Tattoos & Tan Lines: Do’s and Don’ts of Getting Inked in Summer

Thinking about getting a tattoo this summer? You’re not alone. Warmer months are one of the busiest times of year for tattoo studios and also the riskiest for your healing ink.

As a female tattoo artist based in Chippenham, I specialise in watercolour and abstract avant-garde tattoos, styles that demand precision, subtle colour blending, and thoughtful healing. So today, I’m sharing the summer-specific do’s and don’ts you really need to know before booking your session or heading out with fresh ink.

☀️ Summer & Tattoos: A Delicate Combo

Let’s be real: tattoos and sunshine aren’t best mates, especially during the healing process. Heat, sweat, UV rays, saltwater, and even tanning lotion can seriously mess with your ink.

And with watercolour or abstract styles, where soft gradients and intentional negative space play a big role, any healing issue can distort the final look.

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✅ The Do’s of Getting a Tattoo in Summer

1. Do Plan Your Timing

If you’re going on holiday, try to book your tattoo 3/4 weeks before you leave. Fresh tattoos need protection from sun, sweat, and water, and you don’t want to be healing while poolside in Tenerife.

2. Do Cover Your Tattoo (But Let It Breathe)

Light, breathable fabrics are your new best friend. Avoid tight clothing over your fresh tattoo, it’ll rub and trap sweat, which is bacteria’s playground. Loose cotton is ideal.

3. Do Stay Hydrated

Your skin heals better when you’re hydrated, inside and out. Drink loads of water and keep your skin moisturised with a tattoo aftercare balm.

❌ The Don’ts of Getting a Tattoo in Summer

1. Don’t Tan Before or After

This is a big one: no sunbeds, no tanning oils, no sunbathing before or after getting tattooed. Tanned or sunburnt skin is damaged skin. I won’t tattoo over it, and you shouldn’t risk healing a tattoo under it.

After your tattoo heals (3–4 weeks), use SPF 50+ daily to prevent fading. UV rays are brutal on tattoos, especially soft watercolour tones.

2. Don’t Swim With Fresh Ink

Pools, oceans, lakes, even hot tubs, are off-limits until your tattoo is fully healed. Submerging fresh ink increases the risk of infection and colour loss. Trust me: it’s not worth it.

3. Don’t Pick or Scratch

Yes, your tattoo might itch. Yes, it might peel. That’s normal. But don’t scratch or pick, especially if you’re sweating more than usual in the heat. Let it heal naturally, and keep it clean.

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🌈 Summer Tattoos: Special Considerations for Watercolour & Abstract Styles

Watercolour tattoos use delicate shading, washes of colour, and often little or no outline. That means every millimetre matters and even slight disruptions to healing can blur the softness or dull the pigment.

My abstract avant-garde work often uses asymmetry, layering, and intentional “imperfection.” It’s emotional, expressive, and personal. And to keep that vibe intact, proper summer aftercare is key.

If you’re looking for a female tattoo artist in Chippenham who gets the artistic and emotional side of body art, I’ve got you. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fifteenth, my goal is to create something that feels like an extension of who you are, not just a design on skin.

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Thinking of Getting Inked This Summer?

Let’s plan it right. I offer video consultations to walk you through style, timing, placement, and aftercare, so you can enjoy your summer and love your tattoo forever.

📩 Book your session with Lavale

📍 Located in Chippenham, Wiltshire

📸 Follow me on Instagram: [@lavaletatyou] for recent work & client stories