Tattoo Healing: What Happens Day by Day
The first month is crucial. Here is a timeline of the itching, peeling, and settling stages of your new tattoo.
Healing is a science. Knowing what’s normal stops the panic.
Days 1-3: The "Fresh Wound" Stage
Your tattoo will be red, swollen, and may ooze plasma. This is normal. Keep it wrapped for the first few hours as instructed. Wash gently with antimicrobial soap.
Days 4-7: The "Peeling" Stage
It will look dull and start to flake like a sunburn. Do not pick it. Picking pulls out ink and causes scars. The colors may look milky; this is dead skin sitting on top.
Days 8-14: The "Itchy" Stage
It will itch like crazy. Slap it gently, don’t scratch. Keep moisturizing, but don’t drown it.
Days 15-30: The "Settling" Stage
The surface is healed, but deeper layers are mending. Continue to use sunscreen. The final ink color settles in.
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