Can I shower after a tattoo?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 25, 2026
Yep. It's fine if your tattoo gets a little wet, but it shouldn't be submerged in water or left under running water for long periods of time. Keep time in the shower to a minimum, and be gentle to avoid irritating your newly tattooed skin.
How long should you wait to shower after getting a tattoo?
If you are looking to shower without washing your tattoo, you can do it 3-4 hours after the artist has wrapped the tattoo. It's important to avoid soaking the area for at least 2 weeks, and remove any soap immediately.
How do you take a shower with a new tattoo?
shower with a new tattoo, as long as you don't completely soak it. Avoid swimming—whether in a pool, lake, or the ocean—and submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub for two to three weeks, though; this may cause serious damage. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo, just remove it quickly with water.
Can I shower 3 days after a tattoo?
Final Thoughts. The only period you should not shower with a new tattoo is when you just get it, as well as the next 12 to 24 hours. After that period, you simply have to shower and clean the tattoo from all the remaining ink, blood, and plasma.
Do and don'ts after tattoo?
DON'T...
- Don't remove your bandage too soon! ...
- Don't use hot water to clean your new tattoo; wash with warm water instead. ...
- Don't put your new tattoo directly under running water—don't soak it either.
- Never rip the bandage off! ...
- Don't re-bandage or cover your new tattoo. ...
- Don't pick the scabs—yuck! ...
- Don't go tanning.
Can I shower with second skin on my tattoo?
We love that second skins are deemed waterproof since it gives you that extra layer of confidence your skin is protected from water, which can delay healing. You can shower with it in place, but you should avoid soaking the area in the tub or swimming for at least two weeks after getting a new tattoo.
How do you waterproof a tattoo?
A waterproof dressing, like Saniderm, can protect your new tattoo if you have to submerge it. They're available in different size sheets and rolls. Make sure your tattoo is completely covered. Only apply the bandage right before getting in the water and remove it as soon as you're done.
How often should I wash my tattoo when it's peeling?
Days 14 – 30. After peeling, your tattoo will look fairly healed. At this point as long as the tattoo is peeled and scab free you can step washing down from twice to once a day, although you should continue with sparing moisturizer application for the remainder of the month.
How do you sleep with a new tattoo?
A lot of tattoo artists recommend sleeping with the wrap that was put on. Others recommend re-wrapping, or just applying healing ointment and keeping the tattoo clean. The important thing is avoiding infection.
What to avoid after getting a tattoo?
13 Things to Avoid After Getting a Tattoo
- Doing Nothing After Getting a Tattoo. ...
- Exposure to Direct Sunlight. ...
- Touching, Picking, Scratching, and Rubbing. ...
- Shaving. ...
- Neosporin and Medicated Ointment. ...
- Excess Exposure to Water. ...
- Avoid tight fitting clothes that don't breathe well. ...
- Over-Treating the Tattoo.
Can you wear clothes over a new tattoo?
You can wear loose clothes over the wrap and not really worry about it. However, when you remove the wrap, loose clothes are essential, because you cannot simply keep the tattoo wrapped forever. It needs air to breathe and dry out, clot, and form scabs.
Do tattoos peel off when healing?
When does a tattoo begin peeling? Most tattoos usually start peeling by the end of the first week. This part comes after the initial bandaging required after you first get your tattoo done. You might also have scabs that peel off on their own into the second week of the healing process.
Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?
The reason being, is that a tattoo “fades” to the naked eye within days of application. This occurs because as the skin heals, the top layer dies and new skin forms to take its place. During this period the epidermis typically has a faded appearance.
Do tattoo scabs just fall off?
Although a scab over your tattoo can be alarming, it's usually a normal part of the healing process. Most tattoos scab over after a few days and the scab falls off on its own within a week. To help the scab fall off naturally, protect it from irritation and don't pick it!
Should I wrap my tattoo at night?
Many artists will recommend sleeping with your tattoo wrapped for the first few nights (up to 3-4). This protects it from bacteria, your sheets, and accidental picking or ripping of the scabs. Use only a good wrap developed specifically for tattoo healing, which should be breathable, anti-bacterial, and waterproof.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
After getting a tattoo, the outer layer of skin (the part you can see) will typically heal within 2 to 3 weeks. While it may look and feel healed, and you may be tempted to slow down on the aftercare, it can take as long as 6 months for the skin below a tattoo to truly heal.
What causes tattoo blowout?
Tattoo blowouts occur when a tattoo artist presses too hard when applying ink to the skin. The ink is sent below the top layers of skin where tattoos belong. Below the skin's surface, the ink spreads out in a layer of fat. This creates the blurring associated with a tattoo blowout.
How do I know when my tattoo is healed?
You will know that your tattoo is completely healed when there are no scabs, the texture of your skin where the tattoo was placed is the same as a similar surface of skin, and the colors on your tattoo are no longer faded.
Can you sweat after getting a tattoo?
After finishing your tattoo, your tattoo artist will most likely suggest that you wait at least 48 hours before strenuous physical activity and heavy sweating. The important words are “at least.” It generally takes 4 to 6 weeks for a wound to heal.
Can I shower with hot water with a new tattoo?
Hot water can make your tattoo sting, so it's best to avoid it. Hot water too soon after getting a tattoo can also make you lose color from your tattoo, as it opens your pores, so it's best to avoid it. Try running cold water on the tattoo for 30 seconds at the end of your shower to tighten your pores.