Getting a new tattoo is a thrill, but knowing how it will heal is key to keeping your ink looking great and staying healthy.
Tattoo healing takes place in stages, and careful aftercare is essential to avoid infection and make sure the ink sets correctly. Think of your new tattoo as an open wound that needs proper care to prevent problems.
This article will walk you through the tattoo healing process day by day, giving you practical tips and advice to help you get the best results. You’ll know what to expect and how to care for your new tattoo every step of the way.
Factors affecting tattoo healing
Tattoo healing isn’t an exact science. The day-by-day progress you can expect depends on a host of different factors, including your health and the specific tattoo you’re having done.
Individual Factors
- Skin type. Some people’s skin tends to heal faster than others.
- Overall health. A strong immune system can speed up the healing process.
- Age. Younger skin typically bounces back more quickly than older skin.
Tattoo-Specific Factors
- Tattoo size and complexity. A big, detailed tattoo is going to take longer to heal than a small, simple one.
- Tattoo location. Areas that get a lot of friction or movement, like your hands or feet, may take longer to heal.
- Ink type and colors. The type of ink and the colors used can affect how long it takes for your tattoo to heal.
The First 24 Hours: Initial Care
Taking care of your new tattoo starts right away. Here’s what to do in the first 24 hours:
- Leave the bandage on. Listen to your tattoo artist. They’ll tell you how long to keep the bandage on, usually between 2 and 24 hours.
- Wash your hands. Before you touch your tattoo, wash your hands really well.
- Clean gently. Use lukewarm water and a mild, unscented antibacterial soap to gently wash the tattoo.
- Moisturize. After washing, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer or tattoo aftercare balm.
Days 2-3: Keep it Clean and Moist
For the next couple of days, keep up your cleaning routine:
- Gently wash the tattoo twice a day with lukewarm water and antibacterial, unscented soap.
- Pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Don’t rub!
- Moisturize with a thin layer of unscented lotion after each wash.
- Let it breathe. Give the tattoo a few minutes to air dry after moisturizing.
Days 4-6: The Scabbing Stage
Here comes the less-than-pleasant part of the healing process: scabbing. Don’t freak out! This is totally normal.
Your new tattoo is basically a wound, and scabs are your body’s way of protecting it while it heals. As tempting as it might be, DO NOT pick, scratch, or peel these scabs. Seriously. Messing with them is a surefire way to end up with scarring and patchy ink. You’ll regret it.
Keep up with your gentle cleaning and moisturizing routine. And prepare for the itching. Oh, the itching! Again, resist the urge to scratch. Pat it gently if you must, but scratching is a big no-no.
Days 7-14: The Peeling Stage
Around the one-week mark, the tattoo will likely begin to peel. This is a good sign! It means the damaged outer layers of skin are shedding to reveal the fresh, new skin underneath.
At this point, it’s important to keep the tattoo moisturized. Dryness can lead to cracking, which you definitely want to avoid. Apply a thin layer of your preferred fragrance-free lotion several times a day.
As tempting as it might be, resist the urge to pick at the peeling skin. Let it come off naturally. Picking can pull out ink and increase the risk of scarring.
You might also notice that the tattoo looks a little dull or faded during this stage. Don’t worry; that’s normal too! The full vibrancy of the colors will return in the next two to four weeks.
Days 15-30: Continued Care and Long-Term Healing
At this point, your tattoo should look pretty good! But don’t let up on aftercare just yet. Consistent care is key to keeping your ink looking its best for years to come.
- Keep moisturizing: Daily moisturizing is still important.
- Protect it from the sun: Once the tattoo is fully closed, use a high-SPF sunscreen (30 or higher) whenever it’s exposed to the sun. Sun is a tattoo’s enemy!
- Avoid friction: Keep wearing loose clothing, and avoid activities that rub against the tattooed area.
Remember that full healing can actually take several weeks or even months. The tattoo might continue to settle into your skin and look a little different over time, which is normal.
Things to avoid during tattoo healing
Your new tattoo is essentially an open wound, so you need to protect it from anything that could cause an infection or slow down the healing process. Here’s what to avoid while your tattoo is healing:
- Sun exposure. Keep your new tattoo out of the sun.
- Water submersion. No swimming, baths, or long soaks in the tub.
- Excessive sweating. Take a break from activities that make you sweat a lot.
- Scented soaps. Use only unscented soaps and gentle cleansers on your new tattoo.
- Shaving. Don’t shave the tattooed area until it’s fully healed.
- Touching, scratching, or picking. Hands off!
- Tight clothing. Wear loose clothing that won’t rub against the tattoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a 7 day old tattoo look like?
A 7-day-old tattoo is likely in the peeling stage. You’ll see some flaking of the skin, similar to a sunburn. The tattoo might look a bit cloudy or faded as the new skin forms. Don’t pick at the peeling skin; let it come off naturally to avoid damaging the ink.
How should a tattoo feel after 3 days?
After 3 days, your tattoo will probably still be tender and a little sore. It might feel warm to the touch. Redness should be starting to subside. It’s normal to experience some itching as the healing process begins, but resist the urge to scratch!
How should a tattoo look after 4 days?
Around day 4, you’ll likely notice the tattoo starting to scab or flake. The color might appear less vibrant during this phase. This is all perfectly normal. Continue to keep the area clean and moisturized, and avoid prolonged exposure to water.
How do I know if my tattoo is healing well?
A well-healing tattoo will show gradual improvement over time. Redness and swelling should decrease, and any scabbing or peeling should be minimal. The area shouldn’t be excessively painful or have any signs of infection, such as excessive redness, pus, or a foul odor. If you have any concerns, consult your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional.
To Conclude
Healing a tattoo is a process that takes time, consistency, and a little patience. To make sure your tattoo looks its best, you’ll need to provide the right kind of care during each stage of the healing process.
That means following your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions to the letter. Doing so will help you prevent complications and ensure your tattoo heals properly.
If your tattoo looks red or swollen after two weeks, seek medical attention. Otherwise, keep up the good work, and you’ll be enjoying your beautiful, vibrant tattoo for years to come!