You can and should always take a bath, especially around 24 hours after getting the tattoo, in order to clean it. The surface of this particular tattoo is going to heal rather quickly, so 2 1/2 - 3 weeks should be OK before going swimming.
Avoid abrasive soaps or loofahs and hot showers, and allow your tattoo to fully heal for 3-4 weeks before swimming or taking a bath. If you make sure to gently clean and rinse your tattoo and avoid submerging it in the bath, pool or ocean, you'll keep your tattoo vibrant for years to come and avoid bacterial infection.
Therefore, tattoo artists recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks before submerging your new ink in swimming pools, hot tubs, or open water. Of course, healing times can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the tattoo, the individual's skin type, and the quality of aftercare provided.
Ideally you should wash your NEW tattoo at least 2--3 times a day for 2--3 weeks using lukewarm water and an antibacterial, cleaning it with pears or dove soap is highly recommended. After wash, you can clean dry the tattoo (dab-dab) and apply the aftercare cream to help the tattoo heal.
"Tattoos are essentially open wounds, and exposing them to water too soon can lead to bacterial infections, skin irritation, and even damage to the tattoo design. Therefore, tattoo artists recommend waiting at least 2-4 weeks before submerging your new ink in swimming pools, hot tubs, or open water."
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.
After usually no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the bandage and wash the tattoo.
Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.
The general recommendation is to wait at least two to four weeks before immersing your tattoo in water, particularly in a hot tub. This waiting period allows the outer layers of the skin to heal and provides a barrier against harmful bacteria, chemicals, and the water itself.
Stage 2 – Week 2: You'll notice your tattoo has started to form scabs and is itching. Don't scratch, and keep your tattoo moisturized to ensure optimal healing in this stage. Stage 3 – Weeks 3 and 4: Once the itch and scabs are gone, you'll notice your tattoo looks blurred and 'silvery'.
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.
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.
Wait Until the Tattoo is Fully Healed
This means no exfoliating during the initial healing phase or the scabbing and peeling phase. This is generally accepted to be around 4-6 weeks, but healing times can vary depending on the individual and the location of the tattoo.
This is primarily attributed to poor injection techniques by the tattoo artist. However, it's not solely limited to inexperienced artists. Even those who neglect some fundamental aspects of the technique can inadvertently cause a blowout.
Aftercare & Aging
Fine line tattoos are applied with less ink. While the ink is still embedded in the second layer of skin, the single needle does not penetrate as deeply or deposit as much ink. As a result, it is common for fine line tattoos to fade with age.
To avoid these potential risks and complications, it is important to follow proper aftercare procedures for your new tattoo. This includes avoiding submerging the tattoo in water, including baths, pools, and hot tubs, for at least 2-3 weeks after getting the tattoo.
Washing and Moisturizing
Continue to wash your tattoo 2-3 times per day until it is healed. For the first 3 days, apply a very thin coat of Aquaphor ointment after washing. After 3 days, switch to a light lotion or moisturizer. DO NOT OVER MOISTURIZE!
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.
“The time it takes will depend on the location of the tattoo and other factors, but expect it to take at least three weeks,” she says. In the meantime, she advises avoiding submerging a new tattoo in bodies of water including swimming pools, hot tubs, oceans, lakes, and rivers.
That's why most tattoo artists and dermatologists recommend waiting at least 2 weeks before soaking in a hot tub or any other body of water. This gives your tattoo enough time to heal and seal properly.