How to Shower After Getting a New Tattoo

Getting a new tattoo is a thrilling experience, but proper care is crucial during the healing process if you want your tattoo to look its best. One common concern many people have is how to shower after getting a fresh tattoo. Can you shower right away? What precautions should you take? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and get valuable tips for new tattoo aftercare. Remember, always follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions as everyone's skin and art is different, and your artist knows your skin and their process best.

Can You Shower After Getting a New Tattoo?

Yes, you can shower after getting a new tattoo, but it's important to follow a few key steps to protect your new art. It’s generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before jumping into the shower. This initial waiting period gives your skin time to begin healing. When you do shower, try to minimize direct contact with the tattooed area and limit its exposure to water. Keep the time underwater short, the water lukewarm, and avoid soaking your tattoo.

Additionally, you usually need to wear a wrap over your tattoo for the first two to three days. You can shower with your wrap, but you should follow the same rules of minimizing your time under the water and only using lukewarm water. It is also vital to always consult your tattoo artist on how long you should keep your wrap and how to shower with your new tattoo.

Risks of Showering Too Soon

Showering too soon after getting a tattoo can jeopardize the healing process. The skin around your tattoo needs time to seal and start regenerating, and overexposure to water, especially prolonged or high-pressure water, can disrupt this. If the tattooed area gets drenched too quickly, it could interact with the ink, potentially leading to fading or blurring. Hot water and steam can open up your pores, making your tattoo more vulnerable to bacteria and infection. However, on the flip side, neglecting to clean your tattoo at all can lead to scabbing or dryness, which could cause long-term damage to the ink’s appearance or lead to infection. It's about striking the right balance between keeping the tattoo clean and avoiding overexposure to water.

How to Shower After Getting a New Tattoo

The first shower after a new tattoo isn’t just any old shower—it's a crucial step in the aftercare process. You’ll want to be careful not to disturb the tattoo while also ensuring you keep your body clean. Here’s how to shower without risking damage to your new tattoo:

Use Lukewarm Water

While hot showers can be relaxing, they aren’t ideal when it comes to protecting a fresh tattoo. Hot water can open your pores, which could cause the ink to seep out or invite bacteria to the area. Cold water, on the other hand, can tighten your skin, causing discomfort. Stick to lukewarm water for the safest and most comfortable showering experience after getting tattooed.

Avoid Loofahs and Harsh Cleansers

While you might be tempted to scrub yourself clean, it’s best to avoid anything too abrasive, like loofahs or scrub brushes. These can scratch the sensitive skin around your new tattoo, disrupting the healing process and could potentially lead to infection.

Instead, use your hands to gently clean the rest of your body, and steer clear of harsh soaps that can dry out your skin and irritate the tattoo. We recommend using a gentle product that is specifically formulated for fresh tattoos. You should also try to avoid any other products like shampoo or conditioner from coming into contact with your tattoo when showering.

Pat, Don’t Rub, the Tattooed Area

After showering, you’ll need to dry off without disturbing your new tattoo. Avoid rubbing the area with a towel, which could remove scabs or irritate the skin, causing ink to fade. Instead, gently pat the tattooed area with a clean paper towel to avoid any unnecessary friction.

Use a Clean Washcloth or Paper Towel

Cleanliness is key during the healing process, so always use a fresh, clean paper towel when drying your tattoo. Using dirty or old towels can introduce bacteria to the tattooed area, increasing the risk of infection which is why we only recommend using paper towels for new tattoos. Be diligent about keeping the area as sanitary as possible.

Products for Showering After Getting a New Tattoo

Now that you know how to shower with a new tattoo, let’s talk about the types of products you should be using. Your regular body wash or soap might not be the best choice for freshly tattooed skin.

Mild Cleansers

It’s essential to use a mild, antimicrobial cleanser when cleaning your tattoo. Harsh soaps can irritate the sensitive skin around your fresh tattoo. Consider using something gentle, like Hustle Bubbles Antibacterial Foaming Soap. This trusted product helps remove bacteria while keeping your tattoo hydrated and clean. Ultimately, you want a product that is tough on dirt and germs but gentle on the sensitive tattooed area.

Tattoo Balm or Lotion

After showering, it’s important to keep your tattoo moisturized.. A tattoo balm or lotion like Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Balm is perfect for nourishing the area while keeping your tattoo vibrant. This cruelty-free balm, made from naturally-derived ingredients, keeps skin and art moisturized during the ever-important healing process. A little Hustle goes a long way - apply daily or as recommended by your artist.

Precautions and Things to Avoid

In addition to knowing how to shower properly, it’s important to be aware of certain activities that should be avoided during the healing process:

No Swimming in Pools or Hot Tubs

While it’s okay to take a lukewarm and quick shower, submerging your tattoo in water is a big no-no. Pools, hot tubs, and even baths should be avoided until your tattoo is fully healed. Soaking in water for too long can cause the ink to fade or lead to infection, especially in chlorinated pools or hot tubs.

Avoid High Water Pressure

High-pressure water, such as from a power shower, can be harmful to a fresh tattoo. The force of the water can wash out ink and damage the delicate healing skin. Try to avoid letting water directly hit your tattoo. Instead, let the water gently run over other parts of your body and trickle onto to the tattooed area.

Use Hustle Butter to Keep Your Tattoo Looking Fresh

Taking the right steps when showering is just one aspect of proper tattoo aftercare. Using high-quality aftercare products like Hustle Butter will help keep your tattoo clean and moisturized during the healing process.

These tips are designed to guide you through the showering process and help you avoid common pitfalls that could damage your tattoo. Patience and proper care are essential to achieving the best possible result. And while this guide provides helpful advice, Be sure to follow your artist's instructions carefully and reach out to them if you have any questions or if anything does not look or feel right.