Yeah, getting a new tattoo can really sound fun and exciting. But you should be aware of a few things. Especially the post-maintenance facts of a newly inked area of your skin. Suppose you got a tattoo on a particular place where you need to shave on a regular basis. Getting worried?
Have no fear; that’s exactly where we come in to help you out.
There’s a certain thing called the “healing process” of a tattoo. If your tattoo has gone through this, then you really don’t need to worry much. However, we’re about to cover the whole topic in detail in this one.
So, let’s get to it! Shall we?
Table of Contents
The Healing Procedure
Before we dive into the “Can” and “Can’t” discussion, I believe it’s pretty darn important to cover all there is to know about the healing process. So, what is it actually?
How it Works
The first thing you need to know is that it’s expected for a new tattoo to scab over the skin. So, what basically happens is that the old layers of skin are shed, and the body generates new skin. You’ll notice a certain shine until the healing process is complete.
The new skin actually preserves the ink by creating a protective barrier over the tattoo. Pretty interesting, right? Now, let’s move on.
The Required Time
The healing process for a tattoo generally takes two to six weeks. Keep note that not all tattoos need a total of six weeks. Some even get healed within the range of four weeks. This greatly depends on the size and location of the tattoo. The care you take after it gets done can also have an impact.
The Problem Factors
The healing process can be interrupted due to a few unwanted actions. Suppose if you accidentally shaved the unhealed inked area, that’ll prove to be a problem. During the healing process, you’ll experience an urge to itch the newly tattooed area.
Yes, it’s possible to resist the temptation while you’re awake. But what happens when you go to sleep? Or suppose you get scratched unintentionally, or an open wound occurs due to an accident. That’s exactly why you’ll need to take proper care of the newly tattooed skin.
Aftercare
You have to prevent possible damage or infection. Here’s how to do it.
- Proper cleaning with warm water.
- The use of anti-bacterial soap.
- Using hands only to clean the tattooed area.
- Using a clean and dry towel after cleaning.
- Applying ointment (A & D) if needed.
But once the healing process is complete, you should be able to shave the inked area without any worries. That’s exactly why proper care and time are needed during the healing process.
Should You Shave Before Getting a Tattoo?
The short answer is, yes, you should. If you want a smooth finish without any possibility of getting infected, you need to get the area that’s going to be inked shaved properly. You’ll find that most tattoo artists will do it before starting their work. Be it your chest, back, or arms, the hair has got to go.
Be sure to avoid razor burn or irritation during the shaving process. It’s recommended to use a good razor for the purpose.
Note: If your skin is sensitive and you face irritation after a shave, it’s wise to get the targeted skin area shaved a few days before shaving.
How to Tell If It’s Safe to Shave
The best way to do this is to perform a simple skin test. This should help you decide whether your skin is safe to shave or not. Follow the steps below.
- Close your eyes and run your fingertips gently along the tattooed skin.
- If you come across scabs or bumps, then it’s not prepared for a shave yet.
- If the area is just like the skin around it, it means the skin has healed, and you can actually think about shaving.
- If you feel any irregularities while touching the tattooed skin, you should give it more time to heal.
Ways to Remove Hair on Tattooed Area
So, the bottom line is, that you can shave the tattooed area after completing the healing process. Let’s discuss the hair removal methods you can apply.
A Smooth Shave
This is obviously the most common method you can think of, right? When the tattoo is fully healed, and the ink seeps into the deep layers of the skin known as the dermis, it’s the best time to shave. You should know that hair removal creams only take effect from the epidermis (The layer above the dermis).
So, avoid hair removal creams before the healing time. Once the skin is ready, you can opt for a usual shave without any worries.
Proper Waxing
A good wax can be a very efficient way to remove hair from the healed tattooed skin. Wax takes effect on the epidermis or the exterior most layer of skin. So, you don’t need to worry about it having any effect on the tattoo.
However, do it only when the skin is healed. Otherwise, the waxing process can pull off the scabs and heal skin that would result in discoloration or possible scarring.
Laser Hair Removal
You wouldn’t want to take this approach at any time frame. Healed or unhealed skin doesn’t matter here, really. It can lead to permanent skin damage and tattoo distortion as well. Still, if you have to do it for some reason, make sure it’s done before the tattoo is applied in the first place.
The Final Coin in the Bag
I hope this answers all the questions regarding whether you can or can’t shave over your tattoo. I explained the healing process and exactly why it’s not a good idea to remove hair before it’s completed. Apart from going through the basics, I believe now you have a clear idea of the whole concept.
So, the final answer is, yes, you can shave over a tattoo. But only after a certain time frame, after following certain procedures. I hope all this information helped. If you have a plan to get a new tattoo, you may consider visiting allabouttattoo.com for exclusive tattoo ideas. Let’s wrap this up for now.
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