Short answer: Most experts recommend waiting at least 24 hours before showering your new tattoo, and then showering gently with lukewarm water and mild soap, avoiding soaking the tattoo or using hot water or harsh soaps for the first couple of weeks. Details and best practices
- Initial waiting period: If the tattoo is covered with a protective barrier or bandage from the artist, keep it on as directed (often 2–4 hours, sometimes up to 24 hours depending on the material). If no protective barrier is in place, wait about 24 hours before showering to minimize irritation and infection risk.
- Showering precautions: Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Do not scrub hard; gently wash the area with clean hands. Rinse well and pat dry with a clean towel. Do not rewrap with dirty dressings after washing; apply a thin layer of ointment or fragrance-free moisturizer as advised by your artist.
- Water exposure: Short showers are preferred over baths or soaking. Avoid submerging the tattoo in water (baths, pools, hot tubs) for at least 2–4 weeks, or as advised by your artist, to reduce the risk of infection and fading.
- Signs to watch: If you notice increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or unusual pain, contact your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional promptly. These can be signs of infection or an adverse reaction.
- Aftercare timeline: As healing progresses, you can gradually resume more normal washing routines, but continue to avoid aggressive scrubbers, strong soaps, suntan lotions with fragrances, and direct sun exposure on the tattoo until fully healed. The most intense healing occurs in the first 1–2 weeks, with full recovery taking several weeks depending on size and location.
If you’d like, share the location and size of your tattoo, plus whether your artist provided any specific aftercare instructions (e.g., a particular bandage or ointment). This can help tailor the guidance to your situation.
