Does water fade a new tattoo?

Author: Dr. Gerhard Schaefer PhD  |  Last update: Friday, July 25, 2025

Yes, if you soak your tattoo immediately after getting it, your new tattoo may fade more quickly. Worse, soaking your tattoo can cause infection, flaking, itching, and scabbing, so don't soak your tattoo.

Can water make a tattoo fade?

Exposure to water can negatively impact the appearance of your tattoo: Ink Leaching: Prolonged water exposure can cause the ink to leach out. Fading: Chemicals in pool water, like chlorine, can cause the tattoo to fade.

Is it okay for a new tattoo to get wet?

When healing a tattoo It's fine if your tattoo gets a little wet, but it shouldn't be submerged in water or left under running water for long periods of time this can cause serious damage to the healing of your tattoo.

Can you go in the water with a new tattoo?

It's generally recommended to avoid swimming for at least two weeks after getting a tattoo. Swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean can expose your new tattoo to bacteria and irritants, increasing the risk of infection and affecting the healing process.

How long until I can shower with a new tattoo?

Wait 24-48 Hours: After getting your tattoo, wait at least 24 to 48 hours before showering. This allows the initial healing process to begin and reduces the risk of infection.

Why Your NEW Tattoo Is FADING AND What To Do To Fix IT!

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.

When can I submerge my tattoo?

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.

How to protect a tattoo from water?

How to protect your tattoo while swimming
  1. Apply a waterproof tattoo cover before entering the water.
  2. Limit your pool time to 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse with clean water immediately after swimming.
  4. Pat dry with a clean towel, never rub.
  5. Use aftercare products recommended by your tattoo artist.

Is it good to drink water while getting a tattoo?

Firstly, when the body is hydrated, it will take to the ink more effectively, so overall it could be best for the final look. Moreover, staying hydrated can make the process less painful overall. From the day before to the day of, drink plenty of water, and remember to bring some for during the appointment.

What if I accidentally wet my new tattoo?

If you get your new tattoo wet, it's not the end of the world. So, there's no need to panic if you get caught in the rain. As long as you're not soaking your tattoo, you're going to be just fine. Allow the tattoo to dry, apply a thin layer of aftercare moisturizer like Sanibalm, and get on with your day.

How to fade a tattoo while it is healing?

Hydrogen Peroxide and Exfoliation - Exfoliation paired with hydrogen peroxide can do wonders to gradually fade tattoo ink naturally. This is because exfoliation removes dead skin while hydrogen peroxide is a skin lightening agent that has bleaching properties.

How to prevent tattoo blowout?

If you are worried about tattoo blowouts, avoid areas where the skin is particularly thin – such as the wrist or the top of your foot. And go for a tattoo location with thicker skin – like the upper thighs or the calves. Finally, be sure to continue a thorough aftercare routine.

When should I stop washing my tattoo?

You should continue washing your tattoo until it is fully healed. It is considered fully healed when all scabs have fallen off, and the skin has regenerated and closed up. This process generally takes between 2 to 4 weeks.

How to speed up tattoo healing?

7 Hacks To Help Heal Your New Tattoo
  1. Relax and Stay Calm. First things first, relax. ...
  2. Say No to Re-Bandaging. ...
  3. Let Your Tattoo Breathe—No Picking Allowed. ...
  4. Avoid Baths, Pools, and Hot Tubs. ...
  5. Stay Out of the Sun (For Now) ...
  6. Embrace Healthy Lifestyle Habits.

Do tattoos fade in water?

Tattoo damage – Water can cause fading and discoloration for new tattoos.

How long after a tattoo can I 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.

Is it okay if water touches my tattoo?

The tattoo will become less vibrant as the healing process continues. A person should avoid submerging the tattoo in water or getting the tattoo wet during the first 3–6 weeks, except for when washing it.

What happens if you accidentally submerge a new tattoo?

Getting your new tattoo too wet can prevent it from healing properly, and it might end up looking patchy. It's super important to keep your new tattoo clean. So having a shower is the best choice so you can wash your tattoo but not fully submerge it in water.

Can you wash a tattoo too much?

Wash your tattoo once or twice a day for the duration of the healing time. Too much washing can wash away your body's natural bacteria which helps your skin to heal. Washing the tattoo in the morning and at night before you go to bed is sufficient. For the first day, the tattoo will “ooze” clear plasma.

How to waterproof a new tattoo?

Apply a waterproof bandage to cover your ink while in water: "If it isn't possible to wait until the tattoo is fully healed before swimming, then use a waterproof dressing such as Saniderm and limit the amount of time in the water and with the dressing on as much as possible," Dr. King says.

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