How does a tattoo heal?
Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience! It’s a journey, from the moment you choose your design to the final reveal of your tattoo. The process doesn’t stop once you leave the studio - the healing phase is just as important. Here’s what you can expect during the first week of tattoo healing, without second skin.
Day 1: Initial healing
On the first day, your new tattoo will be very red and tender to touch. This is a normal reaction as your skin has just undergone some trauma. You might notice that the white ink appears particularly vibrant.
Day 2: Redness begins to settle.
By the second day, the initial redness will start to settle.
Day 3: Drying out
Most of the redness will have subsided, and your skin will start to dry out. At this stage, keeping the tattoo clean and moisturised is crucial to prevent excessive dryness and discomfort.
Day 4: Crusting begins
By the fourth day, you will notice that the lines of your tattoo are starting to crust. This crusting is a natural part of the healing process and indicates that your skin is beginning to heal itself. It’s essential not to pick at the crusts, as doing so can cause scarring or ink loss.
Day 5: Flakiness appears.
On the fifth day, your tattoo will likely start to flake. This flakiness is the shedding of the outermost layer of skin, which is necessary for the new skin to form underneath. Continue to keep the area clean and moisturised, but avoid over-moisturising.
Day 6: Shedding of dry skin
By the sixth day, the dry and damaged skin will begin to shed more noticeably. This phase can be a bit itchy, but it’s important to resist scratching. Gentle washing and moisturising can help manage the itchiness without damaging the healing tattoo.
Day 7: New skin appears
By the end of the first week, most of the flakiness will have subsided, revealing new skin underneath. This new skin may appear pink or red and be more sensitive than usual. While the wound has healed over, the tattoo will continue to settle in the layers of skin underneath.
Note that the healing process is unique to each individual, but understanding what to expect can help you care for your new ink properly. The key to a properly healed tattoo is patience and diligent aftercare. If you experience unusual symptoms, remember to contact a healthcare professional and to let your tattoo artist know if you have any questions or concerns.