Are you holding back from getting that tattoo because you are not sure when to have a bath after? Well, you are not alone; this is a common worry among everyone getting a tattoo.
This article will explain to you when to take a bath after a tattoo and how to take good care of your fresh tattoo until it’s properly healed.
Here is what to do.
The excitement of getting a new tattoo might make you want to remove the bandage to show off the new ink but avoid interference with the waterproof dressing. You should only take it out after the prescribed time and make sure you fix it back correctly.
It is crucial to note that after getting a tattoo, the aftercare relies entirely on you, the tattoo artist has finished their work, and now it is upon you to heal and get back to regular routines.
Getting your tattoo wet is okay, but do not get it soaked. This means you can shower with your new tattoo but cannot take a bath with it. Avoid bathtubs or swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean.
Let us explain a little better; Taking a shower instead of dipping in a bath is highly recommended to avoid the tattoo getting in contact with water for an extended period. Therefore, at all costs, avoid taking a bath and take a shower instead until your tattoo heals.
Tattoo’s requires hygiene
Observing proper hygiene after getting a tattoo is vital; therefore, you should be ready to take great care of your tattoo by nursing it well until it’s perfectly healed.
When you get a tattoo, it does not mean that you can not take a bath, but there are factors that you must consider when taking a bath so as not to infect the tattoo and feel pain during the bath.
Your tattoo artist should give you clear guidelines for taking care of your tattoo before leaving the studio. You should strictly follow the aftercare instructions to fasten the healing period.
When leaving the tattoo studio, your tattoo is most likely covered in a waterproof adhesive to avoid water contact and infection building.
Depending on the location of the tattoo, you should take care not to get the tattoo in contact with water or soap. Too much moisture on the tattoo area may cause a bacterial infection that might turn the tattoo into a wound.
How to clean up your new tattoo
- Three to seven days after getting a tattoo, it is advisable to carefully remove the bandage and clean the tattoo area in the shower using unscented antibacterial soap.
- You should be very careful when cleaning the tattoo not to scratch or scrub it using a washcloth. Instead, carefully rub the tattoo using your bare fingers. Do this after taking a bath to avoid shampoo or soap mixing up with the tattoo while taking a bath
- After washing the tattoo area, allow the tattoo to dry and breathe before replacing the wrapper
- Do not use a towel to wipe off water from the tattoo area as this might wipe off some of the ink or introduce bacteria to the tattoo; instead, let it dry on its own.
- You should wait until the tattoo fully heals before submerging yourself in a bathtub. Depending on the tattoo location, this might take a minimum of two weeks
What to do after the tattoo is healed.
Once the tattoo is hardened and a scab has formed and fallen off, you are free to swim or go into the bathtub because that’s when you know the tattoo has fully healed. When the tattoo heals, you will feel comfortable taking a bath and will not have to worry about any infections or the pain that might come with water contact.
It is advisable to clean the tattoo well enough and keep it moisturized to avoid skin cracking. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated at all times.
Conclusion
In summary, taking a bath immediately after getting a new tattoo is a No-No; You can only take a shower to avoid soaking up the tattoo and introducing bacteria into it. The time taken for your fresh tattoo to heal depends on how well you take care of it.
