Tattoos have become quite a popular form of self-expression over the years, with people getting them inked all year round. However, when it comes to the ideal time of year to get a tattoo, summer is not the best choice.

While the sun and heat may be nice to enjoy, they can have adverse effects on a fresh tattoo. Here are ten reasons why summer is not the best season for tattoos.

1. Sweating

Summer is synonymous with hot weather, and hot weather means sweating. Sweating can ruin the healing process of a fresh tattoo. Sweat carries bacteria and germs, and when it mixes with the ink, it can result in an infection.

Since sweat is prevalent during the summer season, it’s best to avoid getting inked during this time.

2. Swimming

Summer is a season where people tend to swim and spend time in the water. Unfortunately, chlorine, saltwater, and freshwater are all enemies to a new tattoo.

These factors can cause the ink to fade and blur, ruin the healing process, or even cause an infection.

3. Sunburn

Summer is also the season where the sun is at its strongest. Direct exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, which is dangerous for a new tattoo. Sunburn damages the skin, and if a fresh tattoo suffers sunburn, it can cause scarring and fading.

This means that you should avoid getting a new tattoo during the summer season to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun.

4. Tanning

While it may be nice to get a sun-kissed look in the summer, the tanning process is not good for a new tattoo. The UV rays from the sun can cause the ink to fade, and the heat can ruin the healing process.

You should avoid tanning and direct exposure to the sun for at least four weeks after getting a new tattoo.

5. Heavy Clothing

During the summer, people tend to wear lighter clothing to cope with the heat. However, when getting a new tattoo, heavier clothing is recommended to protect it from the sun and keep it clean.

Wearing heavy clothing during the summer season is not practical, and that is why it’s not the best time to get a new tattoo.

6. Outdoor Activities

Summer is a season where people engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and sports. While these activities are enjoyable, they can be dangerous for a new tattoo.

Outdoor activities expose the skin to dirt, dust, and bacteria, which can cause infections. It’s, therefore, best to avoid getting a new tattoo during the summer season to avoid such activities.

7. Long Exposure to Water

A new tattoo is like an open wound, and you must keep it dry for at least two weeks to avoid infection. However, during the summer season, it’s difficult to keep a new tattoo dry when taking a shower or swimming.

Prolonged exposure to water can ruin the healing process, and it’s better to avoid getting a new tattoo during this season.

8. Longer Healing Time

While getting a tattoo takes a lot of courage, the healing process can be painful. During the summer season, the healing time is longer due to the sun’s harmful effects.

The longer healing time means that you have to be extra careful, which can be frustrating, and that is why it’s best to avoid getting a new tattoo during the summer season.

9. High Demand

Summer is a season where a lot of people get new tattoos. This high demand for tattoos means that it’s challenging to find an available tattoo artist, and you may have to wait for an extended period to get an appointment.

Therefore, if you want a new tattoo, it’s best to avoid getting one during the summer season.

10. Lack of Flexibility

During the summer season, most people have fixed schedules and fewer free days. This lack of flexibility means that it’s challenging to allocate enough time for the healing process of a new tattoo.

The healing process requires you to follow specific instructions strictly, and it’s not easy to do it when you’re too busy. It’s, therefore, best to avoid getting a new tattoo during the summer season when you lack the necessary flexibility.