What to Expect From the Tattoo Healing Process: Timeline and Stages

If you have a collection of tattoos, you already know the drill. But, if you're stepping into the world of ink for the first time, it's important to understand what the tattoo healing process is like before you make your appointment. After all, nothing would be more frustrating than getting the tattoo of your dreams only for it to get infected or leave you with excess itchiness, pain, and/or inflammation.

Additionally, not being aware of temporary side effects, like bleeding or swelling, can be scary if you're not expecting them. For example, did you know that a finger tattoo may have a different healing process than one on your forearm? Factors such as tattoo placement actually have an effect on how long it takes for your tattoo to reach peak condition.

There's a lot to consider, but worry not. Here, we tapped board-certified dermatologist, Liza A. Moore and professional tattoo artist, Adam Makharita, to share the ins and outs of the tattoo healing process. From what to do, what to avoid, and when to go see a doctor. Keep scrolling to learn everything there is to know about the stages of tattoo healing.

Tattoo Healing Stages

A normal healing tattoo will go through three broad stages of healing.

1. Days 1-3 — Inflammation: It is normal for a tattoo to be red, swollen, and tender for the first 48 to 72 hours. There may also be some oozing of blood and/or ink during this time period. Makharita notes that these symptoms should improve significantly each day. Prolonged symptoms should be evaluated by your tattoo artist and/or a physician. 
2. Days 4-14 — Visible Recovery: As the healing process continues, the top layer of skin peels, flakes, scabs, and itches— similar to the response the body makes as it recovers from a sunburn. This is a normal, healthy recovery process. Avoid scratching, rubbing, picking at scabs, and physically removing peeling skin. Doing these things might only cause more injury and prolong the recovery period. 
3. Days 14-30 — Invisible Recovery: The visible signs noted above have typically resolved by the third week post-procedure. In our experience, however, the tattoo may remain dull and dark until approximately one month. At the one-month mark, the tattoo will likely have taken on its permanent vibrant color. Remodeling of the skin underneath the tattoo will continue for three to six months when the tattoo is fully healed.

How Long Does the Tattoo Healing Process Take?

In general, it takes approximately one month from the time of tattooing for a tattoo to take on its final form in a young, healthy individual. Though, as mentioned above, tattoos are considered fully healed around three months. However, there are some factors that can influence healing time. For one, tattoos with more saturated color areas may take slightly longer to heal. Makharita explains that saturated pigment requires more needle pricks to deposit ink than finer tattoos. This may create a larger inflammatory response, potentially requiring a longer recovery phase. 

Tattoo Healing and Aftercare Tips

Both experts have slightly different post-care instructions, but the core of their routine is the same: The body is capable of healing the wound as long as we don’t get in its way. Makharita emphasizes that improvement should occur daily, and that lack of daily improvement may be a sign of delayed wound healing or infection. 

1. Use a breathable bandage the first week: Since tattoos create an opening in the skin that allows bacteria entry, Dr. Moore recommends covering the tattoo with an adherent, breathable bandage, such as Derm Shield ($35) for the first week. These bandages are meant to protect the wound from infection while allowing it to breathe. She recommends washing the skin with a gentle soap and water and reapplying the bandage daily for the first week. After the first week, the bandage can be removed. However, it’s important to continue to apply a healing ointment on the tattoo until all signs of healing have resolved. 
2. Cleanse with antibacterial soap: Makharita applies a breathable bandage immediately after tattooing and prefers for clients to leave this initial dressing on for three days. After removing the breathable bandage, Makharita recommends cleansing with antibacterial soap twice a day.
3. Break out the healing ointment: After the breathable bandage comes off and you've cleansed with antibacterial soap twice daily for about three days, Makharita recommends slathering the area with Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($13) daily. After the first week of doing this, he recommends clients then transition to daily cleansing and application of a gentle, fragrance-free lotion, such as Eucerin's Advanced Repair Lotion ($10).

How to Know If Your Tattoo Isn’t Healing Properly

There are a few tell-tale signs that your tattoo isn't healing properly. Namely, if you're experiencing any redness, puffiness, or itching beyond a few days, consult with your physician. Also, if you notice any fluid or pus oozing from the tattoo, this may be a sign of infection.

The Final Takeaway 

The tattoo healing process is fairly straightforward. Swelling, pain, and oozing typically resolve by day three and are followed by itching and peeling for another week, in our experts' experience. Your tattoo may even look darker and duller than expected for the first month. Follow the proper course of care from your dermatologist and/or tattoo artist, as proper care may help protect you from infection and create a better tattoo result.