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Tattoos, sun & swimming

Kaiiza tattoo artist

You can absolutely get tattooed in summer. Depending on the placement, light, loose clothing can even make it more comfortable. Keep your tattoo out of the sun while it heals, and wait until it has fully healed before swimming. The few precautions below will help you care for it in summer and throughout the year.

How do you protect a fresh tattoo?

Your skin needs time to heal after being tattooed. Keep the area out of direct sunlight with loose clothing that covers it, and choose shade.

While it heals, use only the aftercare product recommended at the studio. Wait until healing is complete before applying sunscreen.

When can I swim again?

Wait until your tattoo has fully healed before swimming in a pool, lake or the sea. While it heals, wash it following the aftercare instructions given at the studio.

You'll find those steps in the aftercare sheet. The tattoo healing guide explains what to expect as your skin heals.

Small coloured ginkgo-leaf tattoo on the hand
Large black-and-grey floral tattoo on the shoulder
Fine-line floral tattoo on the hip

Sunscreen which one, when, how?

Once your tattoo has fully healed, apply SPF 50 sunscreen whenever the area is exposed to the sun. Follow your sunscreen's instructions for swimming and reapplication.

A healed tattoo how does sunlight affect it?

UV rays can fade tattoo colours, so sun protection still matters once your tattoo has healed.

Sunburn before your session?

If the area you want tattooed is sunburnt or injured, let me know before you come in. We'll postpone the session to give your skin time to recover.

You'll find the advice for preparing your skin in Preparing for a tattoo session.

Frequently asked questions

can i swim with a fresh tattoo?

Wait until it has fully healed. You can find the precautions in When can I swim again?

what about sunbeds?

Sunbeds are best avoided, even after your tattoo has healed. Their UV rays can fade tattoo colours and increase the risk of skin cancer.

can a sun-faded tattoo be refreshed?

At the studio appointment, we'll look at your tattoo and the options for bringing back contrast. You'll find more on the Rework, finishing & touch-up page.

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