Tanning with Tattoos: What You Need to Know

If you love sun-kissed skin and beautiful ink, you might wonder: Can I tan with tattoos? The short answer is yes — but it’s important to take extra care to protect your artwork and keep your skin looking its best.

Tattoos are essentially open wounds during healing, so tanning — whether outdoors or in a salon — should be avoided while your tattoo is fresh. Wait until your tattoo is fully healed before scheduling any tanning session. Healing times vary, but most tattoos take 2–4 weeks to heal completely depending on size, placement, and your skin.

Once your tattoo is fully healed, you can tan safely, but UV exposure can fade ink over time. To preserve the vibrancy of your tattoo, protect the area with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) if you’re tanning outdoors, and avoid prolonged peak sun hours.

At Tan by the Sea, we use tanning solutions that allow you to achieve a gorgeous glow without harmful UV exposure. Since spray tans don’t involve UV rays, they’re often a great option for tattoo lovers who want radiant color without risking fading.

Before tanning, keep your tattoo well moisturized — dry skin can dull both your tan and your ink. During the session, simply make your technician aware of your tattooed areas so they can tailor the application for even, flawless color.

With proper care, tanning and tattoos can coexist beautifully — letting you show off both radiant skin and your personal art.

FAQs

Q1: Can I tan with tattoos?

A: Yes, once your tattoo is fully healed.

Q2: How long should I wait after getting a tattoo to tan?

A: Wait at least 2–4 weeks until the tattoo is completely healed.

Q3: Does tanning fade tattoo ink?

A: UV tanning can fade ink over time; protection is important.

Q4: Are spray tans safe for tattoos?

A: Yes — spray tans don’t use UV and are gentle on healed tattoos.

Q5: How can I protect my tattoos while tanning outdoors?

A: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen over the tattooed area.