does shaving affect your tattoo?

Question

I'm getting a tattoo on my leg , but I don't know if shaving will affect the color or the tattoo itself .

Help please!

Answer 1

The skin isn't healed until closer to 4 weeks, the surface may be healed but there is a lot going on underneath. Of course don't shave while its healing, but be careful when shaving the tattoo later on. If you cut yourself, you can lose some ink from the tattoo when the cut heals. An artist should be able to touch it up, waxing is always a safe alternative for a healed tattoo.

Answer 2

No, shaving does not cause it to fade any faster. I'd hold off for a bit right after you get it though so that you don't accidently remove any of the scab that will form. Doing this can cause some of the ink to be lifted with the removed scab. Also, be aware, that part of the body is kinda painful for a tattoo. I'd suggest something small and on say a shoulder first to find out if you can even bear the discomfort. Also, choose your pattern as well as your artist well. Remember, it's gotta last a lifetime.

Answer 3

Well like everyone said, you shouldn't shave while it's healing. It will start to scab up after awhile (remember it's a healing wound) and shaving can take some of that skin off that's trying to heal which can mess up the outcome of the tattoo. I don't think it'll mess up the color per se but you could end up with chunks of the tattoo missing. I have one on my leg and it was a pain not to be able to shave it but after it heals it'll be perfectly fine.

Answer 4

I have a very colorful tat that covers half of my calf and it's held up better than most I've seen. It's over 10 years old and is still as vibrant as the day I got it. It's because of the continual exfoliation women do to their legs because of shaving and using lotion. Shaving will only affect it if you shave before it's healed or if you get a bad nick one day.

Answer 5

you can't shave that area while it's healing, but after 1-2 weeks it won't affect your tattoo at all. that wont cause fading because the tattoo is actually below the top layers of skin.

Answer 6

Let it heal for at least 2 weeks, if its a permanent tattoo it wont fade away...

Permanent tattoos are under a layer of skin..

Answer 7

Nickles is right......don't shave after it's done until it has fully healed

then shave/wax/pluck away

Answer 8

What they said......exactly !! :)