Summer is one of the busiest times of year for tattoo studios. The warmer weather means we are able to wear short sleeves and more revealing clothing – often displaying old tattoos that need a fix-up (or full cover-up in some cases!) and for those of us with many tattoos, this also displays areas of the body that are blank and just waiting to be filled with some new artwork!
However, getting tattooed in the warmer months brings a whole host of other risk factors into play, from sunburn and peeling skin to timing appointments and healing times around planned holidays and much needed time in the water! Carry on reading for a guide of how you can be fully informed and prepared for your Summer tattoo appointment…
Hydration – Hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE! In warmer weather we’re often more dehydrated than we’re aware of and this can dramatically affect your skin and healing times. Be sure to drink plenty of water in the lead up to your tattoo appointment, on the day of and during the healing process for best results.
Sun Protection – Stay out of the sun before your appointment to avoid getting sunburn on the area about to be tattooed. If being outside beforehand is unavoidable, wear clothing that covers the area or a high factor sun cream and stay in the shade as much as possible. Tattoo artists can’t tattoo over sun burnt or peeling skin and if you arrive to your appointment with skin in this condition, you may be turned away and lose your deposit! After your appointment, be sure to keep your fresh tattoo out of the sun and avoid sun beds for at least 3 weeks. Never apply sun cream to a fresh/healing tattoo and opt for sticking to the shade instead during the healing process.
Fake Tan – The safer option for skin health is always a spray tan/fake tan to achieve that healthy glow. However, be sure not to come to your tattoo appointment wearing fake tan. For best results with your tattoo, your artist will need a clean canvas to work on. A layer of fake tan will need to be scrubbed away before being able to tattoo the area which can take time and make the skin more sensitive before tattooing (as well as being a waste of money if you’ve paid for a professional spray tan before attending your tattoo appointment!). Be sure not to apply fake/spray tan for at least 3 weeks after being tattooed.
Activities in water – Hotter months are the perfect time to enjoy swimming, hot tubs, slip-n-slides and paddling pools, however you’ll want to avoid them for at least 3 weeks after your tattoo to ensure you don’t have any issues or infections whilst healing. Other than daily showering, be sure to avoid submerging your fresh/healing tattoo in water. If you’re planning on going on holiday somewhere hot or sunny where you’ll be swimming and taking part in outdoor activities, ensure your tattoo appointment is booked at least 3-4 weeks before your holiday at a minimum so it is fully healed by the time you set off. Alternatively, rearrange the appointment with your artist for when you get back so you can enjoy your holiday fully with no worries about your new tattoo.
Extra tips for clients:
- Bring a cold soft drink or electrolyte drink to your appointment. Most studios will allow you to keep extra in the fridge if you have a particularly long appointment.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows the artist to reach the area being tattooed with ease whilst also keeping your body cool. Restrictive, tight or synthetic clothing can often cause you to sweat or become uncomfortable during your appointment.
- Bring a small battery-powered fan to your appointment. Not all studios have air conditioning (especially in the UK!) and this means you can keep yourself cool without the added movement and energy of using a hand fan.
As always, if you have any questions, worries or doubts in the lead up to your tattoo appointment, contact your artist directly and they will always be happy to help 🙂
Enjoy the sunshine and your new tattoos!
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Bex Fisher 
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