How Long After A Tattoo Can You Swim
Gabriel Cooper
Updated on May 22, 2026
How Long After A Tattoo Can You Swim
How long can I swim after getting a tattoo? My artist says 4 days but I read 2 weeks.
Is using oil or seafood different? Can I have a veil or can I use Vaseline? My friend suggested petroleum jelly, duct tape and more petroleum jelly. I really need to swim but I don't want to ruin my new tattoo. This is a fairly small tattoo (12 x 3 cm) that heals faster than just one. Like I said, my artist says I swim for 4 days, but will it be messy even if I cover?
Thank you very much
updateThe artist covered it with plastic wrap and poured a lot of Vaseline on top, told me to clean it every two or three days and then put Vaseline on top. If I were in the nest I would say it still looks great. I went to this with Vaseline, then hung up, then with duct tape, then another Vaseline and that was fine. I only had a few kids when we took it out next (it was just to check if it was waterproof ... which one). I did it on Wednesday and I really need to be on the water next Friday. Thank you very much and you are very helpful in answering.
Your tattoo artist is very irresponsible!
Does not enter the water: bath, lake, sea until completely healed = 2 to 4 weeks or more. If in doubt, wait a week.
You will destroy the image of your tattoo and it will have to be rebuilt.
(Probably a factor as to why they're doing so poorly.)
You may have a serious infection. All five waters accumulate with bacteria.
You should never apply petroleum jelly on healing tattoos as it will keep the bacteria safe and will suffocate them.
The current tuning tracks are:
You cannot soak your tattoo (whether in L, lake, sea or bath) until it is 100% cured and LLY. This can cause infection and the ink will come off and become visible and fade.
No, you can't cover a new tattoo with anything other than healing cream until it is completely healed. And be able to breathe (no tape)
You don't have to swim, you have tattoos, so now you have to accept responsibility.
Stay away from water and it will get better soon :)
How Long After A Tattoo Can You Swim
How Long After A Tattoo Can You Swim
My tattoo artist tells me that it all depends on how quickly I get well and when I get wet. You should not keep it wet until the stain is gone. (Approximately 12 weeks) Have you ever had itching and have you gone swimming or bathing? It smooths out and peels off the skin. So will your tattoo! Unless you can guarantee that the waterproof exclusive strip will protect you, I do not recommend swimming. You run the risk of damaging it. I now!
Vaseline and duct tape? you're crazy?
Bleach will remove the ink. When it comes to seawater, you run the risk of getting an open wound infection. It is best to wait for the tattoo skin to return to normal. This is usually two weeks.
The smaller it is, the faster you can get back into the water! I suggest you wait a week, but then you can swim for free! I thought the Vaseline Idea wouldn't work! I now!
I got a tattoo in December and went for a walk the next day.
I couldn't swim for 10-14 days. This includes going out in the sun.
Wear cast or shoes if you want to tan.