Some guys get tattoos on body parts that require shaving. Or they find that over time, they start growing hair in places they have tattoos and need to deal with the hair in the future when it suddenly starts growing.
Getting a tattoo involves a machine with a needle piercing your skin and injecting ink into the secondary layer of skin called the dermis. This process is what makes a tattoo permanent. So while shaving removes a layer of skin, it doesn’t affect the tattoo because it’s located below that, where a razor blade can’t reach or affect it.
But guys tend to have hair in places we’d rather not. What if you get a tattoo and had to shave before getting the tattoo? Eventually the hair will start to grow back and cover up or otherwise harm the look of the tattoo.
What to do?
Does Shaving Over A Tattoo Damage It?
Once the tattoo has healed, no. Shaving over a tattoo does not damage it. Shaving removes the first layer of skin as hair is being shaved but as your tattoo(s) is located on the secondary level of skin below that, it is unaffected by shaving similar to how peeling skin from a sunburn won’t impact the tattoo either.
When Can You Start Shaving Over A Tattoo?
Although your tattoo artist may suggest differently, you can generally shave the area with a tattoo 4-6 weeks after the tattoo is applied which generally is the time it takes for the skin to heal.
Some tattoos may heal within 2-3 weeks but be prepared for a longer healing time just in case.
Follow the tattoo artist’s instructions for your specific situation but that’s the rule of thumb.
Will Shaving A Tattoo Make It Fade?
No. Similar to above with shaving an existing and healed tattoo, you won’t damage the tattoo or make it fade over time. Shaving has no impact on a tattoo after it has healed.
Tattoo Aftercare
A decent and qualified tattoo artist will explain the importance of tattoo aftercare immediately after finishing the tattoo. The last thing you want is for the tattoo to dry out and you are also trying to avoid getting a scab on it too.
Your tattoo artist should explain the importance of applying a protective ointment or moisturizer that is tattoo-specific and may sell them at their tattoo parlour.
Should you shave or wax your arms or legs prior to a tattoo? Check out this link for some options.
