Getting a new tattoo is a rather exciting moment, especially if it’s you’re first one. However, amidst all of the excitement, there comes a point in the tattooing process when you no longer think about the tattoo itself, but rather how you’re going to take care of it properly. It is no secret that the aftercare routine, and whether you follow it properly or not, can make or break your new tattoo.

Every tattoo artist will tell you what to do, in general. You need to keep the tattoo clean, but not overdo the cleaning, keep it moisturized, but not too much…All of it seems pretty complicated and there’s a lot of pressure on the whole aftercare process during the first week of healing.

But, one thing tattoo artists fail to mention without clients asking them about it is showering and bathing with a new tattoo. They might mention a word or two about how you should not go swimming, but what about other things where you’re exposed to water, like showering and bathing?

Well, in the following paragraphs we’ll fill you in on all the info your tattoo artist failed to mention, or you’re simply curious about. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Showering After Getting Tattooed: Everything You Need To Know

Can I Shower With a New Tattoo?

The short answer is yes, you can shower with a new tattoo. Not only that you can shower, but you should shower after getting a tattoo; you’re not going to walk around dirty while you’re dealing with a sensitive, open wound, right?

But, here’s the deal. You cannot shower right away.

The first 24 to 48 hours are crucial when it comes to the future of your tattoo’s healing process. In that period, you should not play around and expose the tattoo to water right away.

The reason for this is the fact that the tattoo or the wound needs to start closing. In order for that to happen, the tattoo first needs to get rid of all the excess ink, blood, and plasma. After that, the tattoo may require a light wash, and then it needs to start drying out. All of that should happen in the first 24 to 48 hours, so you need to be patient.