How Long Until You Can Shave Over A New Tattoo?

After getting a tattoo, it is recommended to wait at least two weeks (four on the safe side) before shaving. A new tattoo can take up to six weeks before it is fully healed, and the healing process depends on the aftercare and skin condition of the individual. It may take as little as two weeks, but each individual is different.

Shaving should be done until the tattoo is completely healed, with no scabbing and flat on the skin. Tattoos generally take around a month to heal completely, so it is best not to shave directly over the tattoo for a month. If you must shave over a new tattoo, it is best to wait 2-3 weeks for the rejuvenation of the skin and perfect healing.

If you are scared of cutting yourself before the session, don’t worry. It is advisable to wait at least two weeks for your tattoo to heal before shaving. If sensitivity and pain around the area are present, it is safe to shave. After a new layer of skin forms over the tattoo and scabs are gone, it is the safest time for a shave.

Dr. Nazarian recommends waiting between two weeks and a month for your new tattoo to fully heal before shaving. This means no scabbing, peeling, or shininess on or around the site of the tattoo. Once the tattoo is fully healed, shave as desired, but keep it clean.

In summary, it is best to avoid shaving directly over your new tattoo for the first month, as this timeline provides ample time for the healing process.

Should I Shave Before Getting A New Tattoo?

Taking care while shaving around a new tattoo is crucial, especially during the initial healing phase. A new tattoo, being an open wound, requires about six weeks to heal completely, making the skin particularly tender and vulnerable to damage. Therefore, it is important to plan your shaving routine properly; shave early enough to avoid irritation but late enough to prevent any hair from regrowing before your tattoo appointment.

Although shaving before getting a tattoo is advisable to ensure a smooth area, tattoo artists often perform shaving themselves as part of the pre-tattoo preparation. This helps in avoiding any cuts or irritations on the skin, which could make the tattooing process riskier and more uncomfortable. It is recommended to shave the area around one day before the appointment, ensuring that the skin is perfectly smooth and that the hair hasn't started to grow back.

However, do not shave over a fresh tattoo—doing so can lead to complications such as redness, irritation, or even infection. After receiving a tattoo, avoid shaving the area until it is fully healed, typically taking around two to three weeks. Wait until the scabbing has dried and peeled off, leaving new, flat skin before considering shaving.

If you're someone who prefers to handle shaving themselves, it's generally wise to avoid this practice immediately after getting your tattoo. In fact, letting the tattoo artist do the shaving can prevent bumps or irritations that might make the process more challenging. Shaving is not inherently damaging to a tattoo when done correctly prior to the application, as it only affects the top layer of skin, while the ink penetrates deeper into the skin. But shaving too soon can lead to cutting or irritating the delicate healing skin over the tattoo.

In summary, shaving plays a significant role in the tattooing process for a more seamless finish. It is important to ensure that the area is free of hair to avoid compromising the design. However, patience is crucial after the tattoo is completed; it is best to wait at least two weeks before shaving to ensure proper healing. Always prioritize caution and allow ample time for the tattoo to recover fully before engaging in shaving practices.