Waxing, on the other hand, is performed on the epidermis of the skin, or the top skin layer. As such, it doesn’t have any contact with the other skin layers.

Also Read: Is Tattoo Ink Vegan: This Is How You Can Tell Vegan and Non-Vegan Ink!

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So, Is Waxing Safe?

As we mentioned in the previous paragraph, waxing is considered safe because it doesn’t affect the inner skin layer where the ink is injected and stored. However, things aren’t this simple we’re talking about fresh, new tattoos; in that case, waxing is simply out of question. But, why?

Well, it is true that tattooing affects the inner skin layer, but in order for the ink to be injected into the dermis, the needle needs to puncture the dermis at a very high speed. As a result, tattooing actually damaged the epidermis and creates a wound; your new, fresh tattoo is considered an open wound for the first few days, or until it starts to close and dry.

After tattooing, your skin is highly sensitive and prone to developing inflammation and infection. That is because it is open to all the germs, bacteria, and viruses around us, or the body can try to fight off the ink by developing inflammation or allergic reaction to the ink.

But, most of the time, thanks to proper aftercare, tattoos heal normally, just like a wound. However, this doesn’t mean you can go on and slap wax onto it. Nope!

Until your tattoo fully heals (meaning, the ink is mattified, there are no scabs or crust on it, it is clean, mat in color, without inflammation, raising, itching, etc.), you can’t do anything to your tattooed skin other than clean it and apply ointment. Even after your tattoo is fully healed, the skin is still super sensitive and requires special attention, so even then it is questionable whether you should wax your tattooed skin or not.

Your tattoo should be fully healed after 4 to 6 weeks, but the healing time varies from person to person. Some people have a super powerful immune system and an excellent aftercare routine, and the tattoo heals quickly. But, others have some immune system issues or don’t follow the aftercare instructions, and the healing is prolonged.