Alright, you’ve got a freshly tattooed back or thigh just in time for summer and you’re excited to jump into some swimwear so you can show it off. Hold your horses, though. The rest of your body is summer-ready, but your inked skin is not.

Remember that a tattoo is a series of punctures into your skin. It may look whole, but that patch of flesh is a big open wound. Open wounds and swimming do not mix. Large bodies of water carry bacteria, which can cause your tattoo to get infected. An infection left untreated can land you in the hospital. And even if you’re someone who doesn’t care about health and safety, know that getting your tattoo wet can mix with the ink and ruin the design. Not only have you found yourself in the hospital, but you would also have wasted your time and money. Then you’re gonna have to pay for the hospital bills and pay your artist to redo your tattoo.

This is why any decent tattoo artist gives you the run-down of how to wrap and dress your tattoo before they let you out of their shop. It’s for your safety, as well as protecting the integrity of their design. 

How Long Is the Wait?

The minimum amount of time you should wait is two weeks. However, some tattoos can take longer, maybe months. If you’re still scab or peeling then keep wrapping your tattoo. Don’t push your luck no matter how tempting it may be. Lakes, pools, and oceans are teeming with bacteria looking for a new home. Don’t give them one.

Does this mean you’re excused from showering for the next few months? No, gross! Not washing it is also an invitation to germs. 

How Do I Dress My Tattoo?

Your tattoo artist does the first dressing. They apply an antibiotic ointment to your tattoo. Then, they will cover it with plastic wrap or a bandage so the ointment doesn’t rub off and the tattoo is protected. 

Wait a minimum of five hours before washing your tattoo. If your tattoo artist used plastic wrap on your tattoo, then you’re safe to shower as normal. Just don’t mess up the wrap. If not, avoid agitating the tattooed area. Think of it as if you have an open wound, which you do. Don’t blast it with water, don’t submerge it in water, and don’t scrub it.

To wash your tattoo, take a gentle, fragrance-free soap and rub it gently with your fingertips. Rinse and pat it softly with a paper towel. Apply a moisturizer. Keeping it uncovered helps your wounds breathe and heal faster.

Conclusion

Can you swim shortly after you get a new tattoo? Nope! You gotta wait for your skin to heal from the many, many tiny stab wounds it endured. It’s only a few weeks of waiting though, so don’t sweat it. It’s the price we all have to pay for art. 

Trying to find the best full-color tattoo artists so you can stand out in the water? Check out Certified Tattoo today! We’re the premier tattoo destination in Colorado.