The Case For Getting Your New Tattoo In The Winter

Tattoos are becoming increasingly popular in the United States, with nearly one in three adults (32%) having one tattoo and nearly one in five (22%) having "more than one," per 2023 research from the Pew Research Center. And the allure of tattoos is undeniable, as evidenced by #tattooideas on Instagram having over 19 million posts.

From sleek shoulder tattoos to subtle wrist designs — and from tattoos that are odes to Barbie to tattoos with hidden meanings, such as the pomegranate — body art has evolved into a powerful form of self-expression and is embraced by people of all ages and genders. While the decision to get a tattoo is deeply personal, considering the timing of this transformative experience is universal and can significantly impact your overall outcome.

In the realm of body ink, anything generally goes. However, there's a compelling argument for choosing winter as the best moment for this artistic endeavor. In fact, as the temperatures drop outside, the unique advantages of getting new ink range from a more seamless appointment-booking experience to an easier healing process.

One of the best arguments for getting your tattoo during the winter months is simply that you shouldn't have a tan when getting one. While moderately tanned skin is not a problem per se, sunburns that are often caused when trying to catch a bronzer shade during the summer are.

But let's take a step back and see how tattoos work. Our skin has three different levels. Starting outward and going inward, they are the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. Tattoo needles penetrate the epidermis and reach the topmost layer of the dermis, which is about 1 to 2 mm deep. Although this is "only 1/16th of an inch" (via Stories & Ink), a compromised epidermal surface from a sunburn will interfere with the healing process and the tattoo's overall quality (not to mention the pain of having a needle repeatedly inserted into sunburned skin).

As board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, M.D., told Byrdie, "An intact skin barrier will make tattoo application easier and will also make sure that the skin's natural healing mechanisms are primed." So, to make sure that your skin is in perfect condition for your new tattoo, it's best to get one during the winter, thus ensuring that the sun's UV rays haven't caused much damage. Otherwise, you may not be 100% happy with the outcome and be forced to go for a tattoo coverup down the line. 

As your tattoo artist injects the ink into your skin, you suffer many "small wounds" (via Medical News Today). Tattoos, like all wounds, scab. On this, board-certified dermatologist Jessie Cheung, M.D., explained to PopSugar, "You will have a fresh layer of new skin within one to two weeks, depending on the body location, but it's important that remember that this skin is thin and prone to irritation and dryness."

Naturally, scabs forming leads to the "itching" stage of healing, per Healthline, and you don't want to have to deal with heat and sweating as well during this uncomfortable stage. Plus, winter clothes make sure that you cover up the new tattoo and offer a protective layer over the scab. Imagine wearing shorts or tank tops and risking the scab being ripped off of the wound, thus interrupting the healing process and compromising your tattoo. Also, if you can see the scab, you're more likely to scratch it to alleviate any itching.

On this, tattoo artist Michelle Santana told PopSugar that "some of the biggest mistakes people make while healing tattoos is picking and scratching them. This can cause ink to come out of the skin, leaving negative space, which means you'll require a touch-up." That means shelling out more money and time — and, of course, feeling more pain — so it's best to avoid this at all costs.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, UV rays — apart from being harmful to our skin — can also be detrimental to your tattoo's aesthetic, as the ink may fade if exposed for too long. You can and must, of course, protect your skin with an SPF lotion of 30 or higher if you get a tattoo in the summer. But how can you protect a wound that has a scab on it? In fact, you're not supposed to put sunscreen on a tattoo for several weeks after getting it so that it can heal. Because of this, staying out of the sun during that time is your only option. Plus, once the scab and the peeling stage are gone, you must be diligent in constantly re-applying sun lotion to protect your new ink. This is a hassle, which is why winter might be a more stress-free time for your new ink.

Another factor that weighs in favor of having your tattoo in the winter is sweating. Admittedly, it's hard to avoid sweating when it's scorching outside, and sweat, whether due to heat or exercise, can, unfortunately, harm your tattoo. "Sweating can certainly be an issue if it's allowed to sit too long on the fresh tattoo. Sweat is pretty dirty," professional tattoo artist Josh Arseneau explained to Men's Health. Winter has never sounded better!

Tattoos typically heal between half a month and a full month after getting them, during which time the scab will be gone and the itching alleviated. However, it may take up to half a year for the skin itself to heal, per Health. During this time, you must be extra careful not to infect the area. One of the most common types of bacteria that can infect the tattoo is staphylococcus (via Medical News Today).

During the summertime, we often hit the pool to beat the heat or jump in the jacuzzi at the gym following our workouts. However, contaminated water in pools and jacuzzies is a breeding ground for several types of bacteria, including staphylococcus, according to 2022 research published in the Journal of Environmental Health. Some of the pathogens found in these waters may even resist antibiotics, making them particularly dangerous.

In this case, the infection might not be easily treatable and can result in a potentially fatal condition known as sepsis, though this is uncommon (via Medical News Today). Surely, you can get your tattoo in the summer and steer clear of pools and jacuzzies while it heals, but it's certainly easier to do so in the wintertime. Moreover, even if the water is completely free of pathogens, you still run the risk of irritating the sensitive area due to the chlorine or other chemicals in the water, as explained by Healthline.

If you've ever tried making an appointment with your favorite tattoo studio, then you know that there's bound to be a waiting list. Tattoo artists, especially the really good ones, tend to be highly sought after, and since people generally like getting tattoos in the summer, booking an appointment with your favorite artist during the hotter season can be challenging. If you don't want to settle for just any artist, then winter is the best time to get your appointment. Not only will you find an appointment easier but you'll also likely find one that suits your schedule better, too.

Moreover, imagine having to get your tattoo while it's scorching hot and humid outside. Being injected with a needle is uncomfortable on its own without adding sweat, heat, and humidity to the mix. Opting for winter to have your new ink helps ease that part of the equation.

And, if you are looking for one final reason to have your tattoo while it's still cold and chilly, think of all the holiday gifts and year-end bonuses you get during this season. Tattoos can be quite expensive, so with this potential added cash flow, it might be a good time to splurge. Plus, during the summer, you're more likely to spend money on vacations and other fun items and events, so financially speaking, winter becomes an amazing go-to option.