This can be anywhere from 1 to 24 hours, depending on the location and size of your ink. If your artist uses a medical-grade, waterproof bandage, like Saniderm, you can shower anytime — as long as you keep the bandage on for the length of time the artist told you to.
How Long After A Tattoo Can You Shower Normally? You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower.
If a new tattoo gets wet, clean it and dry it. Then you'll be OK." To recap: While you need to keep your tattoo clean, do not soak your tattoo or the scab will soften, fall off, and leave a scar. Stick to a quick rinse in the shower, and you'll be good to go.
Getting your tattoo wet is OK, but soaking it is not. Yes, you can (and should!) 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.
Once the bandage has been removed after 3-5 days, you can shower at any time you want, following some precautions. Some old-school bandages or cling wrap as is traditionally used will require a waiting period of up to 12 hours until you can get in the shower. Be sure to make note of this with your tattoo artist.
Generally, after a tattoo, you can shower the next day, when you take the bandage off, provided that you don't scrub the tattoo, and baths are right out for a few weeks.
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.
This depends on the type of covering the artist uses on your tattoo and how long they recommend keeping it on. If the tat is wrapped in plastic or a piece of regular bandage, you'll need to wait until it's off to shower. This can be anywhere from 1 to 24 hours, depending on the location and size of your ink.
While it is healing, NEVER touch your tattoo without first washing your hands with a mild, liquid antibacterial soap. Initially, leave your bandage on for 1-3 hours. After removing the bandage in a clean environment, gently wash the tattooed area with warm water and an antibacterial soap. Do not scrub.
Wait at least two weeks, or as long as your tattoo artist recommends, before exposing it to swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, pools, saunas, and any other open water or moist environment. Also, avoid the gym for about a week after getting your new ink to prevent germs and bacteria from entering the site.
Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water and be sure to pat dry. Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't put on another bandage.
Tattoo aftercare Instructions. After removing bandage, wash the tattoo immediate with warm water and soap. We recommend plain dial soap out of a pump bottle. No soap with fragrance moisture beads or scrubs.
Don't Moisturize Too Soon
During these first few days, you should not be putting any lotion on your tattoo. It needs time to breathe and weep in order to heal effectively. Moisturization should only start around the three day mark, when you find that you are washing your tattoo and nothing washes out with it.
So what product should you use? You may have heard some rumours that Bepanthen shouldn't be used on new tattoos, but this absolutely isn't the case. Bepanthen is by far one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for most tattoo artists and studios.
Yes! Moisturizing your tattoo regularly is extremely important. You should moisturize your clean tattoo 3 – 6 times per day, for roughly two weeks (though proper skincare is always important, and most tattoo enthusiasts moisturize their tattoos daily for life!).
Not taking extra care of your tattoo can lead to scabbing or scarring. And if you're concerned that dry healing won't work for you, feel free to use a safe, chemical-free moisturizer to prevent any reactions or interactions with your skin or the tattoo ink. If you're really not sure, trust your tattoo artist.
Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
Start by taking off the bandage the tattoo artist put on, and then clean your tattoo. You'll need to follow the artist's instructions for cleaning your tattoo 3 times a day for at least 2 weeks. After the first cleaning, you can hop in the shower. Avoid hot water and heavy water pressure to minimize irritation.
In the immediate aftermath, and for the next few days, the site of a new tattoo can feel stingy and sore, maybe a bit like sunburn or a light graze. Slight inflammation and soreness is normal for skin that has been broken and needs to heal.
During these first few days, it is normal for your tattoo to feel sore and tender. 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.
Drink a lot of water during the week; avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting tattooed. Please do not shave the area; we will do it for you at your appointment. Avoid aspirin or blood thinning medication at least 24 hours before your tattoo; ibuprofen, acetaminophen, & other NSAID pain relievers are OK.
Days 3-7: Dry, Tight, and Starting to Flake
It may feel tight. Swelling should start to subside, though your skin might still feel warm and uncomfortable. By the end of the first week, you will likely see your tattoo flaking. This is also a normal part of the tattoo healing process.
The rule of thumb is to moisturize your new tattoo at least 2-3 times per day for the first two weeks (or until the healing process is complete). Many tattoo enthusiasts continue to moisturize their tattoos every day! As for what type of moisturizer to use, lotion is generally the best.