Do tattoos heal better in the cold?

Author: Reina Streich  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

In fact, the winter is generally better for tattoos than months marked by hot outdoor temperatures because you don't perspire as much (which can drive bacteria into a healing tattoo). UV exposure is also significantly more limited in the cold winter months, which is good for an exposed tattoo.

Will my tattoo heal if I have a cold?

As long as you feel up to sitting still for however long it's going to take, and the tattoo artist has confirmed that's fine, go for it. Colds aren't going to effect your healing ability at all.

Is winter a good time to get a tattoo?

Generally-speaking, Winter is best for large projects because the cooler temperature makes the healing process more tolerable. Fresh tattoos are essentially an open wound, so if you've got a lot of skin vulnerable, you don't wanna be stuck in a heat wave with plasma oozing everywhere.

Is it better to keep a new tattoo warm or cold?

It's generally not recommended to apply heat to a new tattoo. In the initial healing stages, applying heat can increase blood flow to the area, which might lead to increased swelling, irritation, or even infection. Here are some guidelines for caring for a new tattoo:

Is it better to get a tattoo in summer or winter?

This will make it possible for the tattoo to heal more quickly, reduce chances of infection and ensure the entire healing process is seamless. If you get tattooed in the winter, the artwork will be completely healed by the time summer sets in. This will be the best time to show of the piece of art.

CANCER They feel more ready than ever to be with you💖✨💪🏻

Do tattoos heal faster in cold weather?

In fact, the winter is generally better for tattoos than months marked by hot outdoor temperatures because you don't perspire as much (which can drive bacteria into a healing tattoo). UV exposure is also significantly more limited in the cold winter months, which is good for an exposed tattoo.

What is the best weather to get a tattoo?

Considering all that's been said, WINTER IS AN EXCELLENT TIME TO GET A NEW TATTOO . The cold weather creates the ideal environment for tattoo healing and can help reduce the risk of damaging the new tattoo. With winter clothing and less sun exposure, you can relax and enjoy your new tattoo with fewer worries.

When to stop washing a tattoo twice a day?

Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.

Are cold showers better for tattoos?

Use lukewarm or cold water, and keep the tattoo from heavy shower flow, instead opting to gently rinse the area of your tattoo. Make sure the bandage is secured to your skin before you expose it to water pressure from the shower.

Do tattoos hurt more in winter?

Since the wintertime comes with less sunlight, tattoo clients will experience less pain. Sunlight is also detrimental to a tattoo in other ways. UV rays will cause the pigment from your tattoos to fade, which can impact the final result of a healed tattoo.

When should you not get a tattoo?

If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.

Does temperature affect tattoo?

Hot and Humid Weather Tattoo Aftercare Hot and humid weather, with temperatures above 30°C (86°F) and high humidity levels, can complicate the tattoo healing process. Excessive heat can increase sweating, which may introduce bacteria to the tattooed area, raising the risk of infection.

What should you never do with a healing tattoo?

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

What happens if tattoo ink gets cold?

If you want your supply of tattoo ink to last for as long as possible, the first factor to consider is the temperature you're storing it at. Like most liquids, tattoo ink is susceptible to freezing in lowered temperatures. This can cause the substance to expand and rupture its outer container.

Why am I so tired after getting a tattoo?

Tattoo flu is essentially your body's reaction to the trauma of getting tattooed, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, chills, and even slight fever. This can be alarming for those new to tattoos, leaving them to wonder if something has gone wrong.

Why do tattoo lines get thicker?

Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.

Do fine line tattoos age well?

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.

What is the milky phase of a tattoo?

However, there's another important healing phase that happens between week 2 and week 8—and I have a perfect example to show you! During this time, your tattoo may appear shiny or “milky”, especially with heavily black tattoos. This is completely normal!

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.

What happens if you overmoisturize a 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.

What is the hardest spot to tattoo?

Most Painful Places to Get Tattooed
  • Ribs. ...
  • Fingers. ...
  • Groin. ...
  • Head. ...
  • Armpit. ...
  • Upper Back. ...
  • Outer Arm. If you are looking to avoid pain, getting tattooed on the outer bicep is an excellent choice. ...
  • Outer Thighs. Much like the calves, the thighs have a lot of muscle.

Do tattoos heal faster in the winter?

Cool Air. Some people believe the drier climate in the winter helps tattoos heal faster. The faster the tattoo dries out can also mean the faster it heals (This doesn't mean you shouldn't be adding moisture with lotion as per normal healing protocol).

What is the best age to get a tattoo?

All in all, the best age to get a tattoo is when you can afford to invest in a high-quality design you are happy with and when you feel mature enough to know you will be happy with your choice in the long term.

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