Yes, showering is fine and necessary for hygiene. Keep showers brief and lukewarm, avoid direct high-pressure water on the tattoo, don't submerge it, and pat dry gently afterward. No baths, pools, or soaking until fully healed.
Showering with a fresh tattoo is not only allowed—it's important for keeping the area clean. The key is how you shower, not whether you can. Guidelines for the first 2-3 weeks: keep showers lukewarm rather than hot (hot water can draw ink and irritate healing skin). Keep them brief—5-10 minutes is plenty. Avoid directing the showerhead spray forcefully at your fresh tattoo; let water run over it gently instead. Don't scrub the tattooed area—use your clean hand to gently wash with mild, fragrance...
Pro Tip: Use paper towels for drying your fresh tattoo—they're single-use and sterile. Regular bath towels harbor bacteria from previous uses, even freshly laundered ones, and the texture can irritate healing skin.