Tattoo Aftercare

Days 4-6

“Second skin” is typically removed during this time. Some artists recommend running the area under water while you peel back the adhesive layer. Make sure your hands are clean before getting started.

You might find it helpful to pull to the side lightly, allowing the adhesive to stretch until it lifts from the skin slowly. Cleanse the area and allow the skin to dry before applying whatever ointment or lotion your artist recommends.

Any redness should start to fade. You might notice some light scabbing over the tattoo.

The scabs shouldn’t be as thick as the scabs you get when you cut yourself, but they may be raised. Don’t pick at the scabs — this can cause scarring.

Keep washing your tattoo once or twice a day, and apply ointment or lotion as needed.

Days 6–14

By now, any scabs have hardened and will begin to flake off.

Don’t pick at them or try to pull them off. Let them come off naturally. Otherwise, you could pull out the ink and leave scars.

At this point, your skin may feel very itchy. Gently rub on a fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer several times daily to relieve the itch.

If your tattoo is still red and swollen at this point, you might have an infection. Go back to your tattoo artist or consult with a healthcare professional.

Days 15–30

In this last stage of healing, most of the big flakes will be gone, and the scabs should be going away. You might still see some dead skin, but it should eventually clear up, too.

The tattooed area might still look dry and dull. Keep moisturizing until the skin looks hydrated again.

By the second or third week, the outer layers of skin should’ve healed. It may take 3–4 months for the lower layers to heal completely.

By the end of your third month, the tattoo should look as bright and vivid as the artist intended.

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