The first few weeks after getting a new tattoo are the most important for its longevity and health, and proper aftercare centers on managing water exposure. A fresh tattoo is essentially an open wound, requiring careful, controlled cleaning to heal correctly. While getting a new tattoo wet can be intimidating, you must wash it to ensure a healthy healing process. Introduce water only under specific, controlled circumstances, avoiding any prolonged soaking or exposure.
Immediate Post-Tattoo Cleaning
The first wash is mandatory and happens after you remove the initial protective bandage, typically within 2 to 24 hours as instructed by your artist. This initial cleaning removes plasma, excess ink, and residual bacteria introduced during the tattooing process. Removing this residue is necessary to prevent the formation of a thick, hard scab that could lead to poor healing or ink loss.
Use lukewarm water and a mild, unscented, antibacterial soap, lathering it gently with clean hands, without scrubbing or using a washcloth. Lukewarm water is best because hot water can increase blood flow, causing swelling or irritating the sensitive skin. After rinsing away the soap and residue, pat the tattooed area completely dry with a clean, disposable paper towel. Never rub the area with a cloth towel, as these can harbor bacteria and cause irritation.
Showering During the Healing Phase
Daily hygiene is necessary during the main healing period, which lasts approximately two to four weeks. Brief, lukewarm showers are acceptable, but you must minimize the time the tattoo is wet. Aim to keep the shower to a maximum of 5 to 10 minutes, as prolonged moisture exposure can soften developing scabs and disrupt the healing skin.
Keep the tattooed area out of the direct, high-pressure stream of the shower water. When rinsing, use your hand to cup water onto the area rather than letting the water run directly over it for an extended time. Avoid letting dirty water, soap, or shampoo run down your body and over the healing tattoo, as this introduces potential irritants and bacteria. Immediately after the shower, gently pat the tattoo completely dry with a clean paper towel to prevent the skin from bubbling or becoming waterlogged.
Why Submersion is Dangerous
While controlled showering is acceptable, complete submersion of a fresh tattoo is strictly prohibited for several weeks. This includes taking baths, soaking in hot tubs, or swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean. Submersion poses two primary risks: infection and potential damage to the integrity of the artwork.
A new tattoo is an open wound, and submerging it introduces harmful bacteria that can cause infections, ranging from mild irritation to serious conditions. Even chlorinated pools are not sterile, as chlorine does not kill all microorganisms and can cause irritation, dryness, and inflammation. Natural bodies of water like lakes and oceans carry an even higher risk because they harbor a greater variety of pathogens.
The second major concern is the effect of soaking on the ink and the healing process. Extended exposure to water causes the newly formed layer of skin and any scabs to swell. This swelling can potentially pull pigment out of the dermis layer, leading to fading, patchiness, or a blurry appearance. Harsh chemicals like chlorine and the salt in seawater can also leach moisture and color from the fresh ink, compromising the tattoo’s vibrancy.
When Water Exposure Becomes Safe
Normal water activities, such as swimming and taking baths, become safe once the tattoo is considered fully healed. This milestone is determined not by a specific date but by the visual appearance of the skin. Most artists recommend waiting a minimum of two to four weeks before submersion.
The most reliable indicator that you can resume normal water exposure is when the outer layer of skin has completely finished peeling and flaking. The tattooed area should feel smooth to the touch, similar to the surrounding skin, with no scabs, redness, or irritation. Although the surface may heal in a few weeks, the deeper layers of skin can take several months to fully regenerate. Even once healed, rinse the tattoo with fresh water immediately after swimming in heavily chlorinated or saltwater to wash away chemicals that could cause long-term fading.