“ I’m going on holiday - how does this affect getting a tattoo? ”
We’ll often get requests from people who want a new tattoo for their upcoming holiday - and why wouldn’t you? It's the perfect place to show it off. To ensure the best healing and care for your tattoo, here's some tips on how to look after it in sunny weather!
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK MY TATTOO?
For your tattoo to be fully healed we always recommend allowing 2-4 weeks before your holiday. We prefer that you leave a full 4 weeks to ensure that the initial healing process is complete to limit any effects on how your tattoo heals.
If you’re unable to allow this amount of time before your holiday, we will always recommend getting booked in when you’re back from your holiday. While this means you won’t be able to show it off in the sun, it’ll ultimately lead to better longevity for your tattoo. We also tend to suggest allowing a bit of time after your holiday before the booking - this gives you a buffer in case you end up sunburnt. If you arrive at a tattoo appointment with sunburn your artist won’t be able to tattoo you and you’ll have to reschedule.
WHY CAN’T I BE TATTOOED WHEN I’M SUNBURNT?
There are a few reasons. Firstly, it’ll be more uncomfortable, sore and painful for you getting the tattoo. You’ll be having a needle repeatedly enter damaged skin which isn’t going to be a nice experience.
Your body is also already working hard to heal the sunburn and your immune system will be suppressed for a period of time which is going to affect how your tattoo heals.
Damaged skin is also harder for your artist to tattoo. The redness of the skin will make it harder for them to see the tattoo properly while they’re doing it.
THINGS TO AVOID WITH A HEALING TATTOO
Direct sunlight - sunlight fades the ink in your tattoo, and this is accelerated with a fresh/healing tattoo as the ink hasn’t had time to settle into your skin yet. A tattoo is also a healing wound so exposure to the sun can cause irritation. Sunburn on a fresh tattoo can also be very damaging. Recently tattooed skin is already tender, so getting sunburnt can inflame any redness, itching or dryness and in some cases can cause blistering of the area which will significantly affect how your tattoo heals alongside being dangerous for your skin.
Swimming or submerging it in water - submerging your tattoo in any kind of water exposes it to the potential of lots of bacteria getting into the wound and causing an infection. Water can also soften the skin and cause the healing, scabby layer to come off before it’s ready. Your body scabs over in order to protect the wound against bacteria and to heal it. Disrupting this process can affect the healing process immensely. Exposing your tattoo to chlorine can also cause irritation from the chemicals and it will dry your skin out making your tattoo less likely to heal well.
Sand - we all know that sand gets EVERYWHERE. If you’re planning to spend time on a sandy beach and you have a fresh tattoo, please ensure you keep it wrapped with some kind of barrier to avoid sand getting into the wound and irritating the skin or causing an infection.
HEALED TATTOOS ON HOLIDAY
If you want your tattoo to last a lifetime, it’s important you look after them even once they’ve healed. If you’re going on holiday and plan on being in the sun, make sure you’re using factor 50 on any tattoos. Without ample protection, your tattoos will fade significantly from repeated exposure to the sun and it will limit the life-span of your tattoo.
