You just got a tattoo and you’re feeling great about it. But then someone tells you that you shouldn’t swim for a few weeks or else it’ll ruin the tattoo. Is this true? How long should you really wait to swim after getting a tattoo?
Checkout this video:
Introduction
There is no definitive answer to how long you should wait to swim after getting a tattoo. It is important to listen to your tattoo artist’s advice, as they will have the most experience with healing tattoos. In general, it is best to wait at least 2 weeks before swimming, as this gives the tattoo time to heal and prevents infection. However, some people may be able to swim sooner if their tattoo is fully healed and they take precautions to prevent infection.
The Risks of Swimming Too Soon
There are a few risks associated with swimming too soon after getting a tattoo. The main risk is infection. When you get a tattoo, the artist punctures your skin with a needle. This can introduce bacteria into your skin, which can lead to an infection.
Another risk is damage to the tattoo. Your tattoo is essentially an open wound when you first get it. Swimming in dirty water or exposing your tattoo to chlorine can irritate the wound and cause damage to the tattoo.
Finally, swimming too soon after getting a tattoo can delay the healing process. It’s important to give your tattoo time to heal so that it looks its best.
If you do decide to swim after getting a tattoo, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of infection or damage. Make sure the area is fully healed before you swim. Clean the area thoroughly before you swim and after you get out of the water. Avoid swimming in dirty water or water with a lot of chlorine.
How Long to Wait
It is important to wait until your tattoo has healed before you go swimming. This usually takes about two weeks, but it can take longer for some people. Once your tattoo is healed, you can protect it from the sun and chlorine by applying a waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should wait at least 2 weeks before swimming after getting a tattoo. This will allow your tattoo to heal properly and help prevent infection.