Tattoo Healing Stages: Week-by-Week Expectations

Healing is a process, not a mystery. Most tattoos follow a predictable timeline from fresh and shiny to fully settled. Here’s exactly what to expect week by week, how to care for each stage, and when to ask for help.

Day 0–1: Fresh & Protected

• Looks like: Slight redness, warmth, and a thin layer of plasma/ink mix under your bandage.
• What to do: Keep your bandage on for the window your artist gave you (often 3–6 hours for gauze, up to 24–72 hours for second-skin film). Remove gently under warm water. Wash with fragrance-free liquid soap, pat dry, apply a very thin layer of moisturizer if advised.
• Avoid: Scrubbing, soaking, dirty hands, tight clothing.

Days 2–3: Settle Phase

• Looks like: Less redness; skin may feel tight.
• Care: Wash 1–3×/day, pat dry, moisturize thinly as needed. Wear loose, clean clothes.
• Normal: Light oozing day 1; mild tenderness.

Days 4–7: Peel & Itch Stage

• Looks like: Flaking similar to a sunburn. Tiny, paper-thin scabs.
• Care: Do not pick. Keep washing daily and moisturize lightly 2–4×/day to manage itch.
• Tip: If it itches, tap the skin or use a cool compress briefly.

Week 2 (Days 8–14): Onion Skin

• Looks like: Slightly dull, cloudy surface. Lines and colors can appear muted.
• Care: Continue gentle wash and light moisturizing. Protect from friction and sweat.
• Normal: Dullness is temporary while upper layers renew.

Weeks 3–4: Surface Healed, Deeper Layers Settling

• Looks like: Skin looks normal in texture; clarity improving.
• Care: Keep moisturizing daily. Avoid prolonged sun, soaking, and harsh exfoliants.
• Note: Fine line and very light shading can take the full month to appear crisp again.

1–3 Months: Fully Settled

• Looks like: Final contrast and color. Any residual haze should be gone.
• Care: Daily moisturizer, SPF 30–50 when exposed to daylight. Consider a touch-up only if your artist recommends it after full settling.

Quick Reference Table

When to Reach Out

• Redness spreading after day 3 or worsening pain.
• Yellow/green discharge with odor.
• Fever, chills, or hot, hard swelling.

Care Cheatsheet

Clean hands → gentle wash → pat dry → very thin moisturizer → no picking, no soaking, no sun until fully healed.