Got into some sort of influence and got yourself a tattoo without thinking ahead? Don’t stress it, you are not the only one to get tattoos all of a sudden without proper planning. Getting a tattoo without planning can hinder your important work or important sports match. If you are a basketball player you might get into a dilemma that if you are allowed to play after getting a new tattoo or not.
In general, you are not supposed to put too much strain on a healing tattoo. Doing anything physically demanding is not recommended until the tattoo heals. Now, what about playing a basketball game or doing basketball practice after getting a tattoo? Does it fall into the “not to do” list or not? I will elaborate on the matter below.
Key Takeaways
- You can play basketball after 2 days of getting a tattoo. But it is better to wait 2 to 4 weeks after getting a tattoo to play basketball.
- You can cause strain on the healing tattoo such as stretching, and friction by playing basketball.
- By decreasing the intensity of basketball games or practice you can reduce the risk of ruining your new tattoo.
- Playing basketball after getting a tattoo can in creating the risk of infection, tattoo distortion, increased irritation, etc.
- You should not play basketball after getting a tattoo as it can ruin your tattoo, decrease your focus during the game, cause irritation and pain during the game, etc.
- You can wear loosely fitted clothing and tattoo bandages when you play basketball games to protect the newly done tattoo.
Playing Basketball After Getting a Tattoo

Tattooing makes your skin very sensitive as it creates wounds on your skin. This sensitivity stays until the tattooed skin heals, which is why it is crucial to be careful and take extra care until the tattoo heals. Doing exercise or playing sports like basketball can cause a negative effect on your newly done tattoo. Especially if you try out any vigorous physical activity right after getting the tattoo, there is a chance of ruining the tattoo. Basketball is a physically demanding sport. If you absolutely do not want to miss your basketball practice or a special basketball match, then you may wonder after how long getting a tattoo can you play basketball?
It is advised to wait until your tattoo is healed to play basketball. But you may play basketball after 2 days of getting your tattoo. Playing basketball within 2 days of getting a tattoo can have a higher chance of tattoo infection and distortion. Because when you get yourself a new tattoo the wound release ink, blood, plasma, and other bodily fluid. It usually takes 1 day to complete the cycle of releasing bodily fluid but sometimes may take 2 days. If you go to a basketball game and got your tattoo rubbed or scratched somehow when it is still leaking fluids, just imagine the nasty scenario it would create. People around may feel disgusted and you may get a serious tattoo infection or tattoo distortion. That is why 2 days is the minimum time you should wait after getting a tattoo. But that does not mean your tattoo heals within these 2 days. It takes around 2 weeks for your tattoo to heal primarily. You have to be careful while you play basketball until the tattoo heals or it might get smudged, scratched, cracked, etc.
So to put it simply, you should wait at least 2 days after getting a tattoo to play basketball. But if you could wait until the tattoo is healed which is around 2 weeks, then it is even better.
The Strain You Put on Your New Tattoo by Playing Basketball
Basketball is the second most popular and loved sport in America. To some extent, you can call me a basketball lover too. If you are a regular basketball player or love the sport too much, I get that you may not want to wait a few days to play basketball just because you have a healing tattoo. But the love for your basketball can put a strain on your newly done tattoo. Obviously, you have an interest in bodily art that’s why you got it in the first palace right? Now, how do you feel if your interest in one thing ruins the other one? Yes, you can potentially ruin your new tattoo by playing basketball if you are not cautious enough. Even if you start playing basketball after 2 days of getting your tattoo, you can put some major staring on the newly done tattoo. What sort of strain you may ask?
Strains such as:
- Skin pulling
- Skin scratching
- Skin facing friction
None of these are good for your healing tattoo. That is why you should wait as long as the tattoo is primarily healing. If you absolutely cannot wait to play basketball, then consider moderation and the intensity of the basketball game or practice. Reducing intensity can provide you tattoo some level of risk reduction regarding putting strain on the tattooed skin.
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Regulating Intensity of Basketball After Getting a Tattoo

As I said in the previous portion you can reduce the risk of damaging the newly done tattoo while playing a basketball game by regulating or reducing the intensity of the game. You know how intense and physically demanding basketball games and practice can be. You need to be physically fit and full of energy to play this game. Considering you have a new tattoo you can reduce the intensity of basketball matches or practice by following the steps below:
Consult with your tattoo artist
Reach out to your tattoo artist and ask for their specific recommendations regarding physical activities like basketball. They will be able to provide you with personalized advice based on the location, size, and intricacy of your tattoo.
Talk to your coach
During basketball practice, your coach motivates you to push your limits, which is great. But if you have a newly done tattoo, let your basketball coach know that. And explain why you cannot do physical activity that would put too much strain on your body and skin. Your coach will make a practice or training plan for you that maintains a lower intensity.
Listen to your body
Pay attention to how your body and the tattooed skin feel while you practice or play basketball. You should stop immediately if the tattooed area shows sign as:
- Irritation
- Discomfort
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
If you experience any of these symptoms, then you have to understand that you need to reduce the intensity of the game or practice immediately. Even if the issues do not go away after reducing the intensity of your physical activity then you have to stop playing completely. And make sure to get the tattoo checked by your tattoo artist or a doctor to know what is causing the issue.
Take breaks
Taking small breaks during your training or practice match can reduce the intensity by a lot. You can let your coach and fellow teammates know why you are taking breaks so that they don’t misunderstand the situation and adjust the schedule according to your frequent break time.
7 Ways Basketball Can Affect Healing Tattoo

Basketball can have a major negative effect on your healing tattoo.
I have elaborated on ways it can negatively affect your tattoo below:
1. Risk of infection
The freshly tattooed skin is vulnerable to infection during the initial healing phase. So when your healing tattoo encounters sweat, dirt, and bacteria during basketball it can increase the risk of infection. Basketball is a team sport so you will be making physical contact with other players no matter how careful you are. Coming into contact with other players can introduce bacteria or other contaminants to the tattoo, which may lead to complications and delay the healing process. Complications or infections during the healing phase can fade or distort your precious tattoo.
2. Sweat and moisture
Playing basketball can often lead to increased sweating, which can introduce excess moisture to the tattooed area. Mild moisture is crucial for the healing tattoo but excessive moisture can cause thicker scabs and premature falling of scabs which can make your tattoo fade. And excess moisture can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of infection. It’s important to keep the tattoo clean and dry during the healing period. So, consider avoiding activities that cause excessive sweating or taking precautions such as wearing breathable clothing or covering the tattoo with a clean, non-adhesive barrier like a sterile bandage.
3. Friction and irritation
Sports activities that involve friction, rubbing, or direct contact with the tattooed area can cause irritation and potentially damage the healing skin. Basketball is one of those sports that can put a great amount of tension on your healing skin. Avoid wearing tight or abrasive clothing that may rub against the tattoo. If the tattoo is in an area prone to movement or rubbing, you might consider modifying your activities or protecting the tattoo with a clean, breathable covering.
4. Impact and injury
Playing basketball involves physical contact, which can pose a risk of injury. Now, imagine getting an injury where you got a newly done tattoo. Not only it will be more painful but it also has the potential to damage your tattoo. And it can lead to delayed tattoo healing. It’s important to be mindful of this and take necessary precautions. Consider avoiding physical contact as much as possible during basketball games or practice.
5. Delayed healing
Tattoos generally take a few weeks to heal completely. During this period, you should prioritize the healing process and avoid activities that may compromise it. And playing basketball during the healing phase may cause various issues that would lead to delayed healing.
6. Stretching and distortion
Basketball involves quick movements, jumping, and stretching, which can strain and stretch the skin around the tattooed area. This stretching may compromise the healing process and affect the appearance and integrity of the tattoo, leading to distorted lines, blurred details, or uneven healing. So make sure to limit your movements when you practice basketball with a healing tattoo. Try not to make the tattooed skin stretch too much. Make sure to apply moisturizer before playing as moist skin can tolerate a decent amount of stretching compared to dried skin.
7. Tattoo cracking
Nobody wants their tattoo to crack. Cracked tattoos can be painful and it can ruin a tattoo pretty badly. When you play basketball and stretch out your skin to the limit, it can cause to break healing skin and lead to tattoo cracking.
4 Reasons Not to Play Basketball After Getting a Tattoo
There are plenty of reasons you should not play basketball after getting a tattoo.
I have mentioned a few of them below:

1. Issue regarding healing tattoo
First of all, you will face many issues regarding your healing tattoo. Such as:
- Tattoo getting faded
- Tattoo getting damaged
- Tattoo becoming oversaturated
- Delayed healing of a tattoo
Even if you wait at least two days to play basketball after getting your tattoo, your tattoo is not completely safe. As basketball is a team sport and you may physically contact other players and sweat during the game, there is a high chance you can negatively affect your tattoo. That is why to ensure tattoos safety and longevity you should wait until the tattoo is healed which should be around 2 weeks after getting the tattoo.
2. Sun exposure
If you play basketball out in the sunlight at the local basketball court then you will be exposing the healing tattoo to direct sunlight. Sunlight is one of the biggest enemies of tattoos. And if you have a healing tattoo you are supposed to be more careful as sunlight can easily fade a healing tattoo. The UV rays of the sunlight can easily penetrate through wounded skin and break down tattoo ink pigments and resulting in a faded tattoo.
3. Lack of focus during the game
A healing tattoo especially when the skin is moving too much and stretching every now and then would cause irritation and inflation. Now if you feel irritation in a certain part of your body, how would you focus on the basketball match? You will lose focus many times during the game. As a result, your performance won’t be up to mark. If you can even perform to your fullest on a game, why play it in the first place? Not the mention by playing with a healing tattoo you are putting a great risk of ruining that tattoo.
4. Pain
A healing tattoo would cause irritation and pain even if you make a subtle movement that requires the tattooed skin to stretch. You will feel immense pain every time you make a move while you play basketball. How can you play or even the sport if you feel pain during the whole game? This continuous pain would decrease your performance level too.
Clothing to Wear While Playing Basketball After Getting a Tattoo
In this portion, I will elaborate on what type of clothing to wear and not to wear while playing basketball after getting a tattoo. Make sure to follow the clothing guideline below to protect your healing tattoo.
Loose fitted clothing
If you are into basketball sport you probably know the benefits of tight clothing. Many athletes choose to wear compression clothing as it can increase blood circulation, reduce fatigue, and help to keep muscles in place. But because you have a newly done tattoo you have to avoid tight clothing or compression clothing as they can cause irritation and friction to the healing area. Make sure to wear loose-fitted clothing when you play basketball that will not cause friction or will cause very minimum friction to the tattooed area.
Breathable clothing
The breathability of your clothing is crucial especially if you have a healing tattoo. Wearing light and breathable clothing during basketball games will provide enough air for the healing tattoo and reduce sweating and dampness. And fresh air fastens the healing process so you will get a faster healing phase by wearing breathable clothes most of the time.
Long-sleeved performance shirt
If your tattoo is on your arm, you can wear a long-sleeved performance shirt made from moisture-wicking material. This will offer protection and prevent the tattoo from being exposed to sweat and friction. If the tattooed area gets rubbed by another player or basketball the damage should be minimum as the tattoo is covered with clothing.
Ways to Protect Healing Tattoo When You Play Basketball
There are a few safety measures you can follow to protect your newly done tattoo when playing basketball. Check them out below:
- Apply mild moisturizer
A dried tattoo cracks easily. When you play basketball you will be putting quite a bit of stress and tension to your healing tattoo. It will face stretching too, and dried tattoos getting stretched can get damaged. So make sure to apply mild moisturization before playing basketball. - Tattoo bandages
Tattoo bandages can protect your tattoo from many things. It protects your tattoo from rubbing, scratching, excessive sweating, etc. - Cover the tattoo
If bandage is not your thing you can use clothing to cover up your tattoo. Covering the tattoo can protect it from direct sunlight and give a layer of protection from getting smudged.
Understanding Tattooing Procedure & Healing Time
To understand why a healing tattoo can cause so many issues you need to understand the tattooing procedure first. When you get a tattoo, your tattoo artist injects ink into the dermis layer of your skin by using a tattoo needle. The dermis layer is the second layer of your skin. So to reach the dermis layer the tattoo needle punctures and go through the first or epidermis layer of the skin. So obviously it will create a wound. This wound can be super tricky to take care of because under this wound you got fresh tattoo ink. Improper aftercare or any small damage to this wounded skin could ruin your newly done tattoo.
Now you understand the tattooing procedure and why a newly done tattoo requires such delicate care until it heals. I have nothing against basketball, as I said earlier I love the sport! But playing it with a healing tattoo is not recommended. You should wait until the epidermis layer or the first layer of your skin is healed. When it is healed you can do pretty much any physical activity or play any sports. You don’t have to worry about the dermis layer healing as it stays under the protective layer of the first skin. That said, you are allowed to play basketball after 2 days of getting the tattoo if you must. Because within the first 2 days, the newly done tattoo would at least complete the releasing ink, blood, plasma, and other bodily fluid releasing period.
FAQs
Apart from basketball can I play other sports after getting a tattoo?
If the sport is not physically demanding you can play it after getting a tattoo. But if it is a physically demanding sport then you have to wait at least 2 days before playing.
Can I run after getting a tattoo?
You can run after 2 days of getting the tattoo. Make sure not to put too much stress on the healing area as it can delay the healing and cause other issues.
Final Thoughts
Playing any sort of sport that is physically demanding is not recommended after getting a tattoo. And basketball is a physically demanding sport no doubt about that. So if you want to play basketball after getting a tattoo you have to wait at least 2 days, that is the minimum time you could wait to play the sport. If you want to stay on the side of caution, then wait till your epidermis or first layer of the skin is healed. It could take 2 to 4 weeks for you to heal the tattooed area primarily. After that, you can do pretty much anything you would with normal skin. If you do not wait the recommended amount of time, you could crack, fade, blur, or distort your newly done tattoo. So make sure you wait at least 2 days and follow the steps I have provided above to protect your newly done tattoo when you play basketball.
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