So you finally got that tattoo you've been wanting! But now that it's done, you might be wondering when you can take a hot shower without ruining your new ink.

Many people believe that hot water is the enemy of tattoos, but this is actually a myth. While it's true that you should avoid soaking your tattoo in hot water for the first few weeks, showering with hot water is perfectly fine.

In fact, hot water can actually help to speed up the healing process by increasing blood flow to the area. 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.

If you just got a new tattoo, here are some tips to help keep your tattoos looking fresh and bright, even when the water is piping hot.

Avoid long showers - or at least keep them as short as possible

You've got a new tattoo. Congrats! But now that you're a bonafide member of the ink club, there are a few things you need to know about showering.

For starters, you'll want to avoid long showers, especially when the water is hot. That's because hot water can cause your tattoo to bleed and lead to an infection. So, when can you shower with hot water after a tattoo?

After the initial healing period (usually about two weeks), you can start showering with lukewarm water for five to 10 minutes at a time. Just be sure to pat your tattoo dry afterward. And while you're at it, avoid using harsh soaps or exfoliating scrubbers, which can also damage your skin.

So take it easy on the new ink and enjoy your showers!

Use a mild soap - or better yet, skip the soap altogether

Your water color tattoo is going to look amazing. But before you can enjoy its beauty, there's something you need to do: take care of it! And that means using a mild soap in a hot water shower.

That's right. You need to be careful with your new tattoo. No big, splashy movements in the shower - be gentle! You also want to ensure the water isn't too hot, which could damage the tattoo. So take a nice, relaxing shower and use a mild soap to keep your tattoo clean.

And when you're done, enjoy your beautiful watercolor tattoo!

Pat dry - don't rub, scrub, or towel off your tattoo

Many tattoo lovers find that patting their tattoo dry after a shower is actually more effective than using a towel to dry it off. The heat from the shower opens up your pores, which helps the ink to penetrate your skin better.

In addition, the act of patting your tattoo dry helps to stimulate blood flow, which promotes healing. So, if you're looking for the best way to care for your new tattoo, don't forget to add "pat dry" to your list of post-shower activities!

Moisturize - after you pat your tattoo dry, apply a thin layer of moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated

As for moisturizing, that's something you can definitely do after a hot shower. In fact, it's recommended! Just make sure to pat your tattoo dry first, so you don't irritate it. Then, apply a thin layer of lotion or ointment.

Be sure to choose a product that's non-scented and free of dyes, parabens, and other harsh chemicals. And, of course, always wash your hands before applying anything to your tattoo!

Protect it from the sun

When your tattoo is still healing, make sure to keep it covered when you're out in the sun. Once it's healed, be sure to apply sunscreen before heading outdoors, just like you would with any other part of your body!