How to Care for Your Tattoo in Summer

Author: Linn Grucz Stokke

Summer’s coming in hot - and so is festival season (hey, COPENHELL!). As we gear up for sunshine, holidays, and all the fun that follows, it’s also time to think about how to best protect your ink.

Here’s a quick and easy guide to keeping your tattoo looking fresh all summer long.

Sunscreen & UV-protective sleeves

Daily sun protection during summer makes a big difference - especially if you're sporting a new tattoo. UV rays can cause fading over time, especially on black and grey tattoo work. Apply a high SPF (ideally 30 to 50), and don’t forget to reapply if you’re out for longer periods, especially during festivals or beach days.

Pro hack: If you tend to forget sunscreen, UV-protective sleeves can be a great alternative. They’re available in most sports stores and offer great coverage. Some even come with a cooling effect, which can be a real bonus on hot, sunny days. UV-sleeves also do a better job of keeping out dirt than sunscreen, making them the perfect choice for festivals - especially if you’re planning to dive into a dusty mosh pit!

Arm sleeve and leg sleeve "stockings" on Ninna by Anders Grucz

Fresh tattoos need shade

Make sure to stay as much away from direct midday sun as possible during the healing phase (approx. 3 weeks). Loose clothing and shade - especially around noon - are your best allies here.

If you’re getting tattooed here at the Dark Gallery this summer, we’ve got you covered - quite literally. To support healing during sunny months, we’ve invested in high-quality Second Skin bandages with built-in UV protection. This gives your fresh tattoo an extra layer of defense while it settles in.

Plenty of clients choose summer sessions and still enjoy their holidays - all you need is a little bit of planning.

New tattoo? Swimming can wait a little

It’s important to avoid pools and beaches until the tattoo is fully healed. This helps prevent irritation or infections. If you have travel plans that involve swimming, consider booking your session with ideally three weeks' buffer before or after. A little patience during healing gives you a lifetime of good results.

Keep your skin hydrated

Hot weather, sun, and long days outside can dry out your skin. Staying well hydrated and using a fragrance-free moisturizer (or tattoo aftercare, if your piece is still healing) will help the long-term appearance of your tattoo. And yes, coffee, beer and cocktails technically count as liquids! Just remember to throw some actual water into the mix too. Healthy, hydrated skin always shows off tattoos at their best.

Festivals and fresh tattoos can work - just prepare

Attending a festival after getting tattooed is doable with the right preparation. To best aid the healing of your new tattoo, bring antibacterial soap, clean paper towels, and healing aftercare, and make sure your hands are clean before touching the area. Try to avoid mud or prolonged sun exposure.

Some of our regulars have managed both a new tattoo and a weekend of live music - it just takes a little extra care.

Want to book a summer session?

Summer can be a great time to get tattooed. Whether it's the extra daylight, the break from work, or the inspiration that comes with the season and seeing other people’s cool tattoos, there's no need to wait. A bit of mindful aftercare is all it takes to ensure a smooth healing process.

If you’re considering a summer session, feel free to reach out via the booking request or email Anders Grucz directly at a.grucz@gmail.com - we're always happy to guide you based on your plans and help make sure your new tattoo fits smoothly into the season.