How do I protect my new tattoo in the summer?

Author: Ada Pagac  |  Last update: Monday, September 1, 2025

You shouldn't wear sunscreen for the first four weeks after getting a tattoo. However, if you've had your new tattoo for over four weeks and it has healed, sunscreen is a great way to protect it in summer. Another way to protect your fresh tattoo against sun exposure is by wearing long-sleeved shirts or pants.

How to protect a fresh tattoo in summer?

Cover your tattoos to prevent the loss of details and tones. The best option is to wear light clothing layers, but SPF is also a great alternative. ✨ If you have a new tattoo, make sure you let it FULLY heal- TWO TO THREE WEEKS- before submerging in water or using any kind of sunscreen.

What to wear in summer to cover tattoos?

Long sleeves, pants, or a hat can provide good protection. Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM). Use Bandages or Wraps: For new tattoos, consider using a non-stick bandage or tattoo wrap that is breathable but provides a barrier against UV rays.

How do I keep my tattoo from fading in the sun?

To protect a tattoo from fading, it's advisable to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF on the tattooed area when exposed to the sun, and to avoid excessive sun exposure whenever possible.

Is it okay to get tattooed in summer?

Getting a tattoo in summer is generally fine, but protect it from excessive sun exposure and take proper care tattoo in the summer can have some challenges due to increased sun exposure and potential sweating. It's crucial to protect your healing tattoo from direct sunlight, moisture, and excessive sweating.

Getting A Tattoo In The Summer | How to Protect Your Tattoo From The Sun

How long before tattoo can go in sun?

Sun Protection for New Tattoos

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.

Will my tattoo fade if I sweat?

Excessive sweating while exercising can break down and fade the ink, as well as potentially lead to irritation and infection.

What do you cover a new tattoo with in the sun?

You shouldn't wear sunscreen for the first four weeks after getting a tattoo. However, if you've had your new tattoo for over four weeks and it has healed, sunscreen is a great way to protect it in summer. Another way to protect your fresh tattoo against sun exposure is by wearing long-sleeved shirts or pants.

Where do tattoos fade the fastest?

Areas more likely to fade
  • Fingers.
  • Hands.
  • Wrists.
  • Palms.
  • Feet.
  • Creased areas, such as your elbows, neck, or armpit area.
  • Any areas exposed to the sun more frequently.

How to cover tattoos in hot weather?

If you're outdoors, seek shade or cover your tattoo with loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Fabrics like cotton are preferable as they allow air circulation while providing protection from UV rays. Next, sunscreen is your best friend.

Is a shirt enough to cover new tattoo from sun?

If it's very fresh, you should cover it with bandages and wear loose clothing to protect it from direct sunlight until it has fully healed. However, it would be best never to expose a fresh tattoo to direct sunlight because sunburn slows the healing process.

How do I protect my tattoo on vacation?

Clothing and shade are your first line of defense. Consider using lightweight, breathable tattoo covers or wraps if you'll be spending extended time in the sun. Even old tattoos require vigilant sun protection to maintain vibrancy and prevent fading.

What not to do to a fresh 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.

Does cling film protect tattoos from sun?

Prolonged sun exposure can be damaging to all tattoos, but especially freshies. Don't ever sit out in the sun with a tattoo still under cling film, all the sweat build up is just asking for a rough healing process. And not to mention the damage that sand and dirt from the beach could cause, infections do happen.

Does heat affect a new tattoo?

Hot and humid weather can significantly impact the tattoo healing process. Here's how: Increased Sweating High temperatures and humidity levels cause the body to sweat more, which can irritate a new tattoo and increase the risk of infection.

How often should I moisturize a new tattoo?

How Often Should I Moisturize a New Tattoo? According to tattoo artists and skincare experts, you should moisturize a new tattoo three times a day. While this might seem excessive, it's important to remember that your skin is still healing and will be very tender from the process.

What color fades the slowest tattoo?

Black ink tends to outlast any other color because it is super pigmented. Other darker colors like dark blue, dark green, gray, and dark purple will have a similar lifespan to black ink. Lighter inks like yellows, reds, oranges, whites, and any pastel tones tend to fade a bit more quickly than darker inks.

Where do tattoos bleed the most?

Shoulders - ​Prone to bleeding and blowouts, the skin here is stretchy in multiple directions and tends to swell easily. Outer Bicep - Sometimes slower to tattoo due to thinner skin. Elbow - Difficult to heal, the skin on the elbow is tougher and takes heavier wear than most areas.

How to protect a tattoo in summer?

Avoid Sun Exposure:

Covering up using clothing with built-in UPF, as previously mentioned, adds an additional layer of protection. Plus, keeping your tattoo covered by clothing this summer can also help keep out sand and other particles that may irritate your tattoo and lead to infection.

How to avoid sun damage on a tattoo?

KEEP IT SHADY

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.

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.

Can my new tattoo touch my clothes?

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.

How to protect a new tattoo from sweat?

In general, you want to stay out of the sun and cover up your tattoo with pants or long-sleeved tops to avoid sun damage — but also note that wearing these kinds of clothing can lead to excessive sweating. It's best to wear breathable, cotton clothing and stay out of the heat.

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.

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