your sunscreen handy is a lifesaver, but if you forget from time to time, opt for the shade whenever possible and cover your ink with a towel or clothing if you need to.

Do tattoos look smudged while healing?

While a new tattoo can push out ink, along with blood and plasma, it typically does no harm and doesn't lead to a tattoo blowout. This leaking typically lasts no more than 48 hours. However, bruising from a new tattoo can make it look a little blurred or smudged as it goes through the healing process.

How to avoid tattoo fading?

The Right Aftercare Routine to Help Prevent Tattoo Fading
  1. Gently Cleanse Daily. Good hygiene is the most important part of any tattoo aftercare routine and it is vital even long after your tattoo has healed. ...
  2. Use SPF Sun Protection. The sun can be harsh on your tattoos and can quickly cause a tattoo to fade. ...
  3. Stay Hydrated.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.

Should I cover my tattoo when I sleep?

Unfortunately, there's no way to control what your body does while you sleep, but keeping your new tattoo covered during the night will help mitigate the risk of causing any injuries by scratching it.

How soon after a tattoo can you shower?

It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before jumping into the shower. This initial waiting period gives your skin time to begin healing.

Is it okay for clothes to touch a new tattoo?

Is it OK to wear clothes over a new tattoo? Yes, but try not to after the few initial days after application. If you do, make sure you change your clothes frequently. In our experience, tattoos can weep onto the clothes and if you don't change them, it can cause infection.

Should I cover my tattoo or let it breathe?

When the tattoo is dry to the touch, cover it completely with a new piece of plastic wrap, using small pieces of tape as needed to hold it in place. Do NOT use any healing ointment or moisturizer. With this method, the tattoo is kept completely covered with plastic wrap 24 hours a day, usually for 48-72 hours.

What should you not tattoo over?

Potential Side Effects of Tattooing Over Scars

It's never a good idea to get tattooed when your skin is irritated, sunburnt, or your immune system is low. There's also the possibility that a newer scar could reopen, causing the tattoo session to end and requiring medical attention.

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