When Can You Shave Over a Tattoo?

Are you considering getting your favorite painting, a memorable moment, or the name of your beloved one imprinted on your body? However, is the body part under your consideration too hairy? 

Thus, are you wondering how to prepare your hairy skin before getting and tattoo and how to take care of it afterwards? As fun as getting a tattoo may seem, as difficult as its pre and post-care can be. 

Therefore, we plan on helping you understand the steps to take care of your skin from the beginning of your tattooing procedure to the

very end. Without further ado, let us learn when can you shave over a tattoo and what is the aftercare of a tattoo. 

Table of Contents:

• Part 1: Should I Shave Before a Tattoo?
• Part 2: Aftercare of a Tattoo
• Part 3: Physical Activities and Tattoo Care

Part 1: Should I Shave Before a Tattoo?

The very first question that will cross your mind while booking your tattoo appointment will be if you should shave your skin before going to the salon. 

Well, the answer depends upon where you are getting the tattoo. For example, if you are getting it on the sides or front part of your neck, there is no need to shave as hair is minimal. 

However, you have to shave beforehand if you are getting it on the back of your neck, arms, back, or abdomen. 

Pros of Shaving Before a Tattoo

Here are the benefits of shaving your skin before getting a tattoo. 

• Your tattoo artist will be delighted to see that you came prepared and he/she only has to shave the skin slightly
• Shaving removes the hair making skin clearly visible for the tattoo ink to be applied accurately 
• Shaving prepares the skin by creating a smooth surface allowing tattoo artists to work without any concerns about a rough surface
• As tattoo creates an open wound on the skin, hair can give way to bacterial infections
• Using shaving cream helps prepare the skin in a better way

Cons of Shaving Before a Tattoo

While shaving a hairy area of the body is definitely recommended before getting a tattoo, here are some of its side effects. 

• Shaving might create microtears in the skin if you have a skin disorder or you shave with a dull blade
• It can irritate sensitive skin leading to delaying the tattooing process until the damage heals
• If you are getting a tattoo on the skin with no hair, moving a razor over it for no reason is just an unnecessary effort

Professional Recommendations 

Here is what some professionals have to say about shaving the skin before tattooing. 

• As mentioned in Brydie, Tattoo artist S. Otsuji recommends shaving before tattooing as hair can cause infections.
• Similarly, artists at Black Hat Tattoo say that it is important to shave before getting a tattoo to create a clean and clear zone. 

Part 2: Aftercare of a Tattoo

Imagine that you were successful in getting the tattoo of your choice and you are so happy with the results that you don’t want to ruin it. So, what comes next? 

Among all aftercare tips for tattooing, you must not shave your skin immediately after the procedure. 

As hair keeps growing on the skin with tattoos, let us learn when you can use a razor on a fresh tattoo. 

When Can You Shave Over a Tattoo?

The general guidelines suggest that you can shave over a tattoo about 2 to 4 weeks after getting it. It is because tattooing compromises the barrier of the skin and creates a wound on it. You have to allow that wound to heal before you can touch it with a razor. 

During the 1st few days of tattooing, the wound is tender and fresh. As time passes, scabs form and they begin to heal. As a whole, this process takes about a month. 

Furthermore, the timeline may differ depending on the body area and size of the tattoo. For example, a small tattoo on the arms can heal itself in a day or two while a medium-sized tattoo on the legs or any other large area of the body takes at least 2 weeks. 

Similarly, a larger tattoo will take a month. 

Does Shaving Over a Tattoo Make It Fade?

Once the tattoo is healed completely, the injected ink is well-settled under the layers of the skin. As shaving is done on the surface of the skin, there is no way that shaving can fade a tattoo. Rather shaving makes the tattoo more apparent. It does so by removing the layer of dead skin cells, impurities, and unwanted hair from the skin. 

In addition, you can maintain the vibrancy of your tattoo by, 

• Moisturizing the skin regularly and protecting it from the sun
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle for a healthy skin
• Avoiding touching the tattoo again and again
• Doing touch-ups, when needed 

Part 3: Physical Activities and Tattoo Care

In addition to shaving, there are a few queries people ask after getting a tattoo. Let us answer those here. 

Can You Sweat With a New Tattoo?

Again, let us remind you that your skin barrier is not in a good state after getting a fresh tattoo. It is compromised and sweating will irritate the skin and lead to infections. Furthermore, it might fade the tattoo as the ink is not fully settled into your skin yet. 

However, you cannot avoid working out for a month, right? Therefore, you can resume your exercise by following these tips, 

• Low-intensity workout
• Exercising with the body parts without including the one with a tattoo
• Doing yoga, walking, light cardio, and squatting 
• Wearing loose clothes 
• Cleaning the tattooed skin after exercise 

Can You Run After Getting a Tattoo?

Running is another form of exercise that can make you sweat and irritate your skin after getting a tattoo. Thus, it is best to avoid running until your tattoo heals. Also, even if you want to run, wait for 1 to 2 days before beginning your running routine gradually. While running, cover your tattooed skin with loose clothes to prevent skin irritation and UV damage. 

Avoid running for about a week if the tattoo is on your legs. Lastly, ensure that you wash the skin with a tattoo using a gentle cleanser and moisturize it afterward. Runners can shave their legs to avoid sweating as well. 

Conclusion

Tattoo injects ink just under the surface of the skin and implicits transient damage to the skin. This is why you have to avoid shaving on a fresh tattoo for at least 2 weeks. 

Moreover, you need to exercise carefully and avoid sweating on the body parts with tattoos to prevent infections and delayed healing of your imprint. 

It is important to keep the tattooed area clean and moisturized for the best results. Therefore, if you want to get a tattoo, you can get it without any concerns by following the tips mentioned in this article.