How Long After A Tattoo Should I Wait To Bathe?

If you ever find yourself thinking, “How long after getting a tattoo can I go for a bath?” then you’re definitely not alone — it’s one of the most common aftercare questions we get here at Cosmetic Tattoo Studio Brisbane Face Figurati. Getting new ink is exciting, but without proper care, your tattoo colour can fade fast, or worse — you could risk infection.

At our beauty studio in Brisbane, Uliana Kasperska and the team always remind clients that patience and skin care are key to perfect healing. Whether it’s a lip blush tattoo, brow tattoo or a delicate fine line design, how you treat your skin after your session determines how vibrant your tattoo looks long-term.

Why a Little Bit of Patience is Worth It

When you get a new tattoo, it’s basically an open wound coated in a thin layer of lymphatic fluid, ink, and skin cells. That’s why you shouldn’t get it wet too soon — it needs time to breathe and seal before exposure to soap or hot showers.

The healing time for most tattoos and permanent makeup in Brisbane’s humid climate is 10–14 days, sometimes up to three weeks for dense or larger pieces. Submerging too early can soften or peel that protective layer, slowing recovery and affecting pigment retention.

The Skin’s Healing Timeline

Stage	Typical Days	What Happens	Tattoo Care Tips
Initial Weeping	1–3 Days	Plasma and lymphatic fluid weep from the tattoo	Keep covered with medical-grade film or bandage; avoid long showers
Drying Phase	3–7 Days	The skin tightens and starts flaking	Use fragrance-free soap and gently pat dry
Peeling Phase	7–14 Days	Thin scabs form and shed	Apply a thin layer of hydrating aftercare balm
Surface Healed	14+ Days	Skin looks smooth and settled	Resume normal showers and use SPF 30+ daily

The Real Risks Of Showering Too Soon

Many clients think a quick dip in lukewarm water won’t hurt, but even short exposure to soapy water or hot tubs can cause pigment fading or bacterial infection. Your skin is still open, and water isn’t always clean.

Ink fading or blowout: High-pressure water can push pigment out of healing skin.
Skin infections: Baths, pools, or hot tubs can introduce bacteria.
Delayed healing: Over-moisturising softens scabs and slows recovery.
Uneven colour: Overhydrated skin heals patchy or shiny, especially on curves or joints.

Uliana Kasperska often says: “Treat your new lip tattoo like a pair of white sneakers — you wouldn’t wear them in the rain, so don’t soak your skin too soon.”

How To Properly Wash Your New Tattoo

Showering is fine — just keep it short, gentle, and lukewarm. Avoid heat, harsh soaps, and strong water pressure on fresh ink.

Step-By-Step Shower Routine

Wait 24–48 hours before your first rinse (remove film only as advised).
Use lukewarm water — never hot.
Clean with a hypoallergenic cleanser or gentle, fragrance-free soap.
No loofahs or washcloths — use clean hands only.
Rinse gently and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Apply a light layer of tattoo balm or healing spray like After Ink.

Studio tip: Avoid rainfall shower heads — the pressure can strip pigment even in one wash.

What To Use

Fragrance-free or hypoallergenic soap
Tattoo balm or Aftercare Cream to prevent dryness
Healing sprays like After Ink or a professional aftercare set
Unscented moisturiser once peeling ends
Waterproof bandage or medical tape for protection during first 24 hours

What To Avoid

Product	Why It’s Harmful
Antibacterial soap	Too harsh — strips oils and irritates healing skin
Scented body wash	Fragrance slows recovery and causes redness
Exfoliating scrubs	Damage new tissue and remove pigment
Bath oils or Epsom salts	Increase infection risk and soften scabs
High-pressure showers	Cause trauma and pigment loss

Our Studio Healing Tips

Taking care of your tattoo isn’t rocket science — just keep it clean, protected, and hydrated without suffocating your skin.

Hands off: Don’t scratch flakes; let them fall naturally.
No baths, pools, or saunas for at least two weeks.
Loose clothes only: Avoid tight fabrics around fresh ink.
UV protection: Once healed, use SPF 50+ to prevent fading.
Stay hydrated and nourished: Healthy skin heals better.
Sleep clean: Use fresh sheets and avoid lying directly on the tattoo, or micro microbladed brows.

Brisbane’s heat and humidity can make aftercare tricky — avoid sweat-heavy workouts in the first few days to prevent irritation.

artist

Since 2016 of expertise in the professional tattooing industry, Anastasia is a certified and licensed beauty cosmetic tattooing specialist. She has all the necessary licenses and qualifications for permanent makeup in Europe and Australia.