Tattoo Healing Process | What does a healing tattoo look like?
Getting a tattoo is exciting, but it can also be stressful because your skin is changing, some are afraid of needles, and some have read horror stories about tattoos. Almost 40% of people with tattoos experience problems if they don’t take proper care of them.
Understanding what happens during healing is key. A healing tattoo goes through stages, from swelling to showing off its colors. Watch this video, there the guy explains in an easy manner what happens to a tattoo at different time intervals and what awaits you if you decide to get a tattoo.
I have helped many people through this process. Knowing what a healing tattoo looks like can make you feel better. Taking good care of your tattoo is important to avoid problems and get the best look. Also keep in mind that Tiny and Fineline Tattoos heal a little differently, but overall the healing stages don’t change, just the healing time.
The Complete Tattoo Healing Process Explained
Knowing how your tattoo heals is key to a smooth recovery. The healing journey has several stages, each with its own changes.
The Four Stages of Tattoo Healing
The healing of a tattoo goes through four main stages.
- The first stage is all about inflammation and starting the healing.
Usually this stage occurs a few hours after the tattoo session. Everything depends on the individual characteristics of your body and the reaction of the skin to the pigment and the tattoo process itself. - The second stage is when scabs form and skin peels off, like a cut.
Depending on the type of tattoo, location, and quality of the tattoo artist’s work, this stage of tattoo healing can proceed differently. - The third stage brings itching and flaking as the skin grows back.
This is one of the pleasant stages of tattoo healing, when the main crusts have come off your skin and the peeling and skin restoration process begins. At this stage, you can also observe small changes in the colors on the skin, their saturation and becoming more realistic. - The final stage is when the tattoo is fully healed and the skin is back to normal.
This stage is the most anticipated by all clients. This is the time when you can fully enjoy the beauty of your tattoo.
It’s vital to follow aftercare tips during these stages. This helps the tattoo heal right and avoids infections. The day by day tattoo healing process might differ for everyone. But, it usually follows a similar pattern.
Timeline: How Long Does Tattoo Healing Take?
The time it takes for a tattoo to heal depends on a few things. These include the tattoo’s size, your health, and how well you care for it. Healing can take from a few weeks to a couple of months.
The first healing stage usually lasts 2-3 weeks. But, it can take up to 45 days or more for bigger tattoos to fully heal. Knowing how long does a tattoo take to heal helps you plan and care for it better.
Understanding the healing stages and timeline helps you take better care of your tattoo. This ensures it heals well.
What Does a Healing Tattoo Look Like? Day by Day Breakdown
Understanding what to expect during tattoo healing is key. The healing process has different stages, each with its own look and feel.
Days 1-3: The Fresh Tattoo Phase
Your tattoo will look bright and swollen at first. It might feel like a sunburn, being red and tender. Proper aftercare is vital to avoid infection and help it heal.
Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized. Use soap and water to clean it, and apply fragrance-free lotion.
Days 4-7: The Scabbing and Peeling Phase
Scabbing or peeling is normal as your tattoo heals. Avoid picking at the scab to prevent infection or scars.
The tattoo might look dull and flaky. But with good care, it will regain its vibrancy.
Days 8-14: The Itching and Flaking Phase
Itching and flaking mean your skin is healing and the tattoo is progressing. Resist scratching to protect the tattoo.
The tattoo will start to look like its final form. But keep up with aftercare for the best healing.
Days 15-30: The Final Healing Phase
By now, most scabbing and peeling should be gone. The tattoo might be a bit sensitive but will look close to its final look.
Comparing a fresh vs healed tattoo shows a big difference. The healed tattoo looks more vibrant and settled.
Signs of Proper Tattoo Healing vs. Bad Tattoo Healing
Understanding the healing process is key. Knowing the difference between normal and abnormal signs helps you catch issues early. This ensures your tattoo heals right.
Normal Healing Signs to Expect
Expect some scabbing, peeling, and itching as your tattoo heals. These symptoms are usually mild and short-lived. Here are the normal signs to watch for:
- Mild redness and inflammation around the tattoo
- Scabbing or crusting on the surface of the tattoo
- Peeling or flaking skin as the tattoo heals
- Mild itching or discomfort
These signs mean your tattoo is healing well. But, always watch your tattoo closely. Seek medical help if you see anything unusual.
Red Flags: When to Worry About Poor Tattoo Healing
Some discomfort is okay, but watch for these warning signs of poor healing:
- Excessive redness or swelling that doesn’t get better
- Increased pain or tenderness around the tattoo
- Pus or discharge from the tattoo
- Fever or chills with other symptoms
If you see these signs, talk to your tattoo artist or a doctor right away. They can help with any problems.
How to Know When a Tattoo is Fully Healed
A healed tattoo looks vibrant and clear, with little scarring. Here’s how to know it’s fully healed:
- The skin is no longer sensitive or tender to the touch
- The tattoo has regained its original color and vibrancy
- There is no more scabbing, peeling, or flaking
- The skin feels smooth and supple
Remember, healing times vary. It might take weeks or months for your tattoo to fully heal.
Tattoo Healing Variations by Type and Size
The size and type of a tattoo greatly affect how it heals. Different styles and sizes heal in their own ways. It’s key to know these differences for the best aftercare.
Small Tattoos: Can They Heal in 21 Days?
Small tattoos heal quicker than big ones because they cover less area. But, if a small tattoo can heal in 21 days depends on many things. These include your health, how well you care for it, and where it’s located on your body.
Factors influencing the healing of small tattoos include:
- The tattoo’s location
- Aftercare quality
- Individual health
Fineline Tattoos: Fresh vs. Healed Appearance
Fineline tattoos look delicate. When new, they seem bold. But as they heal, the lines may soften. It’s important to take good care of them to keep them clear and as expected.
The healing of fineline tattoos starts with scabbing and peeling. Then, the tattoo might look faded before it gets bright again.
Take a look at the photo below, this is an example of what a fineline tattoo often looks like right after the tattoo session. The lines, colors, and shadows often look rich.
Here is a photo right after two months of healing and proper care. You can see that the colors are softer and more natural, the contrast is reduced, and the tattoo seems to have become one with the body.
Colored vs. Black and Gray Tattoos: Healing Differences
Colored and black and gray tattoos heal differently. Colored ones need extra care because colors can fade. Black and gray tattoos heal with less color loss but may scab and peel.
Key differences in healing include:
- Color retention
- Scabbing and peeling intensity
- Aftercare requirements
Here, pay attention to the portrait that was made in our Madeira Island Tattoo Studio. Immediately after the tattoo session, the portrait looks very rich and dark.
After 2-3 months of complete healing of the tattoo, the same portrait looks very soft and light. But portraits are quite specific tattoos. For microrealism portraits, we recommend always doing a touch-up after a few months. The tattoo renewal procedure will allow you to carefully add shadows, shades and highlights to the art. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy a good result for many years.
Essential Aftercare for Optimal Tattoo Healing
Using the right aftercare techniques can greatly affect your tattoo’s healing. Proper care helps your tattoo heal fast and look great.
Traditional Aftercare Methods I Recommend
Traditional aftercare includes keeping the tattoo clean and moisturized. Wash the tattoo with mild soap and lukewarm water. Then, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion or cream.
- Keep the tattoo clean to prevent infection.
- Apply lotion or cream to keep the tattoo moisturized.
- Avoid direct sunlight and soaking in water.
Many of my clients often use Bepanthen, bought at the pharmacy, for tattoo care. This can work and give results, but I recommend using professional tattoo care products. My favorites are Biotat from the UK or H2Ocean from the USA.
Second Skin Tattoo Healing Process and Benefits
The second skin tattoo healing process uses a breathable, waterproof dressing. This protects the tattoo from irritants and keeps it moist for healing.
Benefits of Second Skin:
- Protects the tattoo from bacteria and other contaminants.
- Reduces the risk of scabbing and promotes smoother healing.
- Minimizes the need for constant cleaning and moisturizing.
I always use second skin for all the tattoos I’ve done. This is especially true for fineline and tiny tattoos. If it’s a big tattoo, with a lot of ink, a lot of shadows and I worked 5-7 hours in the skin, then after the tattoo session I apply special sterile pads that allow me to absorb secretions from the skin, and only the next day I apply second skin to the skin after preliminary cleaning.
Here, pay attention to how a fineline tattoo looks right after the session and so far without second skin on the body.
After I put a second skin on a tattoo, the next day the tattoo can look terrible, such photos are often sent to me by Clients.
You see that under the film liquid, plasma, etc. accumulates. This is a natural process of your skin’s reaction to the tattoo and the beginning of the healing process. Do not be afraid of this. Yes, the tattoo looks scary, and perhaps you are embarrassed to show it to your friends. Believe me, in a few days, when you remove the second skin and wash your tattoo, it will look great.
Can You Get Another Tattoo While One is Healing?
It’s best not to get another tattoo while one is healing. The healing process takes weeks, and the body needs time to recover.
Reasons to Wait:
- Healing tattoos need the body’s resources, and another tattoo might take them away.
- There’s a risk of complicating the healing process or introducing infection.
This is what you will be told in many articles and various unverified sources of information. Again, you can find a lot of information on the Internet that will scare you. Many tattoo sessions are done in several stages, and can last several days. It all depends on the specific case, design, location, your body, tattoo artist and a bunch of other factors.
If you get tattoos every day in different places of your body, of different sizes, and you feel great and your body regenerates very quickly, then why should you wait several months or years before the next tattoo?
Conclusion: Post-Healing Considerations and Care
In this article, I have described how tattoos heal, now it is time to think about what comes next. Knowing when your tattoo is completely healed is very important. A healed tattoo will look bright and feel normal to the touch.
To determine if your tattoo is healed, check if it has the correct color and texture. If so, and you have taken good care of it, it is most likely healed.
Once your tattoo is healed, you can resume normal activities, such as swimming. But wait at least 2-3 weeks before swimming in public pools or hot tubs. This will help prevent infections.
So, how long should you wait to swim with a new tattoo? It is best to ask your tattoo artist when it is safe. If you ask me, is it okay to swim right after a tattoo session? My answer is yes. At the end of the tattoo session I always put a second skin on your tattoo and water proof it. You can go to the shower to wash yourself, but I do not recommend going to the bath or spa until the healing and restoration process of the skin is completely finished.
Be sure to moisturize the tattoo and avoid too much sun, if you still want to sunbathe, then protect your tattoo with sunscreen with at least SPF 50. Following these tips will help your tattoo last for many years and preserve shadows, shades and colors.
