How long after a tattoo can I shower normally?

Author: Rafaela Cremin  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 7, 2026

You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.

How soon after a tattoo can you shower?

After getting a new tattoo, it is important to wait at least 24 hours before showering (2). This allows the tattoo to begin the healing process and ensures that the open wound has had enough time to close, reducing the risk of infection.

When can I stop washing my tattoo?

I recommend you wash for about 3 times a day for the first handful of days, and then once it is finished peeling you can begin to taper down washing. But most of the time you are washing your tattoo for upwards of 1.5-2 weeks, depending on size and how just manipulation there was to the skin (style of tattoo).

What happens if a new tattoo gets wet?

While it might seem harmless in the heat of summer with an inviting pool in your midst, several issues can pop up if you allow your tattoo to get wet before it's fully healed. Infection – Since fresh tattoos are open wounds that require healing, exposing them to water also exposes them to any harmful bacteria present.

Is it okay if shampoo gets on my tattoo?

Yeah it's ok if that gets rinsed over your tattoo. You just don't want to use that as your tattoo soap and rub it in. Just make sure to rinse your tattoo at the end of the shower and then rinse it one more time so there's absolutely no residue.

How To Shower With A NEW Tattoo The RIGHT Way!

How long after getting a tattoo can I wash my hair?

If possible, don't wash your head for at least four days after scalp micropigmentation. It's normal for your hair tattoo to have some scabbing during the first few days of the healing process, so if you wash your head while it's scabbing and peel scabs off, you may disrupt the healing process and cause scarring.

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.

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.

How long after a tattoo can you wash it with soap?

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.

How soon is too soon to wash a tattoo?

After usually no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the bandage and wash the tattoo.

Is it okay to gently rub a peeling tattoo?

Can you rub a peeling tattoo? You should not rub, scratch, or peel the tattoo, no matter how tempting it may seem.

What shouldn't you do after getting a tattoo?

Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while the tattoo is healing. Choose clothing carefully. Don't wear anything that might stick to the tattoo.

How long do you have to keep a new tattoo covered?

When the tattoo is dry to the touch, cover it completely with a new piece of plastic wrap, using small pieces of tape as needed to hold it in place. Do NOT use any healing ointment or moisturizer. With this method, the tattoo is kept completely covered with plastic wrap 24 hours a day, usually for 48-72 hours.

Can I put vaseline on my tattoo?

To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks to help wound healing.

What tattoo color lasts the longest?

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.

How can I keep my tattoo looking fresh?

Dry skin can make a tattoo look blurred or faded. Keeping your skin moisturized is your best bet for a fresh look. While you can buy lotions that are marketed as tattoo lotions, you don't need to spend the extra money. Avoid lotions with additives and fragrances, which can dry out your skin.

How long after a tattoo can I have a shower?

Do not take a bath and fully submerge your tattoo for 3-4 weeks after getting a tattoo. The larger the tattoo, the longer we recommend you wait to fully submerge your tattoo in water. You should never submerge a new tattoo in water for any length of time directly following a tattoo.

Is Aquaphor good for tattoos?

Eucerin Aquaphor's gentle and non-irritating formula helps to alleviate discomfort, itchiness, and redness associated with brand new tattoos. By providing a soothing and calming effect, it allows the skin to heal undisturbed, promoting a smoother and more comfortable recovery.

How long after a tattoo can I workout?

A minimum of two days and as much as a few weeks are generally recommended to hold off on more moderate and intense activity. Yet even yoga and other low-intensity exercises could be in risky territory if they lead to friction, sweating, or stretching the tattoo.

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.

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

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