You’ve touched down in Bali. The Uluwatu surf is breaking, the pool is appealing, and you are about to have a rest. And there is that SurfnInk to get on that dream tattoo that you have an appointment for.

This poses the final question of having a tattoo in the tropics: How do you weigh between having another tattoo and having a water-sun holiday?

According to medical terms, a new tattoo is an open wound. This is due to the tropical climate, along with the bacteria available in oceans and pools, and it provides a challenge to healing. Getting in on time is what separates your ideal souvenir from a vacation full of fear of being infected.

At SurfnInk Uluwatu, we have to give you a chance to ride the waves and get inked–safely. In this article, we will provide our professional recommendations on the way to plan the Bali tattoo trip.

The Golden Rule: Can I swim after getting a tattoo?

The short answer is no. Never immerse your new tattoo in any water (pools, ocean, hot tubs, or bathtubs) for a period of two weeks.

This is why this cannot be compromised in Bali:

Bacterial Infection

The waters are warm and tropical, and are very dense with bacteria found in Bali. Sea water never cures a new tattoo; it is a risk of infection. Chlorine, which is a harsh chemical irritating to the wound and possibly bacteria when the pH is not ideal, also makes pools dangerous.

Soaking the Scab

Softening a tattoo in water makes the scab soften and peel off prematurely (maceration). This drags the ink out as it moves, thus leaving a patchy, dark tattoo and causing some scarring.

Option A: Getting Tattooed at the Start of Your Trip

Verdict: Only if you are here to relax, not to swim.

When you save your session on either of the first two days of your holiday, you are obliging yourself to a dry vacation.

• The Pros: You still have ample time to wear your tattoo, and then you have to board the cramped plane ride back home. You can enjoy your villa, avoid the sun, and the healing process may begin in a stress-free environment.
• The Cons: You will never be able to surf, snorkel, or swim in the pool again during your vacation. You should avoid the direct tropical sun on the tattoo as well.

Who is this for? The Bali repeat customer who reads with the shade of the pool rather than swimming, or the customer who has come to Bali just to get a tattoo.

Option B: Getting Tattooed at the End of Your Trip

Verdict: The best choice for surfers and beach lovers.

In 9 out of 10 cases, we will advise the client to schedule the appointment on the final 1-2 days of the trip.

The Advantages: You can spend all the time at Uluwatu on your surfboard, in the ocean, and in the sun (sensibly), and you will not be concerned about your ink. The tattoo will also be the big ending of your journey.

The Cons: You will have a very fresh tattoo.

The Plan: Book your tattoo at least 24 -48 hours before your flight. This will grant you one last day of leisure, will stop the bleeding/crying, and will make sure you do not show up at the airport with a bandaged wound with a bandage still taped.

Can I use “Second Skin” (Saniderm) to go swimming?

This question is present everywhere. We do not suggest the use of Second Skin so as to be able to swim.

Although there are such waterproof products as Saniderm and Dermalize available, they are not invincible, particularly in Bali.

Sweat Trapping

Bali is humid. Once you sweat under the plastic bandage, the sweat (laden with bacteria) is caught between the open wound, making the wound susceptible to infection by bacteria like Vibrio and infections from it. This produces a greenhouse effect, which causes infection (so-called heat rash or sweat bumps).

Adhesion Failure

The seal can rise due to constant motion (paddling a surfboard) and the perspiration of the body. When one drop of dirty ocean water is caught under the bandage, you will be cultivating bacteria on the tattoo.

Remember to wear Second Skin in order to like your tattoo, not to get friction and dirty, but not to surf.

What about surfing specifically?

It is triple the threat to surf with a new tattoo:

The Water

As noted, bacteria may be present in the reef breaks.

The Sun

You have no wetsuit to wear over a new tattoo (friction), and you cannot apply sunscreen to the tattoo. The tattoo is therefore left open to the intense UV rays that will immediately burn the raw skin and dissolve the ink.

The Friction

Paddling or popping up on your chest, lies a terrific strain and friction to tattoos on your torso and leg tattoos. This is able to tear scabs and deform fine lines.

Conclusion

The last permanent souvenir is the tattoo, though you should not sacrifice your experience in Bali and your health. Most travelers have the golden rule, which is to keep the ink last and first comes the surf. It will enable you to have your taste of the waves and beaches of Uluwatu, and then complete your visit with a world-class experience at SurfnInk and get a tattoo.

FAQs

Can I just keep my tattoo out of the water while I stand in the ocean?

It is risky. It only takes one rogue wave, or you slip on the reef, and you are covered with your tattoo. Besides, the sea spray and mist are also loaded with the same bacteria as the water. You should not wade much if you are tattooing the upper body part, as this is not so dangerous at all, but we usually recommend remaining on the sand.

What if I get sand in my fresh tattoo?

Don’t panic, but act fast. Do not scrub it. Get to your villa and rinse a tattoo under clean, lukewarm (bottled or filtered) water and with mild, scent-free soap. Wipe your clean hand and loosen the sand particles. Wipe it with a clean paper towel.

Does the sun in Bali fade tattoos faster?

Yes. Bali has an extreme UV index. In case of healed tattoos, you would require SPF 50 and above. Fresh tattoos (less than 4 weeks old) can not be kept in sunscreen. You have to physically conceal the tattoo using loose clothes. An infected tattoo may result in a bad sunburn, which leads to ink loss, scarring, and a lot of fading even before it can heal.