Can I Go Into A Sauna After Getting A Tattoo?

Discover the right time to restart this relaxing therapy after getting freshly inked.

Written by Pahul Nanra, BA (English Hons)

Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc

Fact-checked by Manjari Uppal, MSc • Jan 17, 2024

Can I Go Into A Sauna After Getting A Tattoo?

Image: iStock

Getting a new tattoo is always a thrilling experience. But this experience comes with detailed and careful post-tattoo instructions one must follow to ensure a safe healing process. Tattoo artists always instruct individuals with new tattoos to avoid using swimming pools and water bodies to decrease the risk of infection and tattoo fading. Whether you are a newbie or a tattoo enthusiast, you may be wondering if you can use a sauna with a tattoo. The relaxing environment along with the numerous skin benefits it provides may seem tempting. However, exposure to excessive sweat and heat during a sauna may slow down your healing process. In this article, we will discover when it is safe to use a sauna, how to protect your tattoo during a sauna session, and more. Scroll down to know more.

In This Article

What Is A Sauna?

A man pouring water on the rocks to produce steam in the sauna

Image: Shutterstock

A sauna is a therapeutic space specially-designed for steam sessions. It is typically constructed with wooden interiors that help utilize the dry heat to raise the sauna temperature in the room. It can feel like you are sitting under direct sunlight. However, the treatment is truly beneficial as it improves blood circulation and reduces stress.

Keltie, a YouTuber and former basketball player, spoke about her experience of using a sauna for a month and how it impacted her health in her vlog. She said, “It improved my sleep quality. I had more sleep. My digestion was better. I just didn’t see any negative effects even with traveling (i).”

There are also two types of saunas; the traditional, regular saunas that use heated rocks to produce high-temperature dry air and infrared saunas that use special heaters to warm your natural body.

Trivia

The sauna was invented in Finland over 2000 years ago. The early saunas were created by digging into underground embankments and draped with animal skins to retain the heat.

A sauna session can improve blood circulation and leave you with glowing skin. But when is the right time to go for one after getting a new tattoo? Find out below.

When After Getting A Tattoo Can I Go For A Sauna?

A woman relaxing in a sauna after getting a tattoo

Image: IStock

It is normally recommended to wait for 2 to 3 weeks before going in for a sauna treatment after getting a fresh tattoo for the following reasons:

The excessive sweating from the sauna may cause the salts and minerals to leak out and fall on the fresh tattoo. This may cause irritation and slower healing.
Saunas are public facilities that are breeding grounds for bacteria. They may enter the tattoo and result in a serious infection.

Waiting for your new tattoo to completely heal before exposing it to excessive moisture and heat is crucial to its vibrancy and longevity. However, many people may regret their tattoos and go in for laser tattoo removal. This may leave you wondering if you can use the sauna after a removal procedure. Scroll down to find out.

Is It Safe To Use A Sauna After Laser Tattoo Removal?

A woman getting a tattoo removed using laser treatment

Image: Shutterstock

The proper aftercare instructions suggest avoiding water sources such as swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs until the skin has fully healed. This is because the sauna’s humid environment may aggravate the skin’s sensitivity, increase infection risk, and delay the healing process. Hence, it is generally recommended to wait a couple of weeks after the laser tattoo removal process to go in for a sauna session. If you are unsure about what to do, consult your dermatologist for further guidance.

Sauna provides various health benefits. However, going in for a session after getting inked comes with its set of issues. Find out the pros and cons of using a sauna with a new tattoo below.

Pros And Cons Of Using A Sauna After Getting A Tattoo

The advantages of getting a sauna session after a tattoo include extreme relaxation, improved blood flow, and lesser dead skin cells that may aid your overall well-being. However, going into a sauna with a freshly inked design during the initial healing stage may increase the risk of skin infections, design distortion, and delay the healing time.

Trivia

The bathhouses in Japan do not allow people with tattoos as they are associated with criminality and rebellion against societal norms.

Once your tattoo heals, you can go in for that much-awaited sauna treatment. However, if you cannot wait for the healing to complete, you can follow the tips mentioned below to protect your fresh tattoo in the bathhouse.

How Can I Protect My Tattoo When Using A Sauna?

Woman washing her tattoo after using a sauna

Image: IStock

Here are the following ways to protect your tattoo when using a sauna:

While it is recommended to wait for 2-3 weeks after getting a fresh tattoo, you can apply a protective tattoo film or waterproof bandage on the tattooed skin to prevent the steam from entering the fresh wound.
Always keep the tattoo clean after finishing the sauna session to decrease the risk of infection and irritation.
Remove the bandage, wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap, pat it dry, and apply a tattoo balm or moisturizer.

The decision to enter a sauna after getting a new tattoo requires careful consideration. It is crucial to complete the initial two-week healing period to minimize the risk of skin infections and prolong the tattoo recovery. While saunas improve blood flow and skin health, remember patience is key to your tattoo’s vibrancy and longevity. If you are unable to wait till the healing is complete, wear a waterproof bandage and clean your tattoo properly after the sauna session for proper healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sauna fade tattoos?

Yes, the sauna’s excessive heat may force the pores to expand. This may result in the ink fading or smearing unevenly, affecting the tattoo’s final appearance.

What if my tattoo feels irritated after using a sauna?

If you experience any redness or irritation on the tattooed area after a sauna session, exit the sauna immediately and allow your skin to naturally cool down. Consult your dermatologist and professional tattoo artist for proper guidance.

Key Takeaways

Sauna is a therapeutic treatment where the dry heat promotes blood circulation and relaxation.
It is recommended to wait for 2-3 weeks before going for a sauna session.
It is advised to avoid water bodies like swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs after getting a laser tattoo removal treatment to minimize potential risks.
Using a sauna with a healing tattoo can increase the risk of bacterial and fungal infection and tattoo fading.