Can You Swim or Shower With a Henna or Jagua Tattoo?
Can you swim or shower with a henna or jagua tattoo? Yes, after the first day. When to wait, what speeds up fading and how to protect your design.
HENNAJAGUA
10/26/20261 min read
Temporary tattoos and summer go together, which means this question comes up constantly. Short answer: yes, you can shower and swim with henna or jagua, as long as you protect the design in its first day.
The first 24 hours matter most
For henna, keep the area dry for 12 to 24 hours after removing the paste; the stain is still developing. For jagua, rinse the dried gel off with plain water, then avoid soap, hot water and long soaks for the first day while the blue-black color develops.
Showering after day one
Keep showers short and lukewarm rather than hot.
Avoid scrubbing the design with a loofah or exfoliating glove.
Pat the area dry instead of rubbing it.
Apply a little natural oil or balm afterwards to keep the skin hydrated.
Swimming: pools, sea and hot tubs
Chlorine is the biggest enemy of a temporary stain. Chlorinated pools and hot tubs fade henna and jagua much faster than plain water. Salt water and sun are gentler, but long beach days still speed things up. Before swimming, apply a thin layer of a water-resistant balm or petroleum jelly over the design, and rinse with fresh water afterwards.
Planning a vacation?
Get your jagua or henna two days before you leave so it reaches full color for your trip, choose a placement that sees less friction (upper arm, shoulder, calf), and expect hands and feet to fade fastest. Do not forget sunscreen: it will not ruin the design, but apply it after the first day.
Heading somewhere sunny? Pack a set of Tattoo-Me stamps and refresh your designs on the go.
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Tattoo Me is a temporary tattoo studio in Los Angeles Ca USA, established in 2001. We specialise in plant-based jagua and henna temporary tattoos, body painting, and reusable stamps shipped across the world.
Our jagua tattoos use the Genipa Americana fruit and develop into a deep blue-black that lasts up to two weeks. Our henna uses the Lawsonia inermis plant for a warm rust that lasts about ten days. Everything is 100% natural, vegan, PPD-free and needle-free.
Services: studio jagua and henna sessions, bridal henna, body painting, and event and brand activations with travelling artists. We also sell reusable body art stamps, and our jagua and henna kits are coming soon.
Location: Los Angeles Ca USA
Phone and Texts: +1 310 272 9837.
Email: info@tattoo-me.com
Booking: available online.
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