Does Shaving Over A Tattoo Make It Fade – Deep Explanation

So, you’ve got that awesome tattoo that you love and cherish. It’s a work of art on your skin, and you want to make sure it stays vibrant for as long as possible. That is not a surprise, we all want our tattoos to stay vibrant throughout our whole lifetime. But if you got a tattoo on a body part like your face, armpit, or shin which area you shave then one concern that may pop up is whether shaving over a tattoo can make it fade or not.

A tattoo is a form of permanent bodily art. But this permanent artistry can get faded for many reasons. Even if you take care of your tattoo it will get faded over time naturally. Now, does shaving over a tattoo make it fade? Let’s dive into this topic and find out what’s really going on.

Key Takeaways

• Shaving over a healed tattoo won’t fade it but shaving over a healing tattoo may cause fading, infection, excessive scabbing, etc.
• After 2 to 4 weeks of getting the tattoo or after the tattoo heals completely you may shave over it.
• A few ways to tell if your tattoo has healed or not is by checking peeling and flaking, scabbing tattoo, vibrant color,  no more itching or tenderness, skin texture returning to normal, etc.
• Shaving before tattooing is recommended, your tattoo artist may shave the skin or you may do it yourself.
• To shave over your tattoo get the equipment, prep the skin, apply shaving foam, shave, rinse with water and soak it dry and apply non-abrasive moisturizer.
• Post-shave aftercare for tattoos includes cleansing gently, applying moisturizer, avoiding excessive sun exposure, steering clear of irritating substances, giving it time to heal, etc.

Shaving Over a Tattoo: Makes It Fade or Not

Even the most careless person, tries their level best to take care of their tattoo. Because it is a form of permanent art and becomes a part of your skin. A faded tattoo would look weird and odd. So, keeping it in crisp condition is quite crucial. Many new tattoo lovers or someone who got their first ink think shaving, showering, and rubbing the tattooed area fades the tattoo. Well it does but it doesn’t, it actually depends on the time and condition of the tattoo. All right, let’s dive deeper into the question of whether shaving over a tattoo can make it fade.

Shaving a healed tattoo will not fade it or damage it in any way, but shaving a healing tattoo or bruised tattoo could lead to tattoo fading.

Imagine this, you are standing in front of the bathroom mirror, razor in hand, and you start wondering if you’re unknowingly erasing your badass ink masterpiece. There is a reason why people may think it would fade the tattoo. What reason, you ask? When you shave, the razor scrapes off the top layers of your skin, including the epidermis. Since tattoos are nestled in the dermis, constant shaving might gradually wear away the upper layers of your tattooed skin, leading to some fading action. But this reasoning is flawed. When you shave it does take a bit of the skin layer, yes, but it does not damage the epidermis or first layer of your skin which works as a shield to protect your ink. You can shave your skin on a daily basis without fear of fading your healed tattoo.

That said, your tattoo may get faded because of shaving if you shave it while it is still healing. Shaving a healing tattoo could lead to:

An unhealed tattoo is like an exposed wound. The first skin layer is like a shield that protects the tattoo ink residing in the second skin layer. So, if you shave while the first skin layer or the protective shield is not healed then it can potentially fade the tattoo.

Now, hold your horses! While shaving can contribute to tattoo fading while it heals, it doesn’t mean your tattoo is doomed. There are plenty of thighs to save your tattoo. It all starts with good ol’ skin preparation. Before you shave, give your tattooed area a good dose of moisturizer. Think of it as armor that protects your tattoo from excessive friction during shaving. Then, take a deep breath and adopt a gentle shaving technique. No need to go all macho and apply excessive pressure. Treat your tattoo with kindness, my friend. And don’t forget about the aftercare. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Keep that skin hydrated and happy, and your tattoo will stand a better chance against the fading forces of nature.

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Understanding Tattooing Process

Let’s quickly recap how tattoos work. Knowing how it works will help you understand why shaving could affect the tattoo during healing and not after the healing phase is complete. During the tattooing process, ink is injected into the dermis layer or the second layer of your skin. The ink stays there and the first layer or the epidermis layer of the skin works as a shield to keep the ink in place. This deeper placement helps the tattoo remain more permanent compared to superficial methods. However, there are still factors that can cause tattoos to fade over time. Such as:

After How Long of Getting the Tattoo Can You Shave

Now, that you know you should not shave a healing tattoo but it is completely fine to shave a healed tattoo, you may wonder after how long of getting the tattoo can you shave? How long it takes to heal a tattoo?

It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks for a tattoo to heal. So, you may safely shave over your tattoo after 2 to 4 weeks. But making an estimated time like this can be problematic. Because the healing time of a tattoo depends on multiple factors. Such as:

You cannot shave over a tattoo as long as it has scabs. The scabs would fall off because of shaving and as a result, you will be left with a faded or distorted tattoo. So, be patient my friend, and let nature take its course. If you have a weak immune system, bigger sized tattoo, tattoo placed away from your heart area then it may take a bit more time. Sometimes it may take more than a month to heal the tattoo. Do not lose patience and go for a shave before the tattoo heals. And within these 2 to 4 weeks only the first layer or epidermis dermis layer heals, the second layer, or dermis layer takes 3 to 6 months to heal. But because it stays under the first layer so you don’t have to wait for the dermis layer to heal to shave over the tattoo.

5 Ways to Tell Your Tattoo Has Healed

You have an idea of the time frame that requires your tattoo to heal which is 2 to 4 weeks. But how can you tell if it has healed or not? If you are unsure of your tattoo’s healing, then you cannot go for a shave because it could fade the tattoo.

To get rid of your unsureness I have listed ways you can tell if your tattoo has healed or not so that you can safely shave over your tattoo when the time is right:

1. Peeling and flaking

During the healing process, your tattooed skin may start to peel and flake. Don’t worry, it’s completely normal! This usually happens around the one-week mark. Just resist the urge to pick or scratch at it, and let the skin naturally shed on its own. Your tattoo will start looking fresh and vibrant once the peeling process is complete.

2. Scabbing

Scabbing is a natural way for the skin to heal wounds. So, your tattooed skin will get scabs too, no need to worry about it as it will go away on its own within a few weeks. When the scabs are completely gone it means your tattoo has healed.

3. Vibrant color

While the tattoo heals it may appear a bit faded. The actual tattoo has not faded but would appear faded because of the healing process. When you notice the faded appearance is gone and the tattoo is appearing to be of vibrant color, that means the tattoo has healed.

4. No more itching or tenderness

Remember that itchy and slightly tender feeling you had during the healing process? Well, once your tattoo has healed, those sensations should subside. If you no longer experience any itching or tenderness when touching your tattoo, it’s a good sign that the healing process is completed.

5. Skin texture returning to normal

During the healing phase, your tattooed skin might feel a bit raised or bumpy. But as it heals, the skin should gradually return to its normal texture. So, if your tattoo feels smooth to the touch without any raised or uneven areas, you can be pretty confident that it has healed up nicely.

Shaving Before a Tattoo

Just because I said you may end up fading the tattoo if you shave during the healing process, that does not mean you cannot shave before getting a tattoo. You can shave before a tattoo and sometimes it becomes mandatory to shave if you have excess body hair on a specific area.

You may choose to shave your skin yourself before going for the tattoo session, but most likely your tattoo artist would shave it again to ensure there is no hair that could come in the way of tattooing. So, is it necessary to shave before a tattoo? Do you need to do it yourself?

Well, the answer is not a definitive yes or no. It actually depends on the situation and your tattoo artist’s preference. Some tattoo artists prefer that you come clean-shaven so they can start their work immediately, while others are perfectly fine taking care of the shaving themselves.

If your tattoo artist wants you to shave beforehand, there’s a good reason behind it. Shaving helps ensure a smooth and even surface for the tattoo. It removes any unwanted hair that might interfere with the tattooing process and allows the artist to work with precision. It’s like creating a blank canvas for the artwork to shine. So, if your artist gives you the green light to shave, make sure to do it carefully and follow their instructions to get the best results.

On the other hand, if your tattoo artist prefers to handle the shaving themselves, don’t fret! They’ve got your back. They’re professionals who know how to prepare the skin properly before tattooing. They have the right tools, skills, and expertise to ensure a clean and well-prepped area for your tattoo. So, sit back, relax, and let them take care of the shaving business. It’s all part of the tattooing process, and they’ll make sure everything goes smoothly.

Step-by-Step Guide On Shaving Over a Tattoo

Let’s get down to business with a step-by-step guide on shaving over a tattoo. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be able to keep your skin smooth without causing any harm to your beautiful ink masterpiece.

1. Gather your supplies

Before you start shaving, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Grab a clean razor with a sharp blade to minimize irritation, you could go with an electric razor. You might also want to have some shaving cream or gel on hand to create a smooth surface and reduce friction.

2. Prep your skin

Take a moment to prepare the tattooed area. Gently wash the area with warm water and a mild, tattoo-friendly soap. This will help remove any dirt or excess oils. Pat the area dry with a paper towel.

3. Apply shaving cream or gel

Now it’s time to apply shaving cream. Apply a generous amount of shaving cream or gel to the tattooed area. The shaving cream acts as a protective barrier, allowing the razor to glide smoothly across your skin without causing any damage to your tattooed skin.

4. Shave with caution

Here comes the important part, shaving! Hold the razor at a slight angle and shave in the direction of hair growth. Take your time and use light, gentle strokes. Avoid applying too much pressure or going over the same area repeatedly, as this can irritate your skin. Shaving over a healed tattoo does not fade or distort it, but in case you get a major cut on the tattooed area it may potentially distort the tattoo. So, shave with caution.

5. Rinse and moisturize

Once you’re done shaving, rinse the area with cool water to remove any remaining shaving cream or gel. Now it’s time to moisturize! Apply a tattoo-friendly moisturizer or lotion to keep your skin hydrated and help your tattoo stay vibrant.

6. Repeat as needed

Depending on your hair growth, you might need to shave again in a few days or weeks. Just remember to follow the same steps, taking care not to irritate or damage your tattooed skin.

Post Shave Aftercare for Tattoo

All right, let’s talk about some post-shave aftercare for your tattoo. You’ve just finished shaving, and you want to ensure that your tattoo stays in tip-top shape. Here are a few things you can do to take care of your freshly shaved tattooed skin:

1. Cleanse gently

After shaving, it’s important to cleanse the area gently. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap or a tattoo-specific cleanser. Avoid harsh soaps or scrubs that could irritate your freshly shaved skin. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towel instead of rubbing it to prevent any unnecessary friction.

2. Apply moisturizer

Hydration is key! After shaving, apply a tattoo-friendly moisturizer to the shaved area. Look for products that are fragrance-free, gentle, and specifically formulated for tattooed skin. Moisturizing helps keep your skin nourished, prevents dryness, and aids in the healing process. Apply the moisturizer in gentle, circular motions until it’s fully absorbed.

3. Avoid excessive sun exposure

Sun protection is crucial for maintaining the vibrancy of your tattoo. After shaving, make sure to keep the tattooed area out of direct sunlight, especially during peak sun hours. If you need to be outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your tattoo from harmful UV rays. Remember to reapply sunscreen as needed, especially if you’re sweating or spending a long time outdoors.

4. Steer clear of irritating substances

After shaving, avoid applying any harsh chemicals or irritants to the shaved area. This includes perfumes, alcohol-based products, and heavily scented lotions. Stick to gentle, hypoallergenic products that won’t cause irritation or redness. Your freshly shaved tattooed skin deserves some extra TLC.

5. Give it time to heal

Shaving can cause temporary sensitivity, so it’s essential to let your skin heal properly. Avoid picking, scratching, or rubbing the shaved area. Let the skin breathe and recover on its own. It’s tempting, I know, but resist the urge to mess with it.

FAQs

Can using shaving creams or gels harm my tattoo?

It’s all about making smart choices. Some shaving creams and gels can contain harsh chemicals that might not play nicely with your tattoo. The key here is to opt for products that are gentle and won’t cause any harm. Look for tattoo-friendly shaving creams or gels that are fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin. This way, you can keep your skin smooth and your tattoo happy without any unwanted issues.

What if my healing tattoo has already faded from shaving?

Don’t panic just yet! If your healing tattoo has already faded from shaving, there might still be hope. You can consider getting a touch-up from a professional tattoo artist. They can work their magic and bring back the vibrancy to your tattoo. Reach out to your trusted tattoo artist and discuss your concerns. They’ll be able to assess the situation and provide you with the best course of action.

Can I shave my tattoo after a month?

Yes, you can shave your tattoo after a month if the surface of the tattooed skin is completely healed. It may take 2 to 4 weeks for a tattoo to heal in general. So, a month should be a quiet time for your tattoo to heal and shave over it.

Does shaving make tattoos look better?

Yes, shaving skin removes dead skin, hair, and dirt, which makes the tattoo pop out more.

Final Thoughts

You can shave as much as you want over a healed tattoo and it won’t fade it. Healed tattooed skin can be treated like any normal skin of your body. But if the tattoo is in the healing phase then avoid shaving it as it could lead to tattoo fading, infection, excessive scabs, etc.

It usually takes a few weeks for tattoos to heal. But you can tell by observing peeling, flaking, scabbing, vibrant color, skin texture, etc. if your tattoo has healed or not. While shaving make sure you do not make any big cuts as it can distort your tattoo. As post-shave aftercare, you should apply non-abrasive moisturizer, avoid direct sunlight and give the skin some time to heal.

Take good care of your skin, moisturize like there’s no tomorrow, use gentle shaving techniques, and opt for tattoo-friendly products. And remember, if your tattoo has already faded, a talented tattoo artist might be able to work their magic and give it a second chance to shine. So, keep that razor steady, be kind to your ink, and rock that tattoo with pride!

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