Getting Tattooed in Hot Weather
What you need to know about tattoo appointments during the summer months
Hot weather doesn’t mean you need to put your tattoo plans on hold, but there are a few extra things worth thinking about before your appointment.
From sunburn and dehydration to keeping your skin in good condition, warmer weather can affect both your tattoo appointment and the healing process. A little preparation beforehand can make a big difference.
Here’s what you need to know before getting tattooed during hot weather.
Can I get tattooed during hot weather?
Yes. There’s no reason you can’t get tattooed during the summer or during a spell of hot weather. The main thing is making sure both you and your skin are properly prepared for the appointment.
Heat itself isn’t usually the problem, sunburn, dehydration and looking after a fresh tattoo during hot weather are the things you need to think about.
Can I get tattooed if I’m sunburnt?
If the area being tattooed is sunburnt, I may not be able to tattoo you.
Sunburn damages and irritates the skin, which can make it much more difficult to tattoo and can affect how well the skin takes the tattoo. Even if the area doesn’t look badly burnt, tenderness, redness or peeling are signs that the skin needs time to recover.
If you have caught the sun before your appointment and you’re unsure, get in touch before travelling to the studio. Depending on the condition of the skin, we may need to reschedule your appointment.
Should I avoid the sun before my tattoo appointment?
Yes, particularly on the area that’s going to be tattooed.
Try to keep the area protected from strong sun in the days leading up to your appointment. You don’t need to hide indoors, but avoiding sunburn and keeping your skin in good condition gives us the best surface to work with.
If you’re going to be outside for long periods, cover the area where possible and take sensible precautions in the sun.
Do I need to drink more water before a tattoo in hot weather?
Staying hydrated is always important before a tattoo appointment, but it becomes even more important during hot weather.
If you’re dehydrated, you’re more likely to feel tired, light-headed or generally unwell during your session. Tattoo appointments can already be physically demanding, particularly longer sittings, so arrive well hydrated and bring a drink with you.
Should I eat before my appointment?
Yes. Please eat a proper meal before coming in, even if your appointment is earlier in the day.
Turning up on an empty stomach combined with hot weather and dehydration can make you feel unwell much more quickly. Eating beforehand and staying hydrated will help keep your energy levels more stable throughout the session.
For longer appointments, it’s also a good idea to bring a drink and something to eat.
Is the studio air-conditioned?
Yes. The studio is fully air-conditioned, so you don’t need to worry about sitting through your tattoo in an unbearably hot room.
The temperature is kept comfortable throughout appointments. You’ll still need to arrive hydrated and prepared for your session, but once you’re here, we’ve got the heat covered.
What should I wear to a tattoo appointment in hot weather?
Wear something loose, comfortable and that gives easy access to the area being tattooed.
Remember that you’ll need to think about the journey home too. Tight clothing rubbing against a fresh tattoo can be uncomfortable, particularly when you’re hot, so loose-fitting clothing is usually the better option.
What should I do with a fresh tattoo during hot weather?
A fresh tattoo needs to be treated like a healing wound, regardless of the time of year.
During hot weather, be particularly mindful of direct sunlight, excessive sweating, swimming and anything else that could irritate or contaminate the area while it heals.
Follow the aftercare advice you’re given at your appointment and resist the temptation to expose a brand-new tattoo to the sun just because the weather is nice.
Can I sunbathe with a new tattoo?
No. A fresh or healing tattoo shouldn’t be deliberately exposed to strong sunlight.
Give the tattoo time to heal properly before exposing it to the sun. Once it is completely healed, protecting it from UV exposure will also help keep the tattoo looking its best over the years.
Can I go swimming after getting tattooed?
You should avoid swimming while your tattoo is healing. That includes swimming pools, hot tubs, the sea and other bodies of water.
This is especially worth considering if you’re booking a tattoo shortly before a holiday. If your plans involve spending most of the week swimming, sunbathing or sitting around the pool, it may make more sense to arrange your tattoo for after your holiday instead.
Is summer a bad time to get tattooed?
Not at all. You can get a tattoo at any time of year.
Summer simply requires a little more planning. Keep your skin out of strong sun before your appointment, arrive well fed and hydrated, and make sure your plans afterwards allow you to look after the tattoo properly while it heals.
A little preparation before your appointment can make the whole experience more comfortable and give your tattoo the best possible start.
Still Have Questions?
Hopefully this guide has helped you understand how to prepare for a tattoo appointment during the warmer months and how to look after your tattoo when the weather heats up.
Getting tattooed in summer is absolutely fine with a little planning. Keeping your skin protected before your appointment, arriving well fed and hydrated, and taking extra care of your fresh tattoo afterwards can all help make the process much easier.
For more detailed information about looking after a fresh tattoo, take a look at our Tattoo Aftercare Guide. If you’re unsure about an upcoming appointment, holiday or how the weather might affect your tattoo, feel free to get in touch.
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Contact Us
Last Horizon Tattoo
85 High Street
Polegate
BN26 6AE
Phone 01323 301411
Email lasthorizontattoo@gmail.com
Studio Hours
Tuesday – Saturday
9:00am – 4:00pm