How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming

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Getting a tattoo is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming? The sensation you get from your dream ink is unparalleled.

However, if you are a swimmer, there are some things you should do before getting back in the water. Whether you are a casual pool lounger or a competitive athlete, these tattoo care instructions must be followed.

Personal experience: I swam for The University of Michigan. Following the NCAA Championship, the freshmen class heads to a local Ann Arbor tattoo parlor to acquire a Michigan “M” tattoo. While the tattoo artist advised us to avoid the water for two weeks, try saying that to our swim coach. I was back in the water with my new ink after two days.

How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming

During that period, How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming, I tried out all of the popular tattoo care techniques, learning which ones worked and which didn’t.

Why Can’t You Swim with a Tattoo

You should avoid swimming immediately after having a tattoo because it is effectively an open wound that could become infected.

Bacteria are prevalent in both chlorinated pools and open water, and if that bacteria comes into touch with an unhealed wound, illness can ensue.

This can harm the tattoo and cause major health issues. Part of my yellow and blue tattoo, for example, bled and turned green.

Furthermore, when chlorine and saltwater come into touch with an open wound, they can induce discomfort and redness, which can lead to itching.

How Long Before You Can Swim With a New Tattoo?

How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming? If you recently had a tattoo, you should wait at least two to four weeks before swimming again. This will allow the skin in the affected area to heal properly.

The length of the healing process is usually determined by the individual and the tattoo.

Normally, after receiving a tattoo, it will be bandaged for you, and you will be instructed to remove the bandage when you get home (depending on the instructions of your tattoo artist). The surplus ink or blood should then be gently removed with warm water.

Read more: What Is The Lowest Value Of U.S. Paper Money Without A Portrait Of A U.S. President 

You’ll notice your skin shedding and flecks of ink flaking off after a few days. When all of the skin has flaked away, you’ll be left with a fresh layer of skin with your tattoo imprinted on it. This is when you know your tattoo has healed and you may resume swimming.

How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming

While there is no way to completely waterproof a tattoo for swimming, there are a few things you can do to keep it from getting damaged.

If you’re planning to swim with a new tattoo, make sure it’s completely covered with a waterproof bandage, Vaseline, or both.

When you’re done, quickly remove the cover and clean the tattoo with fresh water.

How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming? Your tattoo artist will also have given you some aftercare cream to apply to the tattooed area. Simply apply some of this cream to the tattoo after you’ve rinsed it after swimming. 

Tattoo Care Tips for Swimmers

The first few days after receiving a tattoo are critical for proper care. As previously stated, a new tattoo is an open wound that must be treated as such.

Always use the aftercare cream provided by your tattoo artist. They will advise you on how frequently you should use it, although it is normally 2 to 3 times per day.

During the healing process, the region where you have been inked must be kept healthy and hydrated. Applying this cream will accomplish exactly that, and it should never be covered up after application; it should dry naturally.

Your tattoo will scab and flake away as it heals. This can be itchy at times but never scratch at it since this can damage the tattoo. Scabs that form over tattoos should never be picked or removed, and they should always be kept dry.

How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming? When you initially get your tattoo, keep it away from direct sunlight as this may interfere with the healing process. You should also avoid applying sunscreen to it while it is healing because it includes chemicals that might promote an infection.

Cover it with some loose garments instead. After it has healed, you can apply sunscreen to it in the same way you would the rest of your body. 

How Do I shower With a New Tattoo?

After reading the preceding, you may be wondering, “How can I shower?”How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming?

This is an excellent question. You can shower for 3 to 4 hours after getting inked if your tattoo is wrapped in a waterproof bandage. However, this is subject to a number of variables.

The best thing to do is to follow the instructions of your tattoo artist. They’ll be able to tell you how long you should keep the bandage on and when it’s safe to wash the affected region.

There are a few things to keep in mind when taking a shower. The fresh tattoo should never be left in running water or submerged for an extended period of time. Scrubbing it with a sponge or loofah is also not advised until it has totally healed.

Wash the area with fragrance-free, mild soap and cool or lukewarm water. You should also avoid using cosmetics that include alcohol or other chemicals, as these might dry out your skin.

After you get out of the shower, gently pat the area with your new tattoo with a clean cloth. After that, apply the aftercare cream provided by your tattoo artist and leave the area uncovered.

Can I Take a Bath?

Unfortunately, this answer will disappoint all bath enthusiasts. Bathing after a new tattoo is not recommended because it exposes your new ink to water for an extended amount of time.

How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming

Baths should be avoided if possible because leaving them submerged could make your tattoo more prone to infection and irritation.

If your tattoo is minor and you can keep this section of skin out of the water, this shouldn’t be an issue. 

Conclusion

To summarise, How to waterproof a tattoo for swimming? swimming of any kind should be avoided after getting inked until the tattoo has healed. Failure to follow correct care recommendations can result in illness or damage to your new body art.

If you must swim for whatever reason, you can protect your tattoo with a waterproof bandage, Vaseline, and the procedures described above.

FAQs

Is it safe to swim with a new tattoo if it’s covered?

To swim with a new tattoo, cover it and waterproof it as much as possible before getting in the water, then remove the coverings and carefully wash it with warm water and antibacterial soap before allowing it to air dry and heal. Use the aftercare cream for the duration of the tattoo healing procedure.

Can I swim three weeks after getting a tattoo?

Bottom line: Do not swim or immerse your tattoo in water for at least four weeks after it has been applied. A drop before that is not worth the risk.

 Can I swim 10 days after getting a tattoo?

According to tattoo guidelines, you should wait two weeks before swimming in the pool or ocean to allow the ink to cure – until then, your tattoo is still an open sore that must be treated as such.