Can You Get Tattooed or Pierced in Winter? What Our Artists Want You to Know

Can You Get Tattooed or Pierced in Winter? What Our Artists Want You to Know

Yes, You Can Get Tattooed or Pierced in Winter and Your Artist Might Even Prefer It!

There's a persistent myth that body modification is a "summer activity," but if you've been putting off that new tattoo or piercing until the warm weather hits, you might be missing out on the absolute best time to get it done. We've talked to the artists, and they're here to set the record straight: winter is a prime season for new ink and jewelry.

Here’s a detailed look at why the colder months are actually your body's best ally in the healing process, and exactly what your artist needs you to know for flawless winter aftercare.

The Tattoo Advantage: Why Your Artist Loves Winter

Most tattoo artists will tell you that the quiet period from late fall through early spring is the unsung hero of the tattoo year. It comes down to three main factors: healing, sun exposure, and scheduling.

1. Optimal healing environment:

When you think of summer, you think of heat, sweat, and humidity. While great for a beach day, those are the enemies of a fresh tattoo.

  • No Sweat, No Problem:
    Excessive sweating, which is unavoidable in the summer heat, introduces moisture and bacteria to a healing wound, significantly increasing the risk of irritation or infection. In the winter, your skin stays cooler and drier, creating the perfect environment for a clean, fast recovery
  • Less Swelling: The simple physics of cold weather helps. Cooler temperatures mean a fresh tattoo is likely to swell as much as a tattoo done during the summer swelter.
     

2. Sun is the enemy, layers are the shield

The number one rule for fresh ink is keep it out of the sun. UV rays are notorious for aggressively fading and damaging a new tattoo, making winter the ultimate protective season.

  • Built-in Protection: You're already bundled up in layers! A long sleeve shirt or a pair of jeans acts as a natural, constant physical barrier, shielding your tattoo from the harsh sun, snow glare (which can be surprisingly damaging), and environmental pollutants.
  • Ready for Summer: Get your tattoo now, and by the time you're ready to break out the shorts and swimsuits, your piece will be fully settled, healed, and ready to show off, without the fear of ruining it on your first vacation.

 

3. Shorter waiting times and a relaxed vibe
Spring and summer are a mad rush for most studios as everyone tries to get "beach body ready." Winter, however, is often calmer.

  • Book Your Dream Artist: If your favorite artist usually has a multi-month waitlist, the slower winter schedule might be your best chance to snag an earlier appointment.

If you're booking in any of our Studios in Surrey, Chilliwack, or Kamloops, you’re already dealing with BC’s chilly months. That works in your favour.

The Piercing Perspective: Cold Weather Care

Body piercings, especially those on the ears and face, also benefit from a winter schedule. The same rules of reduced swelling and easier initial protection apply, but piercers want you to be acutely aware of one key thing: friction.

1. Reduced initial swelling
Just like tattoos, piercings often swell less in the colder months. This can make the first few days of healing noticeably more comfortable, especially for popular placements like ear cartilage or facial piercings.

2. The snagging hazard is real
This is the biggest winter warning from piercers. Cozy accessories are your new piercing's worst enemy.

3. Beware the Layers: Scarves, thick sweaters, turtleneck collars, and knit hats are notorious for catching on jewellery, which can cause significant irritation, migration, or even tear the piercing site.

4. The Beanie Solution: If you have an ear piercing, opt for a beanie that rests around the ear, or a smooth, fine-knit fabric that’s less likely to snag than chunky wool. Clean your winter accessories more often than usual to prevent transferring germs to a fresh piercing site.

5. Avoid Pressure:  Earmuffs or tight ski masks should be avoided as they place direct, constant pressure on the piercing, which is a major no-no for healing.

Aftercare in the Cold: What the Pros Insist On

  • Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
  • Moisturize Correctly- check out our Aftercare products that will come in handy for piercings and tattoos
  • Wear Breathable, Loose Layers

Our Crew at BodyMods will walk you through in detail about the aftercare procedures every time you come in for a tattoo or a piercing.

So, should you wait until summer?

If you’ve been thinking about a tattoo or piercing… Winter is your moment.
Better healing. Less hassle. Amazing results once warmer weather hits.

Come visit us OR book online at your nearest BodyMods location:

  • The Studio by BodyMods in Surrey: (604) 593-6633
  • Studio 2 by BodyMods in Surrey: (604) 725-0542
  • Studio 3 by BodyMods in Abbotsford: (604) 832-6678
  • Studio 4 by BodyMods in Langley: (236) 887-5047
  • Studio 5 by BodyMods in Coquitlam: (604) 446-8481
  • Studio 6 by BodyMods in Kelowna: (250) 258-7798
  • Studio 7 by BodyMods in Chilliwack: (604) 769-0849
  • Studio 8 by BodyMods in Kamloops: (250) 254-8676
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