How soon after a tattoo can you get in a hot tub?

Author: Joe Marquardt  |  Last update: Thursday, May 1, 2025

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 long after a tattoo can you take a hot bath?

Avoid abrasive soaps or loofahs and hot showers, and allow your tattoo to fully heal for 3-4 weeks before swimming or taking a bath.

What happens if you go in a hot tub with a new tattoo?

Heat opens the pores on your skin, which might cause the ink to leach out from the tattoo, potentially affecting its colour and clarity. Such temperatures will also soften any scabs or healing skin prematurely, delaying the healing process and leading to patchiness in the final appearance of your ink.

How long after a tattoo can I go to hot springs?

Tattoo Aftercare. Remember, the average tattoo needs approximately 2 weeks of special care including- Do not submerge your tattoo!! NO HOT SPINGS, tubs, saunas, pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. Keep it out of direct sunlight!

How long after a tattoo can you go in chlorine water?

You should wait 4 to 6 weeks before jumping into any body of water. The chlorine in pools can irritate the tattoo and lead to color loss or possibly infection, and the bacteria in natural bodies of water have easier access to your bloodstream through your decorative, puncture wound.

When Is It Safe To Get Into A Hot Tub After Getting A Tattoo?

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.

Does chlorine ruin temporary tattoos?

Ink Parlour tattoos are made to withstand contact with water, which makes them perfect for aquatic adventures. However, prolonged exposure to water, especially in chlorinated pools, may slightly affect their longevity.

How do I know if my tattoo is healed enough to swim?

Once your tattoo feels completely smooth to the touch, there is no scabbing, and it's no longer red, itchy, or flaking, it is likely healed enough to swim.

Can you go in a hot tub with Saniderm?

Prolonged exposure to water will weaken the adhesion, so avoid soaking. As with all tattoo aftercare regulations, you should avoid submerging your tattoo in any body of water. This includes baths, lakes, pools, hot tubs, or oceans.

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.

Can you go in a hot tub after tattoo removal?

It's generally considered best to wait until the area has fully healed before hitting the swimming pool. Removery Clinic suggests avoiding hot tubs, too, to minimize the chance of infection.

Can I take a bath with a new tattoo if I don't get it wet reddit?

Your artist should've given you post care tips though. Usually you're meant to avoid submerging the tattoo in water for a few weeks, getting it a bit wet in the shower is fine after 24 hours though.

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 I go in the hot tub reddit?

Don't go in the hot tub with a fresh tattoo. Don't put second skin on at this point. It won't help in a hot tub and if done incorrectly you could trap bacteria inside. You should stay out of a hot tub or pool for 2-4 weeks depending on the size of the tattoo tbh.

How do I protect my tattoo in the hot tub?

How to Protect Your Tattoo From Fading and Infection
  1. Choose a clean and well-maintained hot tub. ...
  2. Limit your soaking time. ...
  3. Rinse off before and after using the hot tub. ...
  4. Pat dry your tattoo gently. ...
  5. Moisturize your tattoo regularly. ...
  6. Avoid direct sunlight exposure.

Can I get in the pool 2 weeks after a tattoo?

Swimming pools: Chlorine-filled water damages sensitive skin and can fade your design. Your healing tattoo needs 2–3 weeks before exposure to chlorinated water. Ocean and saltwater: The salt and minerals can irritate healing skin that hasn't fully settled. Saltwater requires a minimum 3–4 week wait.

Can a tattoo heal in 2 weeks?

On average, a tattoo takes two to four weeks to heal. However, it takes about three to six months for the skin underneath the tattoo to fully heal. 12 This time depends on specific skin reactions, tattoo size, and ink colors used.

Does chlorine affect healed tattoos?

Myth- chlorine in pools makes your tattoo fade faster 🚫 Fact- – Once a tattoo is fully healed the chlorinated water doesn't go below the first layers of skin. The ink of a tattoo is deeper and so remains unaffected. Don't go swimming with a fresh tattoo as this will affect its healing.

How long after a tattoo can you fully submerge it?

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. A person can continue using the washing technique above throughout the first week when needed.

Can you swim with Saniderm on a new tattoo?

Too much heat can separate the bandage from the skin, inflame the skin, and irritate the tattoo. For these reasons, bathing, swimming, or fully submerging a tattoo dressed in Saniderm is strongly discouraged.

Is saltwater bad for tattoos?

Most people who love tattoos know how to take care of them, but some might not know that they should pat their tattoos dry after swimming. Chlorine and salt water can be harsh on tattoos, so it's important to ensure they're dry as soon as possible.

Does hot water make tattoos fade?

So, there will be a greater chance of the tattoo color fading. So, when taking a shower, use regular warm water. IMPORTANT: For the last 30 seconds of your shower, you should apply cold water to the tattoo. This will make the pores tight, which will be better for your new tattoo.

How long does temporary tattoo ink take to dry?

Allow at least 2 hours to dry completely. The longer the dried paste remains on the skin (1-2 hours) the longer the stain lasts.

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