There’s nothing more exciting than showing off your fresh tattoo. However, the visible hairs bursting through your tattoo can create the urge to shave right over it. But doing so can leave you with rashes, itchiness, and more. So, when can you shave over a tattoo? Remember, patience is key, as shaving over a fresh tattoo can lead to scabbing, infection, or ingrown hairs. But if you’re itching to show off that gorgeous tattoo design, hold on just a little longer. In this article, we’ll learn about the benefits of shaving over a tattoo, whether you should shave before getting a tattoo, and how long you should wait before doing so. What are you waiting for? Scroll down to learn more!
Can you shave over a new tattoo?
Image: Shutterstock
No, you should wait until your tattoo is fully healed before shaving. A tattoo goes through several healing phases that last at least 4-6 weeks. Your tattoo will leak plasma and feel warm and tender to the touch. Once this phase is complete, it will form scabs that will fall off before a new layer of skin grows. Shaving over that delicate and sensitive skin can disrupt the healing process and increase microscopic tears, irritation, and even the risk of scarring. Because the tattoo is like an open wound, shaving over it can increase the chance of infection, which will affect the healing process of your tattoo.
Shaving over a new tattoo comes with risks. So, when is it safe to shave over your tattoo? Find out in the next section.
When can you shave over a tattoo?
Image: Shutterstock
You can shave over a tattoo once your skin has fully healed and there are no visible scabs. Remember to be patient though, as tattoo healing is a slow process. The top layer of skin may look healthy and healed, but the layers of skin underneath may still be healing. Therefore, give the ink time to settle and wait at least 3 to 4 weeks for the skin to fully heal before shaving again. Most importantly, consult a tattoo artist or healthcare professional for tattoo aftercare tailored to your skin type. Shaving over a fully healed tattoo has its benefits. Find out what they are in the next section.
Benefits of Shaving Over a Tattoo
When done properly, shaving over a fully healed tattoo offers the following benefits:
Shaving helps remove unwanted body hair, which can improve the visibility of your tattoo. Regular shaving can prevent ingrown hairs, which can cause blisters on your tattooed skin. Shaving helps remove dead skin cells, which can make your tattoo look brighter.
Quick tip
If you have sensitive skin, shave a few days before getting a tattoo to allow your skin to heal completely.
Shaving over a tattoo can give it a smoother, brighter appearance. Learn how to do it safely in the section below.
How to Shave Safely with New Ink
Image: Shutterstock
Even after your tattoo has fully healed, you should be very careful about how you shave over it. Using a dull razor or an old blade over your ink can increase the risk of minor cuts or introduce bacteria into the healing skin. You can follow the steps below to ensure a safe shaving experience:
1. Take a shower
Take a shower or soak yourself in lukewarm water. It helps remove dirt, oil and bacteria that have accumulated on your skin and creates a clean canvas for shaving. It also softens the hairs, making for a comfortable shaving experience.
2. Exfoliate the right way
Use a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells, smooth the skin and ensure an easy, close shave.
3. Choose the right razor
Always use a brand new razor with a moisturizing strip to reduce friction and make the shaving process smoother. Make sure the razor is clean and thoroughly disinfected before use to minimize the risk of bacterial infection.
Pro tip
You can use an electric razor or chemical depilatory to shave off the hair after your tattoo has completely healed, as these methods are less damaging to the skin than regular razors.
4. Shave in the direction of hair growth
Shaving in the direction of hair growth can reduce friction and minimize the risk of ingrown hairs.
5. Wash your skin with cold water
Rinse the area thoroughly with cold water when you are finished shaving. This will help to reduce any redness or inflammation of the skin, if present. Apply a gentle moisturizer afterwards to keep the shaved area soft and hydrated.
6. Hydrate your tattoo well
After shaving, use an unscented moisturizer as recommended by your tattoo artist to prevent dry skin and soften the tattooed area.
By following the simple tips above, you can ensure that your tattoo stays vibrant and avoid cuts. Although shaving over a new tattoo is not recommended, can shaving before the session affect the tattooing? Find out in the next section.
Should I shave before getting a tattoo?
Image: Shutterstock
Shaving before a tattoo is essential because small, stray hairs can get in the way during the tattooing process. Additionally, hair harbors bacteria that can increase the risk of irritation before the tattoo. Additionally, the small tattoo needles can grab the hair shaft or even pull it out of the roots, causing a lot of discomfort. Therefore, shaving before a session can provide a clean canvas for your tattoo artist, making it a smooth and safe experience for you.
Shaving before getting a tattoo can lead to a cleaner, brighter finish. But if you’re worried about cutting yourself before your appointment, can your tattoo artist help? Read more in the section below.
Do tattoo artists shave the area before tattooing?
If you’re worried about an accidental shaving cut before your session, leave it to the experts. Tattoo artists typically shave the area before they begin a tattoo to make for a smoother tattooing process. They clean the area with an antiseptic to reduce the chance of infection. They then use a disposable razor to shave the area in sections and in the direction of hair growth to avoid irritating the skin.
Remember, tattoo artists are trained to follow safety procedures to create a positive, sanitary and safe environment before and after tattooing.
Lisa, a blogger, shared her experience of getting a tattoo on her blog. She wrote about the careful pre-tattoo process her tattoo artist followed before the session. She noted, “He cleaned my wrist with antiseptic and shaved around the area where the tattoo would go. I hadn’t even thought about it before, but it makes sense because hair can’t get in the way (i).”
Shaving over freshly tattooed skin can ruin the tattoo design, irritate and damage the skin, and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, wait 2-6 weeks before shaving your new tattoo. This can give your tattoo a brighter, more visible look. While you should wait before shaving a new tattoo, doing so a few days before your session can ensure a smooth and safe tattooing experience. However, if you’re worried about cutting yourself before your session, don’t worry. Your tattoo artist will disinfect the area and shave it properly and safely to ensure it’s ready for the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wax after a tattoo?
You can wax after getting a tattoo. However, waxing is considered more traumatic than shaving because the hair has to be pulled out from the roots. This can damage the tattoo and irritate the skin further. Therefore, wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before waxing the tattooed area.
Can I shave over my tattoo after a month?
Yes, you can shave over your tattoo after a month if there is no scabbing or visible damage. However, consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional before doing so.
Key Points
Shaving over a fully healed tattoo can improve the visibility and appearance of the design. Shaving before getting your new body art can make the tattooing process go more smoothly and reduce the risk of infection and irritation. Avoid shaving over a fresh tattoo, as this can lead to redness, infection, or scarring. If you are worried about cutting yourself before your appointment, your tattoo artist will disinfect the area and shave it thoroughly before getting your design tattooed.
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Shaving over a fresh tattoo can cause redness and infection. To prevent this, let the tattoo heal completely before doing so. Once your tattoo is fully healed, watch this video for simple tips on how to shave safely and correctly.
Personal experience: Source
Was this article helpful? 
ReviewerAuthorEditorFact Check
Mengni Yang is a tattoo master, piercer and VFX artist based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She has 18 years of rich experience in the industry. A graduate of Sheridan College, she has been employed by some of the world’s top VFX companies and has worked on large motion productions.
Read Mengni Yang’s full biography
Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience in creating short-form content for the beauty, fashion and lifestyle niches. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science and Geography from IIS University and a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.
Read Joyce Joyson’s full biography
Eshna is an associate editor and certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple major bachelor’s degree in psychology, English and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
Read the full biography of Eshna Das
Aparna Harry is a beauty and lifestyle content writer with over three years of experience writing for various genres. She holds a Masters degree in English Literature from English And Foreign Languages University and a Bachelors degree in Education from University of Mysore.
Read the full biography of Aparna Harry
Leave a Reply