How Long Is The Tattoo Healing Process?
After getting a tattoo, the outer layer of skin (the part you can see) will typically heal within 2 to 3 weeks. While it may look and feel healed, and you may be tempted to slow down on the aftercare, it can take as long as 6 months for the skin below a tattoo to truly heal.
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How do you know when your tattoo is done healing?
You will know that your tattoo is completely healed when there are no scabs, the texture of your skin where the tattoo was placed is the same as a similar surface of skin, and the colors on your tattoo are no longer faded.
Can a tattoo heal in a week?
A tattoo may look healed within a few days. However, it’s important to stay consistent with aftercare : The healing process can actually take as long as 6 months. We’ll go over the healing stages of a tattoo, what types of tattoos take longer to heal, and the best aftercare practices to keep it clean.
What is the average healing time for a tattoo?
– The healing process is different for every person and tattoo. Most sources indicate that tattoos generally take about 2 weeks to heal. However, it may take up to 4 weeks for the skin to fully recover. Some complications may prolong the healing process. The following is what a person can typically expect.
How can I speed up my tattoo healing?
Mar 26, 2021 | brookline agency Do you want to know how to speed up tattoo healing ? We’ve got some bad news and some good news. The bad news for anyone looking for a ‘magic bullet’ is that there is no way around the inevitable healing period you’ll go through after you get a tattoo. No matter what steps you take, you’ll likely have a few weeks with potential irritation, itching, redness, and scabbing.
But here’s the good news : you can take some steps that may make this healing period shorter and more comfortable. There are ways to reduce redness, cut down on itching, manage scabs, and fight irritation before it starts.
Having the right plan for how to speed up tattoo healing can mean a big difference in how you feel those few weeks. This may be especially important for those people getting many tattoos, or for those getting large tattoos that require multiple sessions. Here are our top tips for how to speed up tattoo healing:
- Start before you get your tattoo. Before the first drop of ink touches your skin, you have the ability to help control how well your tattoo healing process goes. There are products available that you can use during your tattoo session, with the power to reduce redness, irritation, and itchiness.
- Follow directions. Although it’s tempting to take your bandage off the minute you walk out of your tattoo artist’s studio, remember that the best way to speed up tattoo healing is to follow the experts’ advice. If your tattoo artist tells you to leave the bandage on for 3 hours – do that.
- Not only that, but the right product can numb your skin so that you significantly reduce the discomfort associated with getting a tattoo;
- True tattoo professionals know more than how to ink a great tattoo;
They are experts in how to manage the healing process as well.
- Keep the tattoo clean. A dirty tattoo will only slow down and possibly derail your tattoo healing process. If you allow dirt or germs to get into the open wounds created by the thousands of tiny needle pricks, you’re increasing your chances of infection. It’s important to be gentle with your tattoo when you wash, but at the same time, you want to ensure you’re washing the area well.
- Know the “no-no’s”. There are certain things to avoid when you’re looking for how to speed up tattoo healing.
- he first thing to avoid is the sun. Although your instinct may be to slather sunscreen on your tattoo, this is one of the few times you’ll hear professionals say NO sunscreen. You’ll want to wait until your tattoo is fully healed before applying sunscreen. Instead, keep your tattoo out of the sun by staying indoors, in the shade, or by wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers your tattoo.
- The second no-no on our list when you want to speed up tattoo healing is water. Short showers are fine, but do not take baths, go swimming, or otherwise immerse your tattoo in water during the healing process.
- The third one we’ll warn you about is picking your scabs. If you’re dealing with an itchy tattoo, and annoying scabs are forming, it is a very natural instinct to pick at it. But it’s so important not to touch your tattoo at this stage. Picking at scabs can make them fall off before they’re ready. This not only prolongs the healing process, but can also cause permanent damage to your tattoo.
The few weeks it takes your tattoo to heal can seem like an eternity while you’re itching (pun intended!) to show off your ink and get past any healing or irritation. While you can’t skip this phase completely, there are ways you can be proactive in speeding up tattoo healing. If you’re interested in learning more about products that can help with the tattoo healing process, as well as those that can numb the skin for a significantly more comfortable tattoo experience, visit our store here. 
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When can I stop washing my tattoo?
What do I need to do? – Good aftercare is the single most important thing you can do to protect your tattoo. While it is healing, NEVER touch your tattoo without first washing your hands with a mild, liquid antibacterial soap. Initially, leave your bandage on for 1-3 hours. Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion. Gently rub the product into the tattoo area. DO NOT allow the area to dry but NEVER apply more than a thin layer of aftercare product at one time.
What should you not do after a tattoo?
Is it OK to wear clothes over a new tattoo?
So, What Kind Of Clothes Should I Wear Over a New Tattoo? – After getting a tattoo, and during the healing process, which can last between 2 weeks and a month in its initial and most important stage, you should be wearing loose-fitting clothes. That is of course if the tattoo is placed on your body apart from the neck, head, and feet.
For those areas, you need to pay special attention, especially in the case of feet tattoo (the issues of wearing socks and shoes). Loose clothes will cover the tattoo so much so that it stays protected. There is a lower chance the fabric will stick to the tattoo and introduce contaminants as well.
There will be minimal or rubbing of the fabrics against the tattoo, which will significantly minimize healing issues or the chance of an infection. Note: After getting a new tattoo, it will be wrapped and well protected. You can wear loose clothes over the wrap and not really worry about it.
How often do you moisturize a new tattoo?
Should I apply lotion to my tattoo? What kind of tattoo care products do you recommend? – Yes! Moisturizing your tattoo regularly is extremely important. You should moisturize your clean tattoo 3 – 6 times per day, for roughly two weeks (though proper skincare is always important, and most tattoo enthusiasts moisturize their tattoos daily for life!). A white cream lotion or moisturizer, preferably unscented, should be used! We recommend these fragrance-free, white cream lotions: Aveeno , Curel , and Eucerin . Be warned: your favorite fragranced lotion is not a good option for moisturizing your tattoo – this can cause an excruciating burning sensation when applied to the tattoo, which is essentially an open wound. The fewer chemicals in the product, the better! Pure cocoa butter or shea butter is also popular for darker skin tones and is a fine option. There are some manufacturers who design products specifically for tattoo aftercare that work well for long-term care (such as Tattoo Goo , H2Ocean , and Hustle Butter ). Do NOT use aloe vera gel to moisturize, and we don’t recommend A&D ointment either, as the oil in these products can extract some of the ink from your tattoo.
Can you over moisturize a tattoo?
What Are The Risks of Over Moisturizing a Tattoo? – By applying thicker layers of lotion or ointment, several times a day (or every hour or two as some people do), you’re risking over-moisturizing a tattoo. By over-moisturizing a tattoo, you can cause the following problems;
- Due to excess moisture, the tattoo won’t be able to dry and heal
- Excess moisture can create a perfect environment for bacteria and germ growth
- Over moisturizing can lead to tattoo inflammation and infection
- Excess moisture can cause clogged pores since the moisturizer prevents the skin from breathing
- Excess moisture can cause the tattooed skin to break out
To avoid these issues, make sure to follow the moisturizing rules we mentioned before. However, make sure to not under moisturizing your tattoo as well. Some people are afraid they might over-moisturize their tattoo, so they leave it dehydrated, which results in heavy scabbing and tattoo dryness. So, make sure to stay in the middle and simply apply a thin layer of lotion/ointment twice a day.
Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?
This is a bit of a trick question. The reason being, is that a tattoo “fades” to the naked eye within days of application. This occurs because as the skin heals, the top layer dies and new skin forms to take its place. During this period the epidermis typically has a faded appearance. However, this is a natural part of the tattoo healing process and as the peeling subsides and the dead skin falls away the design will once again look crisp and fresh.
- Still, it won’t have that same deep dark tone as it did when your tattooist put his/her gun away;
- Anyone who has received a tattoo already knows this;
- But what you want to know now, is when can you expect a tattoo to fade in the longer term;
Let’s have a look.
Can I shower with a new tattoo?
The bottom line. Showering with a new tattoo isn’t only fine; it’s necessary for the sake of good hygiene. As long as you follow the aftercare instructions your tattoo artist gives you, and you’re careful not to rub or soak your tattoo, showering shouldn’t interfere with the healing process of your new ink.
Should I cover my tattoo at night?
This info should guide you through the care of healing your tattoo, but if you have any other questions while it is healing, do not hesitate to contact your artist directly or call the shop for immediate reply. There are no stupid questions about healing.
– After your tattoo is completed, your artist will bandage your tattoo for your trip home. Leave the bandage on for one to three hours. When you take the bandage off, wash it with very warm water (as hot as is comfortable) and mild liquid hand soap (like Dr.
Bronner’s, Dial or Softsoap, just no perfumed or exfoliating body washes). Pat it dry gently with a paper towel, and let it air dry the rest of the way (never scrub the tattoo with a towel or sponge). Then you will apply a very small amount of Aquaphor Ointment or plain, unscented skin lotion (we recommend Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel, or any of their generics) to the tattoo, just enough to lightly moisturize.
- Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
- Every day from then on, you will wash the tattoo in the morning and at night, and apply lotion 3 times a day or so, or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight.
- Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
- DO NOT apply Vaseline, Neosporin, Bacitracin or any other medicated or perfumed product to your tattoo.
- After a few days, the tattoo will form a thin scab over it, and in about a week the scab will begin to flake off in the shower. DO NOT pick or scratch at the scab, just keep it clean and moist and the scabs will all fall off by themselves in about two weeks. Picking any of the scabs off will cause faded color and damage to the skin.
During healing do NOT:
- Wrap the tattoo after the first night (wearing breathable clothes over it is fine as long as they are not causing friction. (Keeping tattoos wrapped in plastic or bandages will stop air from getting to the tattoo, slow healing, and make gross stuff grow in there. )
- Submerge the tattoo in water. This means baths, pools and oceans. Regular showering is fine.
- Expose it to strong sunlight (Like outdoor activities or beach days. Walking to your car is fine)
- Shave over the tattoo (ouch!)
When all the scabs fall off and the skin feels smooth again to the touch, it is all healed and you can shave over it again, and swim and everything else. Sometimes after the scab falls off there is a secondary shiny, raised or waxy coat over the tattoo. This is just another healing layer of skin. Continue to moisturize it and it will smooth out by itself over time. If you have any questions about your tattoo while its healing you are always welcome to come by the shop and have us check it out, or email the artist who did the tattoo with “AFTERCARE” in the subject line for an immediate response.
Do not slather a big, thick coat of product over it; just enough for it to stay moist and flexible. If you are using Aquaphor, you can switch to a plain lotion after the first few days. Lotion is generally fine for everyone, your artist will recommend if you would benefit from ointment.
If something doesn’t look perfect After your tattoo is finished healing, we’ll do our best to make it right. Sometimes with excessive scabbing, or other unpredictable reactions during healing, your skin can reject some ink, leaving a “light spot” that is closer to your skin color in the tattoo (or a line might get thinner or lighter in one spot).
This is common as its unlikely your body will accept every spot of pigment uniformly, so just contact your artist via email after your tattoo is finished healing with a photo to see if a small touch up is in order.
Unless you were negligent during the care of your tattoo, touch-ups are very minor and quick, and guaranteed by our artists if you contact them about it within 3 months of getting the tattoo. Because older tattoos that have settled in fully and aged require more work to make uniform, we suggest coming in as soon as possible when it’s healed, as touch ups are performed for a fee at the artist’s discretion after 3 months.
Do black tattoos heal faster?
Tattoo Healing Duration – The tattoo healing stages and duration may differ from one tattoo to the other. The healing duration depends on several factors, like;
- The style of the tattoo
- Whether it is grey or colored
- The size of the tattoo
- The location or body placement
- The execution of the tattoo artist
- The time the tattoo was wrapped and protected
So, taking into consideration the factors, we can determine an estimated healing duration for different tattoos;
- Colored tattoos – the colored tattoos take the longest to heal. The reason for this lies in the very tattooing execution when coloring the tattoo. The needle has to go over every inch of the tattoo to fill it in with color, without any breaks. The increased work irritates the skin more, leading to skin trauma, and later, longer periods of scabbing and overall healing.
- Black & grey tattoos – these tattoos heal much faster than the colored ones. The reason for this lies in the less intense approach to the skin. These tattoos often have some blank space or some light shading, which doesn’t irritate or damage the skin as much as the coloring does. Such a tattoo may take up to 3 weeks to have the surface skin healed if taken care of properly.
- Tattoos with sensitive body placement – if a tattoo is placed in an area that has very thin skin and a lot of nerve endings, the damage to the skin might be greater. That is why any type of tattoo done in a sensitive area takes much longer to heal than expected. You may experience longer periods of redness and irritation, and the skin may even be itchier during the healing process. The overall healing duration for a sensitive tattoo may be up to 6 weeks, but there were cases where the healing lasted for several months (just the surface skin layer).
Image Source: Saved Tattoo.
Does drinking water help heal a tattoo?
Stay hydrated! Be sure to drink water during the 48 hours before your tattoo. Staying properly hydrated helps the healing progress and greatly increase your comfort level DURING the the tattoo process.
Do tattoos need air to heal?
You just got the tattoo of your dreams, now it’s up to you to properly care for your new tattoo to ensure a bright, crisp healed tattoo. With new tattoos, we follow the “less is more” approach. It’s very easy to overcare for your tattoo–applying too much ointment or lotion can actually damage your healing tattoo.
- The best method of healing a new tattoo is our tried and true “Dry Heal” technique;
- Follow our instructions below for an easy, quick heal;
- Keep the bandage on for at least one hour;
- Remove the bandage only when you are able to wash your new tattoo;
Wash your tattoo thoroughly, firmly, but gently using clean hands, hot water, and a mild, non-scented soap. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Make sure your tattoo is clean until it is no longer slimy. Pat/blot dry with a clean paper towel if necessary and let your tattoo air dry.
DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo! Let it breathe with loose clean cotton clothing or exposed to the air and avoid direct sunlight on your healing tattoo. You do not need to apply any creams, ointments, or lotions for the first seven days, your body will naturally heal your new tattoo.
Starting around day three, your new tattoo will start to peel/exfoliate and the temptation to pick and scratch will be great. Don’t do it! DO NOT PEEL, PICK OR SCRATCH or touch your new tattoo. After seven days, you may apply a small drop of white, hypoallergenic fragrance-free lotion such as Cetaphil or Curel Original Unscented with clean hands until your tattoo is healed. Always handle your tattoo with clean hands and don’t let people touch your new tattoo! DURING THE HEALING PROCESS:
- DO wear loose, clean cotton/soft clothing and/or expose to air (but not sun!).
- DO NOT use aloe, Neosporin, etc. ; they make the skin heal too fast.
- DO NOT swim, sauna, or soak (quick shower OK, avoid long soaking on the tattoo)
- DO NOT expose to direct sunlight.
Once healed, preserve your piece of art and always protect your tattoo with sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. The tattoo is your responsibility. Feel free to call the shop or stop by if you have any questions..
What does tattoo healing look like?
The Final Takeaway – The tattoo healing process is fairly straightforward. Swelling, pain, and oozing typically resolve by day three and are followed by itching and peeling for another week, in our experts’ experience. Your tattoo may even look darker and duller than expected for the first month. FAQ
- Should I cover my new tattoo at night? The first night with your fresh ink, you might want to wrap the area in plastic. (But consult with your tattoo artist for their advice on the matter. ) After that, you want to make sure the tattoo is getting as much air as possible, free of coverage.
- Can I wear clothes over a new tattoo? You can definitely wear clothes over your new tattoo (depending on where you’ve been inked, you might have to). Just make sure to opt for loose, natural fabrics like cotton, and avoid tight clothing that could rub against the tattoo.
- When can I touch my tattoo? Be sure to ask your tattoo artist for their specific instructions, but in general, your tattoo should stay under the initial bandages for a least a few hours. During the healing process, you should try to only touch your tattoo when cleaning it—and when cleaning it, make sure you’ve washed up first. “The most important step would be to clean your hands before you clean your tattoos,” says tattoo artist Tuki Carter. ”
How do I know if I messed up my tattoo?
Is it possible to over moisturize a tattoo?
What Are The Risks of Over Moisturizing a Tattoo? – By applying thicker layers of lotion or ointment, several times a day (or every hour or two as some people do), you’re risking over-moisturizing a tattoo. By over-moisturizing a tattoo, you can cause the following problems;
- Due to excess moisture, the tattoo won’t be able to dry and heal
- Excess moisture can create a perfect environment for bacteria and germ growth
- Over moisturizing can lead to tattoo inflammation and infection
- Excess moisture can cause clogged pores since the moisturizer prevents the skin from breathing
- Excess moisture can cause the tattooed skin to break out
To avoid these issues, make sure to follow the moisturizing rules we mentioned before. However, make sure to not under moisturizing your tattoo as well. Some people are afraid they might over-moisturize their tattoo, so they leave it dehydrated, which results in heavy scabbing and tattoo dryness. So, make sure to stay in the middle and simply apply a thin layer of lotion/ointment twice a day.
