8 Top Tips to Protect Your Tattoo During the UK Heatwave
Top Tips to Protect Your Tattoo
The UK summer heatwave is well underway, bringing high temperatures, strong sunshine and increased UV levels across Birmingham and the rest of the country.
While most people are enjoying the warmer weather, the combination of sunlight, heat, sweat and swimming can create additional challenges for anyone with a fresh tattoo.
A new tattoo needs time to heal properly. During a heatwave, protecting it from direct sunlight, excessive sweating and contaminated water is particularly important.
Whether you have just visited Apex Ink for a new piece or you want to keep an older tattoo looking sharp, here are our top tips for protecting your tattoo during the UK heatwave.
1. Keep a Fresh Tattoo Out of Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight is one of the biggest risks to a fresh tattoo.
Newly tattooed skin is still healing and can be more sensitive to heat and UV exposure. Whenever possible, keep your new tattoo completely out of direct sunlight until it has fully healed.
Stay in the shade and protect the area with clean, loose-fitting and breathable clothing. Avoid tight garments that rub against the tattoo or trap sweat against your skin.
Official NHS aftercare guidance recommends avoiding direct sunlight until the tattooed area has healed.
2. Do Not Apply Sunscreen to a Tattoo That Is Still Healing
Sunscreen is essential for protecting healed tattoos, but it should not normally be applied to freshly tattooed or broken skin.
Until your tattoo has healed, use shade and loose clothing as your main forms of protection. Follow the individual aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist, as healing time can vary depending on the size, location and style of your tattoo.
Once the skin has fully healed, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply it regularly while spending time outdoors. Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher to help prevent UV-related fading.
3. Avoid Excessive Sweating
Sweat can irritate a fresh tattoo, especially when it becomes trapped underneath tight clothing.
During particularly hot days, avoid strenuous exercise, long outdoor walks and activities that cause excessive sweating. Try to remain somewhere cool and well ventilated while the tattoo is in its early healing stages.
If sweat reaches the tattoo, follow your artist’s instructions for gently cleaning and drying the area. Do not scrub the skin or rub it aggressively with a towel.
NHS aftercare guidance advises avoiding activities such as gyms, saunas and other environments that cause excessive sweating while the tattoo is healing.
4. Stay Away From Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs
A swimming pool might seem like the perfect place to escape the heat, but you should not submerge a fresh tattoo in a swimming pool, hot tub, spa, lake or the sea.
Chlorinated water can irritate the tattooed area, while natural bodies of water may contain bacteria that could interfere with the healing process.
Wait until the tattoo is completely healed before swimming. NHS tattoo aftercare guidance recommends avoiding pools, spas and jacuzzis until the treated area has healed.
5. Follow Your Tattoo Artist’s Cleaning Routine
Hot weather does not mean you should wash your tattoo more aggressively.
Follow the cleaning and aftercare instructions provided by your artist. Always wash your hands before touching the area and use only the recommended fragrance-free products.
Avoid heavily scented lotions, exfoliants and unfamiliar skincare products. Applying too much cream can also leave the tattoo overly moist, so use only the amount recommended by your artist.
Never pick, scratch or peel flaking skin. Allow the tattoo to move naturally through the healing process.
6. Wear Loose and Breathable Clothing
During the heatwave, choose light and breathable clothing that protects your tattoo without rubbing against it.
Loose cotton clothing can help reduce friction while also shielding the tattoo from direct sunlight. Avoid tight waistbands, restrictive sleeves or rough materials positioned directly over the tattoo.
The right clothing will depend on where your tattoo is located, so speak to your tattoo artist if you are unsure how best to cover it.
7. Drink Plenty of Water and Avoid Becoming Overheated
Looking after your overall health is also important during hot weather.
Drink water regularly throughout the day, spend time in cool or shaded areas and avoid remaining outdoors during the hottest part of the afternoon.
The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency recommend staying hydrated and limiting prolonged exposure to the sun during periods of extreme heat.
8. Continue Protecting Your Tattoo After It Has Healed
Sun protection should not stop once the tattoo has healed.
UV exposure can cause tattoo pigment to fade and may affect how bright and defined your tattoo looks over time. Before spending time outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher to your healed tattoo.
Reapply sunscreen regularly, particularly after swimming, sweating or drying yourself with a towel.
For the best long-term results, combine sunscreen with shade and protective clothing rather than relying on sunscreen alone.
FAQ's
Can You Get a Tattoo During a Heatwave?
You can still get tattooed during the summer, but you need to be realistic about your plans during the healing period.
You may need to avoid swimming, sunbathing, festivals, intense exercise and long periods outdoors while your tattoo heals. If you are about to travel or go on a beach holiday, consider whether you will be able to protect the tattoo and follow the correct aftercare routine.
Let your tattoo artist know about any upcoming holidays, sporting events or outdoor plans before your appointment. They can advise whether the timing or placement of your tattoo could make aftercare more difficult.
When Should You Ask for Help?
Some redness, sensitivity and mild swelling can be expected after receiving a tattoo. However, symptoms that become progressively worse should not be ignored.
Contact your tattoo artist and seek medical advice if you experience increasing redness or swelling, worsening pain, heat coming from the area, an unusual discharge, fever or generally feeling unwell.
Need Tattoo Aftercare Advice in Birmingham?
Proper aftercare is an important part of achieving a clean, long-lasting tattoo.
At Apex Ink our Birmingham tattoo artists will explain how to care for your tattoo and answer any questions you have about healing during hot weather.
Thinking about booking your next tattoo? Contact Apex Ink today to discuss your ideas, arrange a consultation or speak to our team about summer tattoo aftercare.
