For many people, summer is the perfect time to get a new tattoo. You have more free time, you’re feeling relaxed, and a fresh tattoo looks fantastic, of course. But at the same time, summer also raises a lot of questions. So is it a good idea to be getting a tattoo in summer?
Can you get a tattoo if you’re going on vacation soon? Is it okay to go out in the sun with a new tattoo? And what about swimming in the ocean or a pool?
The good news: it’s perfectly fine to get a tattoo in the summer. As long as you know what to watch out for and are willing to take proper care of your tattoo.
In this blog, we’ll explain how to ensure your tattoo heals properly during the hottest months of the year.
Can you get a tattoo in the summer?
The short answer? Yes.
There’s a persistent myth that you can’t get a tattoo in the summer, but that’s simply not true. Our studio is open as usual during the summer, and every day we create beautiful tattoos that heal without any problems.
What really matters is how you take care of your new tattoo.
A fresh tattoo is essentially an open wound. Your skin needs time to heal and is especially sensitive to UV rays, bacteria, chlorine, and salt water during the first few weeks. That doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all summer, but it does mean you’ll need to be a little more mindful of your choices at times.
Why the sun isn’t good for a new tattoo
The biggest challenge in the summer is the sun.
UV radiation can disrupt the healing process and cause colors to fade more quickly. In addition, sunburned skin can become even more irritated, which can result in your tattoo healing less beautifully.
That’s why we recommend keeping a new tattoo out of direct sunlight as much as possible during the first few weeks.
Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the tattoo, or seek out the shade regularly. Only once your tattoo has fully healed should you use sunscreen with a high SPF to keep it looking its best for a long time.
Can you go swimming with a new tattoo?
We get it: when it’s 30 degrees, there’s nothing you’d rather do than take a dip. Still, it’s wise to wait a little while longer.
During the healing process, we do not recommend:
- Swimming Pools
- The Sea
- Lakes
- Jacuzzis
- Saunas
A fresh tattoo is sensitive. Chlorine, salt water, and bacteria can irritate the skin and increase the risk of infection.
In general, tattoo artists recommend waiting about 2 to 4 weeks before swimming again. The exact healing time varies from person to person and depends on the size, location, and how your skin heals.
At INKORPORATED, we believe that proper aftercare is just as important as the tattooing process itself. That’s why we always take the time to give you personalized advice tailored to your situation. Are you going on vacation soon? Do you have a festival coming up, or are you wondering when you can go swimming again? We’re happy to help you figure things out and give you honest advice, so your tattoo has the best chance of healing beautifully.
Do you have any questions after your appointment? If so, you can always call us, send us a message, or stop by the studio. We’re here for you even after your tattoo is done.
Getting a tattoo before your vacation: smart or not?
That depends entirely on your plans. Are you going on a city trip where you’ll mainly visit museums and sit at a sidewalk café every now and then? In that case, getting a tattoo beforehand is usually not a problem.
Does your vacation mainly consist of days at the beach, swimming, surfing, and sunbathing? If so, it’s often a better idea to schedule your appointment after your vacation.
That way, you don’t have to worry about the sun, the sea, or pool water, and you can relax and start your recovery once you get home.
Tattoo aftercare during hot days
Hot weather sometimes calls for just a little extra care. Try the following during the first few weeks:
- Keep your tattoo clean and dry.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing so your skin can breathe.
- Minimize excessive sweating as much as possible.
- There are no flakes or scabs to pick at.
- Use the aftercare cream recommended by your tattoo artist.
The better you follow the aftercare instructions, the better your tattoo will heal in the end.
Getting a tattoo while on vacation? Don’t forget about hygiene and safety
Getting a tattoo while on vacation sounds like a unique souvenir. Whether you’re in Bali, Thailand, Spain, or Greece, you’ll find tattoo studios on almost every street corner in many popular vacation destinations.
Still, it’s important not to base your decision solely on a beautiful Instagram feed or an attractive price.
A tattoo is something you’ll have for the rest of your life. That’s why hygiene, safety, and craftsmanship are just as important as the design itself.
In the Netherlands, tattoo studios must meet strict hygiene and safety requirements and hold a license from the GGD. Clear guidelines are in place regarding, among other things, sterile materials, hygienic practices, and infection prevention.
Abroad, the rules and inspections can vary greatly from country to country. As a customer, it’s also difficult to assess whether a studio is actually following the proper hygiene protocols. After all, a clean, well-maintained facility or lots of positive reviews don’t tell the whole story about what goes on behind the scenes.
That doesn’t mean you can’t get a good tattoo abroad. There are fantastic tattoo artists all over the world. But it often requires more research and trust, especially since you might not be familiar with local regulations or quality control standards.
On top of that, aftercare can be more challenging while on vacation. Sun, sea, pool water, and a warm climate aren’t ideal for a fresh tattoo. And if you have questions about the healing process after a few days, popping back to the studio isn’t usually an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go out in the sun with a new tattoo?
No. Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight as much as possible during the first few weeks. Once the tattoo has fully healed, always use sunscreen with a high SPF to keep the colors looking their best.
Can I go swimming with a new tattoo?
No. Wait until your tattoo has fully healed before swimming in the ocean, a pool, or a lake.
Is sweating bad for a new tattoo?
A little sweating isn’t a problem, but intense exercise right after getting a tattoo can further irritate your skin. So give your body a few days to rest.
Is summer a bad time to get a tattoo?
Absolutely not. As long as you take the sun, swimming, and proper aftercare into account, you can get a tattoo in the summer without any problems.
Enjoy the summer—and your new tattoo!
So getting a tattoo in the summer is definitely possible. It just requires a little more preparation than in the winter.
Protect your tattoo from the sun, wait a little while before swimming, and carefully follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions. This will give your tattoo the best chance to heal beautifully, and you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come.
At INKORPORATED, we take the time not only to help you choose the perfect design, but also to make sure you’re well prepared for the healing process. During your appointment, we’ll provide personalized advice tailored to your plans. Are you going on vacation soon? Do you spend a lot of time outdoors, or do you want to know if your tattoo will be healed in time for a festival or a day at the beach? We’ll work with you to figure it out and give you honest advice on the best option.
After all, a beautiful tattoo doesn’t end when you leave the studio. Proper aftercare is just as important as the tattooing process itself. That’s why we make sure you know exactly how to care for your tattoo, so it will look beautiful not just today, but ten years from now as well.
Are you thinking about getting a tattoo and wondering what’s best for you? Feel free to contact us or stop by one of our studios in Amsterdam. We’d be happy to advise you so that you can start your new tattoo feeling confident and well-prepared.
