So, you're ready to jet off on your next adventure, but there's just one problem - you've got a fresh tattoo. Don't worry, with a little extra care and preparation, you can still enjoy your travels without compromising your new ink.
In this ultimate guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about travelling with fresh tattoos.
Before we get into how to look after your tattoo whilst travelling, let's make sure you get a vegan tattoo first. Many people are surprised to learn that tattoos aren’t always vegan. Traditional tattoo inks can contain animal-derived ingredients such as bone char (used to create black pigments), glycerin from animal fat (used as a stabiliser), or gelatin and shellac (used as binders).
Even aftercare products are sometimes made with beeswax, lanolin, or other animal byproducts. To make sure your tattoo is vegan, ask your artist if they use plant-based or synthetic alternatives: for example, inks made with carbon or vegetable-based pigments, vegetable glycerin, and synthetic stabilisers. Vegan aftercare balms should be free from beeswax and lanolin, relying instead on plant oils and butters like shea, cocoa, or coconut.
If you’re committed to keeping your tattoo cruelty-free, it’s also worth checking that your chosen artist is comfortable working with vegan products, since some specialise in it and can guarantee a fully vegan process.
Before we dive into the specifics of travelling with a fresh tattoo, it's important to understand the healing process. Typically, a new tattoo takes 2-4 weeks to heal completely. During this time, your skin is more susceptible to infection and damage, so it's crucial to follow proper aftercare instructions.
Ideally, it's best to wait until your tattoo is fully healed before travelling. However, if you must travel with a fresh tattoo, try to schedule your trip at least a week after getting inked. This will give your tattoo some time to start healing and reduce the risk of complications.
When travelling with a fresh tattoo, your main priority is to keep it clean, dry, and protected. Before leaving, make sure to pack your aftercare essentials, such as fragrance-free moisturiser, antibacterial soap, and clean bandages. It's also a good idea to wear loose, breathable clothing that won't rub against your tattoo.
Sun exposure can be particularly damaging to fresh tattoos, causing fading, blistering, and other complications. If you're travelling to a sunny destination, make sure to keep your tattoo covered with clothing or a bandage.
Guide to travelling with fresh vegan tattoos
Wait... Is Your Tattoo Vegan?
Before we get into how to look after your tattoo whilst travelling, let's make sure you get a vegan tattoo first. Many people are surprised to learn that tattoos aren’t always vegan. Traditional tattoo inks can contain animal-derived ingredients such as bone char (used to create black pigments), glycerin from animal fat (used as a stabiliser), or gelatin and shellac (used as binders).
Even aftercare products are sometimes made with beeswax, lanolin, or other animal byproducts. To make sure your tattoo is vegan, ask your artist if they use plant-based or synthetic alternatives: for example, inks made with carbon or vegetable-based pigments, vegetable glycerin, and synthetic stabilisers. Vegan aftercare balms should be free from beeswax and lanolin, relying instead on plant oils and butters like shea, cocoa, or coconut.
If you’re committed to keeping your tattoo cruelty-free, it’s also worth checking that your chosen artist is comfortable working with vegan products, since some specialise in it and can guarantee a fully vegan process.
Understanding the Healing Process
Before we dive into the specifics of travelling with a fresh tattoo, it's important to understand the healing process. Typically, a new tattoo takes 2-4 weeks to heal completely. During this time, your skin is more susceptible to infection and damage, so it's crucial to follow proper aftercare instructions.
Timing Your Travel Plans
Ideally, it's best to wait until your tattoo is fully healed before travelling. However, if you must travel with a fresh tattoo, try to schedule your trip at least a week after getting inked. This will give your tattoo some time to start healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Protecting Your Tattoo During Travel
When travelling with a fresh tattoo, your main priority is to keep it clean, dry, and protected. Before leaving, make sure to pack your aftercare essentials, such as fragrance-free moisturiser, antibacterial soap, and clean bandages. It's also a good idea to wear loose, breathable clothing that won't rub against your tattoo.
Dealing with Sun Exposure
Sun exposure can be particularly damaging to fresh tattoos, causing fading, blistering, and other complications. If you're travelling to a sunny destination, make sure to keep your tattoo covered with clothing or a bandage.
Once your tattoo is healed, always apply a high-SPF sunscreen to protect it from UV rays.
Travelling can be exhausting, and it's easy to get dehydrated on long flights or in hot climates. However, staying hydrated and well-rested is essential for the healing process. Drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can dehydrate your skin and slow down healing.
Despite your best efforts, complications can still arise when travelling with a fresh tattoo. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, you may need to consider tattoo removal. For example, if you're in Vancouver, British Columbia, you can look into tattoo removal in Vancouver for safe and effective treatment options.
While travelling with a fresh tattoo requires some extra precautions, it doesn't have to put a damper on your trip. By following these guidelines and listening to your body, you can still have an amazing time while ensuring your tattoo heals properly. Just remember to take it easy, stay hydrated, and protect your ink from the elements.
In conclusion, travelling with a fresh tattoo is definitely possible with the right preparation and aftercare. By understanding the healing process, timing your travel plans, protecting your tattoo, and staying hydrated and rested, you can minimize the risk of complications and enjoy your adventure to the fullest.
Staying Hydrated and Rested
Travelling can be exhausting, and it's easy to get dehydrated on long flights or in hot climates. However, staying hydrated and well-rested is essential for the healing process. Drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can dehydrate your skin and slow down healing.
Knowing When to Seek Help
Despite your best efforts, complications can still arise when travelling with a fresh tattoo. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, you may need to consider tattoo removal. For example, if you're in Vancouver, British Columbia, you can look into tattoo removal in Vancouver for safe and effective treatment options.
Enjoying Your Trip
While travelling with a fresh tattoo requires some extra precautions, it doesn't have to put a damper on your trip. By following these guidelines and listening to your body, you can still have an amazing time while ensuring your tattoo heals properly. Just remember to take it easy, stay hydrated, and protect your ink from the elements.
In conclusion, travelling with a fresh tattoo is definitely possible with the right preparation and aftercare. By understanding the healing process, timing your travel plans, protecting your tattoo, and staying hydrated and rested, you can minimize the risk of complications and enjoy your adventure to the fullest.
And if you do run into any issues, don't hesitate to seek professional help, whether it's medical attention or tattoo removal in Vancouver, British Columbia. Happy travels! (Image sources is Unsplash 1 and 2)
