Wait for it….winter is coming. There, we got that overused meme-stamp out of the way so let’s get down to business.
Yes indeed, the season is upon us and some of you are considering getting your first or second tattoo. As such, you have a lot of questions, and one of them is in regards to whether or not there is anything you need to know about getting inked in the weeks surrounding the December 21 solstice. The weather is cold and you’re dressed to the hilt and want to make sure your new tattoo gets the care it needs to heal to perfection. Today, we’re going to address all of your questions and concerns.
4 Things You Need to Know About Getting a Tattoo This Winter
1. Why It’s a Great Idea
For starters, this is a great time of the year to get a tattoo. One of the biggest threats to the healing process is overexposure to the sun and damaging UV rays. Unless you’re from Alaska and you think that the weather is balmy there’s a good chance that you won’t be cruising around in a tank top anytime soon. The spring/summer also incites sweat which can also aggravate initial healing, so you can trade that for wintertime goosebumps any day.
2. You Can Still Bundle Up
The concern most people have about getting inked in the winter, is breathability for a healing tattoo. You’re going to be dressed in heavy layered clothing when heading outdoors, and you’re worried about the friction. Don’t sweat it. As long as you wear the bandage for the suggested (by your tattooist) period of time and afford the prescribed aftercare you have no cause for concern. Instead, think up your bundled up clothes as a shield that will protect your fresh body art until it’s ready to be unveiled to the world!
3. Travel Plans?
The season marks winter vacation for some, and that may have you heading for warmer climates where that aforementioned sun exposure may indeed pose a problem. If you can wait, schedule your tattoo for after you’ve returned, although you will need to be mindful and apply plenty of sunblock to the intended area so that you don’t burn, tan, or alter the natural layer of skin. If you want to get your tattoo before your tropical vacation be sure to schedule it weeks in advance (if possible) and again, cover up with UV protectant clothing and sunblock once you’ve arrived in paradise or run the risk of fading the new ink.
4. Concerns About Snowboarding, Skiing, and Yukigassen?
There are a wide variety of intense winter sports that you may be partaking in, including snowboarding, skiing, and of course Yukigassen (professional snowball fighting). Precautions will beed to be taken as high-impact falls from snowboarding, skiing, or even sledding can aggravate your healing tattoo, as can excessive friction when twisting and turning down the slopes. But don’t worry, you don’t have to sideline your winter X-games ambitions, just follow our guide to snowboarding after getting a tattoo and you’ll be just fine.
If you have any additional questions about getting a tattoo in the winter, don’t hesitate to contact us. Otherwise, if you’re good to go, simply schedule your appointment at one of our Vancouver studios (downtown and Kits) or our Toronto ON location.
Written By:
Adrenaline Tattoo
Tattoos, not attitudes. Piercings, not pricks. From the beginning, Adrenaline’s focus has been on delivering the best customer service possible within the body modification industry.
More By This Author
