Imagine this. You’ve gotten that tattoo and it’s just been a couple of days. You’re looking at it and still wondering whether it’s looking as good as you wanted it to. But there’s something else that’s bugging you. Everything’s fine and all but you’re thinking whether you could shave if hair covers up that ink. Since you’ve stumbled upon this article, you’re in luck. This is exactly where you need to be. Read on below.
When you are shaving over a tattoo, you might have several questions that come to mind. Is it okay to shave? If so, when is the right time to do it? What kind of products would be good and how is one supposed to go about the shaving process? You will find answers to all these questions right here below and more.
You will find that everything here has been discussed in a chronological order, making it easy for you to understand and remember the details that are necessary. You can keep this handy so that if the question is raised by anyone else you know, you can tell them what you’ve learnt and seem like a boss!
Contents
Can You Shave Over a Tattoo?
To be completely honest, yes. You’ll need to remember that once the skin has fully healed after getting inked, shaving does not damage the tattoo. Since tattoos are safely settled on the second layer of the skin, you can quit worrying about them. What you do need to worry about though is shaving during the healing process as that can disrupt the consistency of the pattern.
It’s a well-known fact in the tattooed community that tattooed skin is almost the same as non-tattooed skin. But what you’ll want to keep in mind is the healing period your skin needs. Otherwise, things can get a little complicated.
Why Do People Shave Over a Tattoo?
First things first. What makes people want to shave over a tattoo? The primary reason is to ensure that the opacity remains clear. Hair and dead cells could be getting in the way of the art you’ve put on your skin. When that happens, people think of shaving and removing the obstacles that let that tattoo bask in all its glory.
Is Shaving Over a Tattoo Actually Safe?
Tattoos are usually on the second layer of the skin, which has no hair growth. However, the first layer does and when the hair follicles decide to cover up that ink, people consider getting that out of the way.
Parts of the body that don’t have hair growth will save you the hassle of worrying about a shave. If that isn’t the case and you’ve placed the ink where there’s hair growth such as on the arm, removing the hair becomes a concern.
When Can You Shave Over a Tattoo?
Keeping a few basics in mind can be helpful and that means knowing when the time is right for a shave if you need it.
When the tattooed area is still going through the healing process, going for a shave might not be the best thing to do. So how do you know when the best time is?
After a new layer of skin forms over a tattoo and the scabs are gone, that’s the safest time for a shave. Run your fingertips over the area first. If you don’t find bumps, scabs, or any other signs that your skin’s still healing, taking a bet on a shave should be safe.
How Long Does the Healing Process Usually Take?
A common question asked by ‘tattoo rookies’ – if the term may be used – how long the healing process usually takes. Starting from a week to two or three should be fairly fine. But in some cases, the healing process could take longer depending on how one’s skin responds to getting inked. Within a month, however, complete recovery sets in for most folks. That’s the safety net.
Steps to Follow When Shaving Over a Tattoo
Basically, you just need to keep a few things in mind. Remember that safety should always be your first priority, whether you’re getting inked or getting shaved.
Step One: Take a Shower Before Shaving Over Your Tattoo
A handy suggestion is that a pre-shave shower can do wonders for a smooth run of the blade. So the first step is to take a shower before a shave. As it softens hair on the skin, shaving becomes easier. Using a good product can be rather helpful even though it’s not essential. But your tattoo is something you’ll carry for the rest of your life probably so it’s best to treat the art and the ‘canvas’ nicely so that they don’t mind!
Step Two: Use a New Blade
The next step is to use a new blade. If you’re letting someone else do it, raise an eyebrow if you see an older blade. A fresh one is better, any day of the week. Blades are something to be looked at in case a straight razor is used.
Electric razors call for cleanliness and disposable razors should always be used when new, fresh out of the pack. Some folks use trimmers too if there’s not much to be cut.
Step Three: Avoid Shaving in Hurry
The next step is to take things slow. You wouldn’t want to rush during the process of shaving. If you feel uncomfortable while at it, stop immediately. Better to keep the tattoo and your skin safe rather than going nuts with the blade.
Step Four: Rinse the Area With Cold Water
The next step is to rinse the area with cold water. This will close the pores to ensure that your skin is hydrated. Once you’re done with all of this, apply a good moisturizer to seal the deal.
Taking Extra Precautions: Avoiding Unreliable Shaving Products
Remember that there are certainly products out there that might not suit your skin. If you’re intending on using other methods of hair removal, that’s a different story altogether. But if shaving is the chosen option, then you need to remember that there are a few things to avoid.
Never use faulty or unreliable products before and after a shave. There are shaving foams and gels that haven’t seen a lot of success. But you don’t mind. You probably like giving the misfits a chance but in this case, don’t. Using cheap, unpopular, or even worse, expired products can really take a toll on your skin. By all means, avoid them.
Other Means of Hair Removal
Other than shaving, there are other hair removal methods as well such as shaving, waxing, and laser hair removal. Understanding how each option works can let you choose what suits your preferences. We’ll go over each of them briefly.
Waxing
Waxing is one of the ways of removing hair from the skin once the tattooed area has completely healed. It’s applied to the epidermis and the placement of the wax is ascertained. The wax does not come in contact with the tattoo. This means that those who choose this option do not run the risk of damaging the tattoo just like those who pick the blade.
Laser hair removal
This one’s a bit tricky since it’s not recommended to get laser hair removal done after you get a tattoo. The only time you should consider is before getting inked. Experts discourage undergoing the procedure after you’ve gotten your tattoo due to two reasons.
Firstly, the procedure itself can distort the tattoo, leaving your skin damaged with burns and blisters. Secondly, the damage due to excessive heat production can also result in irreversible consequences. So if you’re considering this option, it would be wise to do it before you’re getting the tattoo.
Regarding the method to go with, the decision rests upon you.
Final Thoughts
Tattoos are a great way of expressing your emotions about something. When you’re in your teens, the tattoo could be something you haven’t thought a lot about but you did it anyway. As an adult, you might have taken a bit of time to understand what aligns with you. Whatever the case may be, tattoos are precious to those who decide to keep them.
That’s why treating that as art and your skin as the canvas you’re responsible for is important. Don’t let anything come between the connection you share with your tattoo. Be extra cautious when you’re using products, removing hair from the inked area, and while taking care of your skin. Remember, that’s the canvas you’ll carry wherever you go, and your body is your temple. Treat it that way and enjoy having that ink as your constant companion!
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