If you’ve recently gotten a tattoo, you’re probably wondering when it’ll be safe to shave over it. We know this can be tricky, so we’re here to give you the rundown on what to expect!
Read on for all the details about how long it takes until your new tattoo is ready for a razor.
Table Of Contents
−- Understand the Healing Process of a Tattoo
- Wash and Protect Your Tattoo
- Choose the Right Products to Care for Your Tattoo
- Pay Attention to Your Diet
- Avoid Sun Exposure
- Be Cautious When Exercising
- Don’t Pick at the Scabs
- Patience is Key
- Visit a Professional for Touch Ups
- Choose the Right Razor to Shave Over Your Tattoo
Understand the Healing Process of a Tattoo
Understanding the healing process of a tattoo is essential when it comes to knowing when it’s safe to start shaving over it. It’s important to wait at least two weeks before shaving over your new tattoo, but ideally, four weeks would be the safe route.
This is because the skin needs time to heal, and any disruption during the healing process can cause the tattoo to become damaged. During the healing process, there should be no scabbing, peeling, or shininess on or around the tattoo.
Once these symptoms have subsided, you can safely shave over your tattoo. Additionally, it’s best to use a razor specifically designed for tattoos to prevent any irritation or damage to your new ink.
Wash and Protect Your Tattoo
After your tattoo, it is important to keep it clean and protected. Wash your tattoo with mild soap and warm water to remove any excess ink or ointment. Afterward, use a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
You should also apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the edges to help protect the tattoo against bacteria and friction. It is also important to avoid using any fragranced lotions or creams on a new tattoo, as they can irritate.
Most importantly, wait at least two weeks (four on the safe side) before shaving over the tattoo. This will give your skin enough time to heal and reduce the risk of infection or damage to the artwork.
Choose the Right Products to Care for Your Tattoo
When choosing the right products to care for your tattoo, make sure you opt for something specifically designed for new tattoos. It is also important to wait at least two weeks before you start shaving over your new tattoo. This is because your skin needs time to heal, and the scabs need time to shed naturally.
Shaving over a new tattoo too soon can cause the ink to become smudged, potentially ruining your design. It is important to be cautious when shaving over a tattoo, so make sure you use a quality razor and shave in the direction of hair growth.
Pay Attention to Your Diet
In addition to protecting and cleaning your tattoo, it’s important to pay attention to your diet. A balanced diet will ensure your body has the necessary vitamins and minerals to heal. Eating plenty of Vitamin C, like citrus fruits and leafy greens, will help promote healing.
Avoiding processed foods and alcohol will also help your body heal quicker. It’s also important to stay hydrated to ensure that your skin can heal properly. These measures will help ensure that your tattoo heals quickly and you can start shaving over it in no time.
Avoid Sun Exposure
It is important to protect your tattoo from the sun. You should avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks to ensure that your tattoo has healed properly. Sun exposure can cause fading, discoloration, and other issues with your tattoo.
Make sure to use sunscreen if you will be outside for a prolonged period, and always wear protective clothing if you plan on being in direct sunlight. Additionally, wait at least two weeks before shaving over your new tattoo, as this can cause further damage to the skin.
Be Cautious When Exercising
Exercising can be a great way to stay healthy, but it can also be detrimental to a new tattoo if done too soon. It is important to wait at least two weeks after getting a tattoo before resuming any strenuous activity like running or weight lifting.
Exercising can cause sweat and friction to the area, which can irritate the tattoo and cause it to become inflamed. Additionally, you should avoid submerging your new tattoo in water, like pools, hot tubs, or bathtubs.
This can cause infection or an adverse reaction to the ink. When it comes to exercising with a new tattoo, patience is key. Wait until your tattoo is completely healed before engaging in any vigorous activity.
Don’t Pick at the Scabs
You must avoid picking at the scabs when caring for a new tattoo. Picking at the scabs can damage the ink, cause infection, and slow the healing process. Instead of picking at the scab, keep the area clean and moisturized to ensure it heals properly. Once the tattoo has healed, and the scabbing has gone, you can begin to think about shaving over your tattoo.
Patience is Key
Patience is key when it comes to caring for a new tattoo. Waiting at least two weeks before shaving over the area is essential for the tattoo to heal properly and avoid any irritation or damage. Experts agree that waiting at least two weeks, if not four, is the safest way to avoid potential damage or irritation.
It’s also important to be gentle and use the right products when shaving over your new tattoo. Be sure to use a razor specifically for sensitive skin and shaving cream, gel, or soap to help protect your skin and your tattoo.
Visit a Professional for Touch Ups
After following these steps and waiting for your tattoo to be fully healed, you can visit a professional to find out if a touch-up is needed. It’s important to remember that once you start shaving over your tattoo, the ink may fade more quickly.
To prevent this, it’s best to take extra care with your aftercare routine and only shave over your tattoo after it has healed completely. This means waiting at least two weeks and up to a month, depending on your healing process. Be sure to use the right razor and products to avoid any further damage.
Choose the Right Razor to Shave Over Your Tattoo
When it comes to the right razor to shave over your tattoo, it is strongly recommended that you wait at least two weeks and, for best results, up to four weeks. This is to ensure that the outer layer of skin of your tattoo has had ample time to heal and avoid any potential damage due to the sharpness of a razor.
It is also important to note that you should never use a razor with cream, gel, or soap while your tattoo is still healing. If you must shave during this period, use an electric razor as it will be more gentle on the area. Once your tattoo is healed, you can use a traditional razor with care.
Jay Kang
Just because i'm asian does not mean I don't need shaving. I always wanted to grow a beard when I was young, now I need to shave because hair growth for me is a problem. I'm going through what every man will and has gone through before.