Can I Shower After Getting A Tattoo?
After you have finished your tattoo session, you may want to go into the shower with your new ink. Splashing a bit of water on the new tattoo might seem like a good idea, but it could be detrimental to the health of your skin. The last thing you want is to ruin your new ink. Here is everything you need to know about showering with a new tattoo.
Can I Shower After Getting a Tattoo?
Yes, you can shower after getting a tattoo, but you must be careful. Of course, not all artists agree about showering after a session. Some believe it could damage your new ink, especially if you shower less than 24 hours after the appointment. In most cases, you should not shower after the first 24 to 48 hours. That timeline is crucial because your skin is in the healing stage.
After the session, your artist will bandage the new tattoo and send you home. This step helps keep bacteria and other germs from infecting the skin. The type of tattoo can also affect how long you need to wait to take a shower. If the design is complex, you may need to wait a couple of days to wash that area. No matter what, it is always important to talk directly with the artist for any aftercare instructions.
How To Shower With a New Tattoo
If you want to go into the shower, you need to be careful with your healing skin. Make sure to follow these few tips.
Never Remove the Bandage For the First Shower
You may want to splash water on your new ink, but keeping the bandage on the skin is crucial. Getting any water on the new tattoo can be detrimental to the healing process. While most bandages are waterproof, you do want to take a few precautions.
When you prevent water from reaching the tattooed area, you reduce the chance of bacteria entering the skin. If the skin gets too warm and humid, it can become a breeding ground for germs. Make sure to wash the body parts that have not been tattooed. A sponge bath or quick shower are great ways to wash up but not get the fresh ink soaking wet. Once you have removed the bandage according to the artist’s instructions, you still want to be careful. Your tattooed skin will be swollen and irritated. You can gently splash water on the skin but be cautious in the shower.
Always Use a Mild Temperature of Water
When it comes time to shower, always get the water to a comfortable temperature. You never want to take a shower with too hot or cold water. Hot steam can open the pores in your skin, helping to breed bacteria. Also, hot water can feel very painful on your new ink. Remember that the tattoo is still an open wound, and hot temperatures can cause irritation.
Do Not Scrub
When your tattoo is healing, you need to take special care of the area. Now is not the time to head to the shower to scrub your skin. However, you can splash some lukewarm water on the ink. Scrubbing can irritate the skin and cause an infection. It can also make the skin peel off and damage the tattoo.
Avoiding too much contact with the new ink is always a good idea. When you are in the shower, you will want to avoid using washcloths or shower scrubs. Using those products will cause your skin to become inflamed and extend the healing process.
Use a Mild Soap
Once again, avoid using harsh soap to scrub the skin. Use a mild soap with a sensitive skin-friendly compound that will not irritate your new tattoo. There are many types of products on the market. Some of the best options are products from Eucerin or Sebamed. These products are fragrance-free, and you can use them on all body parts.
Be Gentle
You want to give yourself enough time to clean, refresh, and rejuvenate your skin. When you take these steps to care for your new ink, it will heal faster. Once you are finished in the shower, never rub yourself roughly with a towel. You should cover the fresh ink with a soft towel and lightly pat it. Any scraping or rubbing will cause the skin to become swollen and irritated, leading to bleeding.
Aftercare Tips for Your Tattoo
Once you have finished your shower, you still need to take care of your skin. It is always important to never pick the skin. A healing tattoo will start to scab. You might want to pick the scabs, but that can damage the ink. When you do that, it could even cause scarring on the skin.
You never want to use strong ointments or body lotions. If you want to use sunscreen, ensure it is gentle on sensitive skin. While you may want to go to the pool or hot tub, you need to avoid those places for a couple of weeks after getting inked.
Take a Shower With Some Precautions
Yes, you can shower, but you must take a few safeguards. With these above tips, you can ensure the new ink will look great for years to come.
Get Your New Ink at Oracle Tattoo Gallery
If you want to get a new tattoo, book your next appointment at Oracle Tattoo Gallery. We have highly talented artists who specialize in many designs and styles. Schedule an appointment by calling 215-638-1601.
