Can you go tanning a week after getting a tattoo?

Author: Julia Balistreri I  |  Last update: Thursday, October 2, 2025

New tattoos are essentially open wounds, so blasting them with UV light will not only fade the ink prematurely but could also cause scabbing, irritation, or even infections. It's best to wait at least 2-3 weeks (or as long as your tattoo artist advises) before going near a tanning bed.

Can I tan a week after getting a tattoo?

Wait until your tattoo is fully healed: It is important to wait until your tattoo is fully healed before exposing it to the sun or tanning. This usually takes around 2-4 weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo.

Can you go in the sun a week after a tattoo?

You should keep a new tattoo completely protected from the sun for at least three to four weeks. If your new tattoo has not completely healed yet, exposing the tattoo area to sunlight could result in blistering. One should apply sunscreen everytime they step out in the sun to avoid tattoo fading.

How soon after a tattoo can you self tan?

It's generally recommended to wait at least 2 to 4 weeks after getting a tattoo before applying self-tanner. This allows the tattoo to heal properly and reduces the risk of irritation or fading.

How do I protect my new tattoo on a sunbed?

Anything that covers should suffice. The main thing you should focus on is avoiding a tan. Depending on where your tattoo is they sell UV protecting arm and leg sleeves, this'll assure it is 100% protected from any melanin production. But bandages (ace bandages work well for limbs), KT tape or clothing will also work.

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How can I tan but protect my tattoo?

Use a Specialized Sunscreen or Tanning Lotion on Tattoos

If you're planning on hitting the tanning bed, sunscreen is a must. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher directly on your tattoos gives you a solid layer of protection against those ink-fading UV rays.

How long does it take for a tattoo to fully heal?

Tattoos typically take two to four weeks to heal on the surface, but it can take three to six months to fully heal. The tattoo healing process typically involves a week of redness and oozing, followed by two to three weeks of itchiness and peeling. After about a month, the skin still internally heals.

Can I put fake tan on a week old tattoo on Reddit?

At MINIMUM two weeks but three is ideal. If it's still peely I would not reccomend tanning.

How long after a tattoo can I shave?

Eaves recommends allowing your new tattoo anywhere between two weeks to a month to fully heal before shaving (you can find his tattoo aftercare tips here) — this means no scabbing, peeling or shininess on or around the site of the tattoo. Once your tattoo is fully healed, however, shave as your heart desires.

How long can you tan before getting a tattoo?

Applying sunscreen or avoiding sun exposure/tanning on the area you want to get tattooed is a great way to keep the skin healthy and easier to tattoo. We recommend doing this for 4 weeks leading up to your appointment if possible.

Can I put sunscreen on a 2 week old tattoo?

Until your tattoo is fully healed, you cannot apply any type of sunscreen, and it's really best to just avoid exposing the area to any direct sunlight whatsoever. If you plan to be outside in the sun with a new tattoo, then your best and safest protection is to keep the area covered with loose clothing.

How to protect a new tattoo at the beach?

Apply a quality sunscreen to protect your sensitive skin from UV damage, a waterproof dressing, and ensure your tattoo does not come in contact with sand. Chlorine is drying for the skin, but applying barrier creams or ointments and a waterproof bandage can help divert chlorine from affecting your new tattoo.

Can a new tattoo be in the sun after a week?

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. In general, you should keep a new tattoo completely protected from the sun for at least three to four weeks.

What tanning bed lotion protects tattoos?

  • Products highlighted as 'Overall Pick' are: ...
  • Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz. ...
  • Ed Hardy INK Tattoo & Color Fade Moisturizer Tan Extender 18.75 Ounce. ...
  • More like this.

Can you Nair over a tattoo?

No. Depilatories will not affect tattoos. Where on my body can I use Nair™ products? Our products are designed for use on different areas of your body.

How long 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. When you do shower, try to minimize direct contact with the tattooed area and limit its exposure to water.

Can you let hair grow over a tattoo?

In short, no. Tattoo ink gets injected into the dermis and does not affect hair follicles. During the healing process, hair growth may be delayed for a short time but will continue to grow again once the skin has recovered.

What happens if I tan a week after getting a tattoo?

Tanning too soon can cause your tattoo to take longer to heal and may even damage it. Tanning too soon can also cause your tattoo's color life to fade. If you want to continue tanning and still show off your ink, make sure you're taking all the right precautions before stepping into a tanning bed to limit any fading!

Can I fake tan if I just got a tattoo?

Avoid fake tanning over healing tattoos. Allow 2/3 weeks for tattoo to heal before applying any fake tan or having a spray tan. The chemicals can cause reactions to the skin and healing tattoo, leading to touch ups being needed or worse case scenario infection in the tattoo. After 3 weeks fake tanning can be done.

Can I go on a sunbed with a week old tattoo?

Don't tan with a new tattoo

In fact, you shouldn't tan after your tattoo until it has fully healed past the scabbing phase. The recommendation of how long this time period is differs, depending on the tattoo studio's advice, with the most common recommendations being anywhere from 8 weeks to 3 months.

What should a tattoo look like after 7 days?

Stage One (Days 1-6) – Oozing, swelling and redness that gets better gradually over each day. Scabbing begins to form over the area. 2. Stage Two (Days 7-14) – Itching and flaking begins, and this continues until layers of dead skin and scabs have fallen off.

Do black tattoos heal faster?

Colored tattoos take longer to heal, often 1-2 weeks longer than most. As an example, a black & gray chest tattoo normally heals in 3-4 weeks but a colored version of the same design will take 5-6 weeks.

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