Talk to your tattoo artist about how long it's best to wait. Generally, though, you can shower within the first 24 hours after getting your new ink. Waiting 2 days gives your skin more time to form a barrier over the tattoo.
You should never submerge a new tattoo in water for any length of time directly following a tattoo. If you're wondering just how long after getting your tattoo you can take a bath: the answer is only after your tattoo has healed completely which typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, and in some cases longer.
It's recommended you wait at least 24 hours before showering after getting a new tattoo. This allows the tattooed area to begin the healing process and reduces the risk of infection.
Once a day in the shower is usually enough clean for any new tattoo. Consult your artist if you plan to do any strenuous activity within the first ten days of having your tattoo. Lotion may be applied to the tattoo as it dried out; however if your skin is extremely sensitive, lotion may cause acne-like breakouts.
SECOND - SKIN
It's water resistant, so you can shower with it, but avoid prolonged water exposure. Wear loose clothing too if you can, to avoid abrasion to the area. While you're wearing the second-skin, you might notice the surface underneath accumulating slight moisture, which can make the tattoo look blurry.
Yes, you can (and should!) shower with a new tattoo, but there are a few things to remember. "Use lukewarm water and do not directly soak the tattoo for too long," Smith notes. "You should also avoid scrubbing your tattoo or using harsh soaps as that can irritate healing skin."
Tattoos are open wounds, so during the first few weeks the skin is still healing. One of the biggest risks when submerging your new tattoo in a bubble bath is infection. Getting your new tattoo too wet can prevent it from healing properly, and it might end up looking patchy.
Stay away from submerging your tattoo in water
In the first 48 hours, try to avoid too much contact with water. Showers are fine, but avoid going for a swim in the ocean or pool.
The Attentive Stage (Days 2-3)
Continue to wash and moisturize the tattooed area carefully twice a day. It is normal for the skin to feel like it's sunburned during this period. It is vital in these early days to ensure that the wounded area remains clean and dry.
So, when can you shower with hot water after getting a tattoo? The answer is simple: as soon as your tattoo is healed enough to withstand the heat! Otherwise, you'll just have to suffer through a few more weeks of lukewarm showers.
Pressure can cause irritation and disrupt the healing process. Instead, try sleeping on your back or on the side opposite the tattoo!
You'll want to keep the tattoo wrapped for at least the first night because it will take a while for it to settle down and stop leaking. You don't want an open wound like that touching your bed sheets, getting blood everywhere, or dirt and dust getting into the wound itself.
Avoid sleeping directly on your new tattoo, at least the first 4 days.
Knowing how long and when you should cover your tattoo plays a large role in effective aftercare. So, how long should I have my tattoo wrapped? Keep your tattoo wrapped for 2-4 hours after leaving the tattoo shop. If using protective tattoo film instead of plastic foil, keep the wrap on for 3-4 days.
Once your tattoo has started to heal you can apply baby lotion to the area. This may take up to six or seven days and the area will become dry and start to flake. Before this happens you should regularly clean the tattoo area and moisturize using a tattoo aftercare lotion or fragrance-free lotion.
If black or colored ink is flaking off and the color under the flake is different, that is normal. Expect more. If you miss a few chances to wash it or moisturize it, don't worry. Your body is completely capable of healing it without any help.
You can leave SecondSkin™ on for up to seven days. We do recommend changing the bandage around the 24-36 hour mark.
The general rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours after getting a tattoo before showering or washing your tattoo. This is because the first 24 hours are critical to the healing process, and any exposure to water can increase the risk of infection.
You may also see redness, swelling, and some mild bleeding. DAYS 3-14 (or until healed): After the first 2-3 days, your tattoo should begin to feel dry and tight.
Signs of an over-moisturised tattoo include irritated, inflamed skin; scabs may appear on the tattoo, or the skin may look redder on and around the tattooed area. What's more, the ink could appear slightly blurred.
Use Waterproofing Ointment
Before going swimming, apply a thin layer of a waterproofing ointment or aftercare product to your tattoo. This will help protect it from the water and prevent skin irritation.
After getting inked, take it seriously and do as the experts say. Wait at least two weeks before submerging the area in water (that means holding off on trying your fancy new bath bomb, too) and keep the area clean. For more tattoo news: The FDA Just Released Some Scary Guidelines About Moldy Tattoo Ink.