Why you should listen to your tattoo artist’s advice:
Recently, a Texas man went swimming in the Gulf of Mexico only five days after getting a fresh tattoo and later died from a serious infection. His tattoo was still an open wound during the healing process, and exposure to coastal water put him at risk of infection from Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium that can be found in warm seawater. The case is a grim reminder that tattoo aftercare is not something to take lightly.
Whatever other health factors may have contributed to the man’s complications, one lesson is clear: a fresh tattoo needs time to heal before you expose it to potentially contaminated water or harsh environments.
There is a reason your tattoo artist gives you a list of aftercare instructions after every session. Those recommendations are not simply about preserving the quality of your new artwork. Proper aftercare helps protect damaged skin while it heals and reduces the risk of complications.
So, we’ve compiled some of the questions tattoo artists frequently get, along with straightforward answers. When in doubt, follow the specific instructions given by your tattoo artist or healthcare professional.
Tattoo Artist’s Advices – 1984 Tattoo and Piercing Studio – Tattoo Hanoi
1. Can I go swimming in the ocean after I get tattooed?
No.
A fresh tattoo is essentially an area of injured skin, so swimming in the ocean can expose it to microorganisms and other contaminants. Wait until your tattoo has fully healed before going swimming, and follow your artist’s recommended healing timeline.
2. Can I swim in a chlorinated pool?
It’s best to wait.
Chlorinated pool water may seem cleaner than seawater, but a fresh tattoo should still not be submerged while it is healing. Avoid swimming until the skin has recovered and your tattoo artist says it is safe.
3. Can I sit in the sun after getting tattooed?
Fresh tattoos and excessive sun exposure are not a great combination.
Keep the tattoo protected from direct sunlight while it heals. Wear loose clothing that covers the area when appropriate and follow your artist’s advice about when you can safely use sunscreen. Once healed, protecting your tattoo from UV exposure can also help preserve its appearance.
4. Can I go to the sauna?
Not while your tattoo is healing.
Heat, sweating, and prolonged moisture are not ideal for freshly tattooed skin. Give your tattoo time to recover before returning to the sauna.
5. Can I sit in a hot tub?
Soaking a fresh tattoo in bubbling water is definitely not something you want to do.
Avoid hot tubs and other forms of prolonged soaking until the tattoo has healed. Your new tattoo needs clean, gentle care—not an extended bath.
6. Can I swim in a lake?
The same rule applies here: wait until your tattoo has healed.
Natural bodies of water can contain microorganisms and contaminants that may cause infection if they enter damaged skin. A beautiful lake is not worth risking your new tattoo—or your health.
7. Can I let my dog or cat rub against my tattoo?
We know you love your pets, but keep them away from a fresh tattoo.
Pet hair, dirt, saliva, and other contaminants can come into contact with healing skin. Avoid letting your pets lick, scratch, or rub against the tattoo until it has healed.
8. Can I use my expensive, heavily scented soap?
Not necessarily.
When cleaning your new tattoo, use the gentle cleansing and aftercare products recommended by your tattoo artist. Avoid unnecessarily harsh or heavily fragranced products that may irritate healing skin.
9. Can I scrub or exfoliate my tattoo?
Absolutely not.
During healing, your tattoo may become dry, flaky, or scabby. That can look strange, but it is a normal part of the healing process. Do not pick, scratch, scrub, or use a loofah on the area. Let the skin heal naturally.
10. Can I skip showering until my tattoo heals?
Please don’t.
You still need to maintain normal hygiene while your tattoo heals. Clean the area gently according to your artist’s instructions, avoid unnecessary soaking, and keep the surrounding skin clean.
Tattoo Artist’s Advices – 1984 Tattoo and Piercing Studio – Tattoo Hanoi
A great tattoo deserves great aftercare. Listen to your tattoo artist, give your skin enough time to heal, and don’t rush back into swimming, saunas, hot tubs, or other activities that could interfere with recovery.
Hanoi:
37 Ma May, Hoan Kiem booking.hanoi@1984studios.vn
