5 Ways to Protect a Fresh Tattoo Over the Holidays
Quick answer
To protect a fresh tattoo over the holidays, keep it covered at gatherings and ask for side hugs, keep pets off it and wash your hands after petting, cover it while you cook, wear loose, soft layers instead of tight sweaters, and set a phone reminder so your aftercare routine doesn't slip on busy days.
Got tattooed in December? The holidays are a great time for new ink, and a busy time to heal it. Between family hugs, pets, cooking and parties, a fresh tattoo takes a lot of hits.
Here are five ways to protect it, from the chair.
1. Watch the hugs
Why it matters: holiday hugs land right on fresh arms, backs and chests. Pressure and bumps on a healing tattoo hurt, and they can rub at it.
Do this: keep it covered at gatherings, and give family a heads-up. Side hugs on the other side work great.
2. Keep pets off it
Why it matters: pets love holiday company, and fur, paws and kisses don't mix with a healing tattoo.
Do this: keep a fresh tattoo covered around pets, keep them off it, and wash your hands after petting and before you touch your tattoo1.
3. Cover up in the kitchen
Why it matters: holiday cooking means steam, splatter and greasy hands.
Do this: keep a fresh tattoo covered while you cook, and wash up before you touch it.
4. Dress around it
Why it matters: holiday sweaters, tights and fitted outfits rub a healing tattoo for hours.
Do this: pick loose, soft layers over a healing tattoo. Save the tight, festive stuff for next year. For more cold-weather tips, see 5 Winter Habits That Wreck a Fresh Tattoo.
5. Stick to the routine
Why it matters: travel, parties and family time make it easy to skip a wash or forget to moisturize.
Do this: set a reminder on your phone and keep the routine going, holiday or not. Traveling too? See 5 Things to Know Before Getting Tattooed Before a Trip.
Holiday checklist for a fresh tattoo
| Holiday hazard | Why it matters | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Hugs | Pressure and bumps | Cover it, ask for side hugs |
| Pets | Fur and germs | Cover it, wash your hands |
| Cooking | Splatter and grease | Cover it while you cook |
| Holiday outfits | Friction | Loose, soft layers |
| Busy schedule | Easy to forget aftercare | Set a reminder |
Celebrate, then cover it
Side hugs, no pets on it, cover it in the kitchen, loose clothes and the same routine. Your new tattoo will make it to the new year looking great. Not sure what's normal while it heals? See 5 Things That Look Wrong While Your Tattoo Heals (But Aren't).
FAQ
How do I protect a new tattoo at holiday gatherings?
Keep it covered, give family a heads-up and ask for side hugs on the other side. Wash your hands before touching it.
Can my dog or cat be around my new tattoo?
Yes, but keep the tattoo covered around pets, keep them off it, and wash your hands after petting and before you touch your tattoo.
Should I cover my tattoo while cooking?
Yes. Cooking means steam, splatter and greasy hands, so keep a fresh tattoo covered and wash up before you touch it.
Can I wear a holiday sweater over a new tattoo?
Tight or scratchy sweaters can rub a healing tattoo. Pick loose, soft layers until it's healed.
How do I keep up with aftercare during the holidays?
Set a daily reminder on your phone so busy days, travel and parties don't throw off your routine.