Summer’s here, and there’s nothing like cooling off in the lake, diving into the pool, or floating at the beach. But if you’ve just gotten a new tattoo, you might be wondering: Can I still swim? The short answer is no, not yet. As tempting as it is to show off your fresh ink in the sun and water, doing this too soon can lead to fading, irritation, or even infection. Let’s break down why waiting is worth it.
Why Swimming with a Fresh Tattoo Is a Bad Idea.
A new tattoo is essentially an open wound. Your skin has just been punctured thousands of times by a needle. Exposing a fresh tattoo to water, especially in pools, lakes, oceans, or hot tubs, can introduce bacteria and chemicals that disrupt the healing process. The best-case scenario is some irritation. Worst case? Redness, swelling, pain, pus, or even fever, potentially requiring medical attention. Beyond that, water exposure can also cause the ink to fade, heal unevenly, or scab prematurely, which affects how the tattoo looks long-term. Even a quick swim can disrupt the healing process. If it happens, gently wash the tattoo with fragrance-free soap and water, pat it dry, and monitor it closely—seek medical help if you notice signs of infection.
How Long Do You Need to Wait?
Most artists recommend waiting 2 to 4 weeks before swimming, depending on the size of the tattoo, how you heal and how your tattoo is doing. You want to be sure the skin is fully closed—no scabs, flaking, or tenderness. Even if it looks healed after a week, don’t rush it. Everybody is different, and jumping in too early could undo all the care you’ve put into your tattoo so far.
What About Waterproof Bandages?
You might see waterproof tattoo bandages being advertised online. We don’t recommend relying on them. While products like Second Skin are water-resistant, they’re not fully waterproof. They’re designed to hold up during showers, not submersion. Lakes contain bacteria, algae, and other little nasties that can seep under the bandage if it lifts or weakens. Once that happens, the moist environment under the bandage becomes a perfect place for bacteria to grow. If your fresh tattoo gets wet, especially in a natural body of water, you’re risking both your health and the appearance of your tattoo. The safest choice is to wait until your tattoo is fully healed before swimming, no matter what kind of bandage you're wearing.
Bottom Line: Heal First, Swim Later.
We get it—summer’s short, and nobody wants to sit on the sidelines. But a little patience now will protect your tattoo in the long run. Once you’re fully healed, that tattoo will look even better against your sun-kissed skin. Until then, stick to dry land, follow your aftercare instructions, and maybe start planning your next piece.
