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While a tattoo may well be a lasting souvenir of your holiday in Phuket, getting one done in the destination itself is not always an easy task to manage. Beaches, excursions, swimming pools, too much sun, humidity, and other tourism-related activates can harm the skin alteration.

The secret is not to decide between enjoying Phuket and getting a tattoo. Rather, design a tattoo around a vacation activity. If it’s done at the right time, in the right place, and after the proper aftercare procedure, your trip will be enjoyable, and your new artwork will be given the best chance to heal properly.

The Golden Rule: After Your Beach Days, Get A Tattoo

For those who plan to swim and sunbathe, their greatest interest in visiting Phuket is the beach; perhaps obtain a tattoo at the end of your vacation.

For instance, a 7-day trip could be as follows:

• Days 1-4: Beaches, Snorkeling, Island tours, Swimming and sightseeing.
• On the final day of the course, Day 5, students relax and receive their final design consultation.
• Day 6: Tattoo appointment.
• Day 7: Relaxed sightseeing and preparation for shopping and leaving.

Not only can it help you enjoy the water before your tattoo, but it also means you won’t be worrying about getting tattooed the rest of your holiday.

For those who want to have a tattoo but swimming is the top priority, it might be better to get one after coming home.

The reason why Salt Water and Pools are a problem

Phuket’s Andaman Sea might be the ideal place to swim, but it’s not the best place to get fresh ink. A new tattoo must heal and close, and extended water contact may raise problems of irritation and infection.

This is a different problem with swimming pools. Healing skin can be irritated by chemicals such as chlorine.

Tip: If you’re planning any diving, snorkeling, kayaking, or boat trips, make sure to have these activities before your tattoo appointment.

The Sun in Phuket is Another Important Factor to Take into Account

The sunshine in Phuket is great for a holiday, but not so great for new ink. Don’t worry about direct sunlight during the tattoo healing process. After healing, dermatologists advise using a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB), water-resistant sunblock with an SPF of 30 or greater, and reapplying it often.

In the first healing stage:

Always avoid sun exposure by staying in shade where possible.

Loose clothing that will cover the tattoo without rubbing.

Avoid deliberately sunbathing.

Sunscreen is not to be applied directly to a fresh tattoo unless so advised by your tattoo artist or health care provider.

Rawai vs Patong

There is a wide diversity of tattooing culture in Phuket, from more professional and custom tattoo parlors to more touristy walk-in tattoo parlors. Patong is one of the areas with the most tattoo parlors on the island, and other places like Rawai also have good and well-known artists and other types of studios.

Patong

If you’re staying close to the nightlife and the big tourist hot spots, then Patong will be convenient. There are many studios and lots of artists producing various art forms.

Just because a studio is close to your hotel or has a fancy storefront, however, isn’t necessarily a good sign.

Rawai

Rawai is able to attract visitors seeking a more leisurely stay off the tourist hot spots. Be sure to do some research on specific artists before making a selection.

If you go anywhere, pay attention to the artist, the sanitary conditions, the portfolio, and the communication, not the neighborhood.

Some Things You Are Required to Check Prior To Booking a Tattoo in Phuket

If at all possible, do some research prior to arrival on your artist. Consider examples of healing in the real world, and not only extremely edited social media photos.

Check:

• Is it the artist’s preferred style that the artist makes regularly?
• Is there uniformity of lines and consistency in their lines?
• Do they have healed work?
• Is the studio neat and tidy?
• Is the opening of sterile, single-use needles done correctly?
• Is fresh glove used during procedure?
• Are you given clear written or verbal aftercare instructions?
• Does the artist have any scheduling information or preferences to share about your tattoo?

A professional studio should be able to comfortably respond to hygiene questions. Tattoo safety depends heavily on the practices of the individual studio and artist.

Consider Tattoo Location

Where you’re getting your tattoo can be a factor in your holiday.

If you’re looking for a beach getaway, steer clear of locations that will be buffeted by:

• Swimsuit straps
• Backpack straps
• Tight clothing
• Sand
• Shoes or sandals
• A high rate of interaction with the furniture in the hotel.

Discuss placement with the artist prior to commitment. They can assist you in thinking about the action, rubbing, visibility, and the way the design will age.

Heat, Sweat and Humidity Matter Too!

Phuket’s tropical climate is an additional challenge. Healing skin can be irritated by sweat or rubbing, especially if you’re out in the sun walking around all day.

The goal of your daily routine is to be simple:

1. Use cleaning solutions as directed by your artist.
2. Maintain cleanliness of the tattoo.
3. Avoid unnecessary rubbing or scratching.
4. Use the suggested after-care cream or gel, as directed.
5. Allow the peeling to fall away from itself.
6. Avoid getting the tattoo exposed to water or the sun for long periods of time.

A Better Phuket Tattoo Itinerary

The best way is to split your holiday into two parts:

Phase One: Adventure

Relax at the Phuket beaches, go on a boat tour, snorkeling, swimming pools, hikes, and outdoor activities.

Phase Two: Ink

Plan for the tattoo to be done when you can take a few days off to avoid water and direct sunlight.

Final Phuket Tattoo Checklist

Before sitting in the tattoo parlor, ensure that

• you have finished swimming and other beach activities,
• can avoid direct sunlight exposure,
• have enough time to heal,
• have researched the portfolios of the shortlisted artists,

With these preparations, your Phuket tattoo will become a lasting memento of your holiday. The most effective way to complete your vacation with a tattoo is to spend the first few days sunbathing and swimming and have the inking done on the day you are ready to unwind.

FAQ

When is the best time to get a tattoo during vacation?

The best time is usually near the end of your trip, after you have had a chance to finish up on all your swimming, snorkeling, boating, and beaching adventures. This will minimize the amount of seawater, pool water, sun exposure, and friction that your fresh tattoo will be exposed to during the healing process.

Can we swim in the sea after getting a tattoo in Phuket?

It is best to avoid swimming while your tattoo is healing. Salt water, pool water, and excessive soaking can irritate your fresh tattoo and lead to a higher risk of infection. Be sure to plan beach and swimming activities around tattoo time.

How to choose a tattoo studio in Phuket?

Research tattoo parlors in areas such as Patong and Rawai. Look at portfolios, healed tattoos, sanitation practices, and experience with your preferred style before committing to a tattoo artist. Be sure to ask what aftercare products they recommend.