Can You Shave Over a Tattoo? Experts Weigh In On When It's Safe

Whether it's your first tattoo or lucky number 13, there are a few things you need to know. Like, if your new ink is located somewhere you typically shave, it's going to be a little while before you can take a razor to it. Patience is key in the healing process– no one wants bumpy, red irritation over freshly inked skin.

If you're not sure what is and isn't normal after your tattoo appointment or need a refresher on how to handle the healing process, we've got you covered. Ahead, dermatologists and a tattoo artist share everything you need to know about the post-tattoo experience and when it's safe to shave.

Should You Shave Before a Tattoo?

While it's smart to shave before getting a tattoo, your tattoo artist may do another pass or two ahead of getting to work. This is a customary part of pre-tattoo prep to make sure that the tiny hairs will not get in the way of the ink. "Hair can harbor bacteria and should be removed gently to avoid any razor burn or irritation before tattooing," says tattoo artist Shaughnessy Otsuji.

“If you have sensitive skin or shaving irritates your skin, you can shave a few days prior to your tattoo to let your skin calm down," adds dermatologist, Morgan Rabach. This is something that you should mention to your tattoo artist, too, because it might impact the way that they choose to do things while tattooing you.

How Long Do Tattoos Take to Heal? 

According to Dr. Rabach, it usually takes the skin two to three weeks to fully heal after getting a tattoo. During this time, you can resume your regular lifestyle, however, according to Otsuji, your skin may still naturally exfoliate and regenerate for up to six weeks. "Your artist will have the area bandaged post-tattoo and instruct you how to keep it clean and dry throughout the healing process," she says.

It is important to avoid sweating, swimming, and sun exposure for the two-week healing period, says Otsuji, as during this time there may be some light scabbing or peeling. However, a healing cream or mild moisturizer can be used sparingly as needed. She recommends Zensa Healing Cream ($60), for its soothing and hydrating properties thanks to shea butter and cucumber extract as well as sunflower seed oil to preserve your tattoo's color.

What are the Stages of Tattoo Healing?

Tattoos generally go through several different stages of healing. Immediately afterward, your skin might look raw and feel tender to the touch, though this should only last a day or so depending on how large your tat is and where it's placed. For instance, a tiny tattoo on your arm might feel fine after a few hours, while a large piece in a sensitive spot like your ribs could take days to feel normal again.

During the middle stage, your tattoo will likely look very dark as it hasn't peeled yet and should be safe to touch and shower with, so long as you're not completely submerging it underwater. The last stage is the peeling stage, which tends to occur anywhere from three or four days to a week after you get your ink. Once it scabs over and sheds, your skin will regenerate itself and produce a new protective layer over your tattoo.

When Can You Shave After a Tattoo?

Both Dr. Rabach and Otsuji agree to wait at least two weeks (four on the safe side) to shave after getting a tattoo.

Assuming you and or your artist shaved the area ahead of receiving your tattoo, you should be starting with a clean, smooth slate. But, after a couple of days when stubble comes in, the urge to shave can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, if you go for it too soon, shaving can do some serious damage. This is because the wound is still fresh, and if you have any scabbing or raised areas, you run the risk of ruining the art by running a razor across it.

"You should never shave over a new tattoo as shaving can cause microscopic breaks in the skin, increasing inflammation, and even increase risk of skin infection, all of which would cause suboptimal tattoo results," says dermatologist, Rachel Nazarian

"Once the skin is fully closed and any scabs that were present are gone is a good sign,” says Dr. Rabach. "Avoid scented shave gels and exfoliating cleansers when shaving over a tattooed area. I recommend shaving cream, warm water and soap, and anything gentle to reduce irritation."

Otsuji cautions that while the skin may look healed on the surface sooner than two weeks, it may still be quite sensitive and delicate or still in the peeling phase. "You don't want to risk damaging the healing tattoo or causing excess irritation to the area," she says. So, the longer you can wait, the better.

How Can You Tell If It's Safe? 

It's not safe to shave until a tattoo is fully healed, which according to Dr. Nazarian, can take up to six weeks. "The first few weeks after a tattoo are the most delicate and the important task post-tattoo is to encourage healthy healing of skin, keeping it strong and protected, and keeping the area free of any additional irritation," she said.

Not sure if your tattoo has healed completely? Try this simple skin test to see if it's safe to shave again:

Close your eyes and run the tips of your fingers across and around your tattoo. If there are any bumps, raised areas, or hard scabs, then you know your skin is not back to normal. The area should feel exactly the same as the skin around it. If you can tell by touching it where your tattoo begins and ends, or feel any skin irregularities, then you need to wait a little longer.

Are There Any Exceptions? 

While rare, sometimes a tattoo can remain slightly raised for as long as a few months. If you choose to use a blade razor, exercise extreme caution– your tattoo is so close to being successfully healed at this point, so the last thing you want to do is open it up. If the tattoo is completely healed otherwise, with no open sores or scabs, an electric razor is your best option.

“If you are worried about how sensitive the skin feels you can always use an electric razor or a chemical hair removal, which can be less traumatizing to the skin than the blade of a razor,” says Dr. Rabach. Always do a small patch test to see whether your skin can tolerate the product or tool ahead of using it on a large area.

Post-Shave Aftercare

You should continue to wash the area with a gentle cleanser (Dr. Nazarian recommends an unscented, non-soap cleanser like the Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar, $4), but once the tattoo is fully healed, you can resume the use of any regular shaving products. Otsuji recommends hair removal products that are moisturizing as a good option to keep your tattoos looking vibrant longer.

"A gentle moisturizer is a great thing to add to your daily routine once your tattoo has healed. I recommend avoiding any products that contain anti-aging ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, or other chemical exfoliants as these can cause fading to the tattoo," she says. "Self-tanners can be used once healed, but it's important to note that they tint the skin, which may cause the tattoo to appear a bit softer."

Similar to using gentle and unscented products to shave with, Dr. Nazarian recommends the same for moisturizing and touts the hydrating and unscented Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion ($10) as a good pick. Dr. Rabach adds that Vaseline and Aquaphor are also helpful for healing skin and improving the skin barrier.

What About Waxing?

If you opt for waxing over shaving as a hair removal technique, similar rules apply. However, waxing is more traumatic to recently tattooed skin and should be avoided for about six weeks minimum. The same post-care tips apply here, too, using gentle cleansers and hydrating moisturizers for the tattooed area.

The Final Takeaway

There is always a chance of irritation when a routine is interrupted, however, preparing the area by gently exfoliating and moisturizing a few days before getting a tattoo might minimize any ingrown hairs, irritation, or dry skin. This would also reduce the need to shave right away.

"If the skin in the area is healthy and the hair is removed properly, it should not compromise the tattoo healing process," says Otsuji. "Although, if any knicks or ingrown hairs occur from shaving, these issues can cause excess irritation and scabbing, which can lead to premature fallout or fading of the ink." Play on the safe side and go as long as you can without shaving, or at least until your tattoo is fully healed.