You just got a fresh tattoo, and it looks amazing. Now you're standing in front of the shower, and you’re like, “How do I do this without screwing up the results?”

So, can you shower with a new tattoo? The answer is a resounding yes—and you should. Showering helps wash away dried plasma, blood, and extra ink that can lead to thick scabbing. Showering safely with a new tattoo is simple as long as you follow the right steps.

When Is It Safe to Take Your First Shower?

You don't need to wait for days to get clean. Most artists suggest waiting about two to five hours after your session before you hop in the shower. This gives your skin a little time to stop weeping and start the closing process. It’s always best to follow the specific advice your artist gave you, since they know exactly how your skin reacted during the session.

Learn about these early healing stages in our blog all about the first 48 hours of tattoo healing. o.

How to Clean Your Tattoo in the Shower

Wash it like you mean it… but safely. Here’s how: 

Step 1: Keep the shower short

Don't spend too much time under the shower head. Long showers can make your skin too soft, which can cause problems with the healing process. Try to stay in for less than ten minutes.

Step 2: Use lukewarm water only

Hot water can sting and irritate a fresh tattoo. It can also open your pores too much. Stick to lukewarm water so your skin stays chill and comfortable.

Step 3: Let water run over the area indirectly

Don't let the shower head spray directly onto your new art. High-pressure water can make your healing skin go, “WTF?” Let the water hit your shoulder or back first, then let it flow gently over the tattoo.

Step 4: Use a mild, fragrance-free soap

It's best to use a soap that doesn't have harsh chemicals, dyes, or scents. Recovery Aftercare Soap is a great option because it's made specifically for this. It cleans the area well without irritating it..

Step 5: Clean gently with your hand

Washcloths, loofahs, and sponges are a big no during the early healing stages. They can be scratchy and might carry germs. Apply light, gentle pressure with a clean hand, indirect water, and mild soap. 

Step 6: Rinse thoroughly

You want to make sure all the soap, extra ink, and plasma are gone. Rinse the area until the skin doesn't feel slimy anymore. Any soap left behind can cause the skin to dry out, itch, or flake.

Step 7: Pat dry

When you come out of the shower, don’t towel off your new tattoo aggressively. Make sure the towel’s clean, and use it to gently pat dry the tattoo site.

Things to Avoid While Showering

Here are the biggest things you want to avoidwhile you're in the shower.

No soaking (baths, pools, or hot tubs)

You shouldn't submerge your new tattoo in water. This means you need to avoid baths, swimming pools, and hot tubs. When you soak a tattoo, the skin gets too wet. This can pull the ink right out. Water in pools and tubs also has bacteria, which means there’s risk off infection. 

No high-pressure water hitting the tattoo directly

We said it above and we’ll say it again, louder for the folks in the back: Strong water pressure is too much for your skin to handle right now. Don't let the shower spray hit the tattoo directly. It can hurt and might even damage the new art. Keep your body turned so the water flows over the area gently instead of blasting it.

No scrubbing or rubbing

Your tattoo might feel itchy, but you shouldn't scrub or rub the area. Don't use washcloths or loofahs because they're too rough. Scrubbing can pull off scabs before they're ready to fall off on their own. This leads to scarring or missing spots in your tattoo.

How to Dry Your Tattoo Properly

How you dry your tattoo is just as important as how you wash it. Follow these simple steps to keep your ink safe after your shower.

1. Pat the area dry: Use a clean paper towel or a fresh towel that hasn't been used yet. Gently pat the tattoo until it's dry. 
2. Let it air dry: After you pat it dry, give your skin a few minutes to breathe. This helps make sure there isn't any extra moisture trapped on the surface before you put clothes on.
3. Apply a thin layer of aftercare: Once the skin is dry, use a very small amount of a tattoo lotion or salve. It shouldn't look thick, shiny, or greasy. You only need a tiny bit to keep the skin from feeling tight or dry.
4. Protect it at night: If you're showering right before bed, you'll want to make sure your ink stays safe while you rest. You can learn more about how to protect your new tattoo while you sleep so it doesn't stick to your sheets or get irritated overnight.

When to Worry: Signs of Irritation

It's normal for a new tattoo to look a little pink or feel tender for a few days. But you should watch how your skin reacts after a shower. If you see certain signs, it might mean you're being too rough or washing it too much.

Keep an eye out for these signs:

• Extra redness: If the area gets much redder or stays red for a long time after your shower
• Extreme dryness: If your skin feels very tight, looks cracked, or starts to peel
• Increased irritation: If the tattoo stings, burns, or feels hella itchy 

These are red flags that indicate you might not be following the steps above. If you aren't sure if what you see is normal, you can read more about how to tell if a tattoo is infected or just healing.

Keep Your New Ink Looking Its Best

When you have the right shower routine and aftercare you can relax and enjoy your new look. If you want to know more about what to expect during the next few weeks, you can read about the healing stages of a tattoo. 

To make things even easier, you can use our Recovery Professional Tattoo Care Kit. It has everything you need to keep your skin clean, safe, and moisturized from the very first day. Your ink is an investment, so let's make sure you heal it like you mean it.