Can You Swim After Getting a Tattoo?

No, you shouldn't swim right after getting a tattoo. Many artists suggest staying out of pools, oceans, lakes and hot tubs for at least two weeks, and often until the tattoo has fully settled, which can take about two to four weeks. Short showers are fine. Soaking is not. Here's how long to wait, why each type of water matters and how to care for your ink once you're back in the water.

How long to wait

The safest answer is to wait until your artist says your tattoo has fully settled. For many people, that's about two to four weeks. Large pieces and tattoos with heavy shading may need longer.

Good signs that you're getting close:

• The peeling and flaking have stopped.
• There are no scabs, open spots or raw, shiny patches.
• The skin feels smooth to the touch.
• Redness and tenderness are gone.

When in doubt, ask your artist and wait a few more days. A missed swim is easier to live with than a patchy tattoo.

Pools, oceans and hot tubs

Each type of water brings its own problems for fresh skin.

Pools

Pool water contains chlorine and other chemicals that can dry out and irritate fresh skin. Pools are also shared water, used by many people every day.

Oceans, lakes and rivers

Natural water can carry bacteria. Salt, sand and debris can also irritate fresh skin and rub at flakes and scabs.

Hot tubs

Hot tubs combine warm water, chemicals and shared use. Warm water is a good home for bacteria, and heat can leave fresh skin red and puffy. Many artists treat hot tubs as the last thing to add back.

If you see spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever after any kind of water exposure, see a doctor.

Showers vs. soaking

Showers are fine. Soaking is not.

A short shower gets the tattoo wet for a few minutes, and then you dry it off. Soaking keeps the skin wet for a long time. That softens scabs and flakes, which can make them come away early and take ink with them.

• Keep showers short and lukewarm.
• Don't aim a strong spray straight at the tattoo.
• Skip baths until your tattoo has fully settled.
• Don't count on plastic wrap or a bandage to let you swim. Wraps can leak, and they trap moisture against fresh skin.
• After you shower, pat dry with a clean paper towel and apply a thin layer of moisturizer.

After you swim

Once your tattoo has fully settled and your artist gives the go-ahead, swimming is fine. A simple routine helps keep ink looking bold:

• Rinse off with fresh water soon after you get out of a pool, the ocean or a lake.
• Wash with a mild soap to remove chlorine, salt and sand.
• Pat dry with a clean towel.
• Moisturize. Pool water and salt water can leave skin dry and tight.

Check your tattoo after each swim in your first few weeks back in the water. If it looks red, dry or irritated, take a break and ask your artist. If you swim often, build rinsing and moisturizing into your routine, the same way you pack a towel.

Our Body Lotion is light and non-greasy, so it's easy to use after a swim, even on large areas. For richer moisture on smaller pieces or dry spots, try our Tattoo Balm, made with shea butter, cocoa butter and calendula oil.

Sun at the beach

Beach days mean sun and water at the same time. Plan for both.

For a fresh tattoo, sunscreen is not the answer. Don't apply it to broken or peeling skin. Instead:

• Cover the tattoo with loose, light clothing.
• Sit in the shade under an umbrella or a tree.
• Stay out of the water.
• Go early or late in the day, when the sun is lower.

Water and sand reflect sunlight, so shade alone may not be enough for a fresh tattoo. Keep a light layer of clothing over it, even under the umbrella.

Once your tattoo has fully settled, add sunscreen to your beach routine. Our Sunscreen SPF 50 is an OTC drug. Follow the Drug Facts label for how much to apply and when to reapply, especially if you swim or towel dry.

FAQ

Can I cover my tattoo and swim?

It's best not to. Wraps and bandages can leak, and they trap moisture against fresh skin. Wait until your artist says the tattoo has fully settled.

How long after a tattoo can I use a hot tub?

Wait until your artist says your tattoo has fully settled. Warm, shared water is one of the last things to add back.

What happens if I swim too soon?

Soaking can soften scabs and flakes, irritate the skin and lead to patchy spots. If you notice spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever, see a doctor and let your artist know.

Can I shower after getting a tattoo?

Yes. Keep showers short and lukewarm, don't soak the tattoo and pat it dry with a clean paper towel afterward.

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