First Week: Itching and Flaking
– Ttattoos may itch and flake during the first week of healing.
– Avoid scratching or rubbing the tattoo.
– Clean the area with gentle soap and warm water, and apply fragrance-free lotion twice daily.
Second Week: Scabs and Flaking
– Scabs may have formed and started to flake off.
– Do not pick or peel the scabs, as this can disturb the ink.
– Wash the tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap, and moisturize with fragrance-free lotion.
Third Week: Redness and Itching Subside
– Redness, weeping, and itching should decrease significantly.
– Wash the tattoo with non-scented antibacterial soap and apply natural-based anti-inflammatory moisturizers.
– Avoid rubbing, scratching, or picking at scabs to prevent infection and distortion.
Fourth Week: Full Recovery
– Colored tattoos typically take four to six weeks to recover fully.
– Moisturize the tattoo regularly, but not excessively.
– Avoid picking at scabs and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Fifth Week: Subsiding Itching and Scabbing
– Itching should have subsided, and scabs should be decreasing.
– Continue washing and moisturizing without picking or peeling the scabs.
Sixth Week: Healing from Scabbing
– The tattoo should begin healing from the scabbing process.
– Avoid touching, rubbing, or scratching the tattoo.
Seventh Week: Full Healing
– Colored tattoos usually take four to six weeks to heal fully.
– Occasionally bleeding when rinsing the tattoo is normal.
– Continue washing with antibacterial soap and moisturizing for optimal healing.
Eighth Week: Shiny and Fully Healed
– tattoos should appear shiny and fully healed.
– Scabbing and flaky skin may still occur.
– Use a recommended moisturizer to keep the area hydrated.
Ninth Week: Scabs Falling Off
– Most scabs should have fallen off.
– Cleanse the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and lukewarm water.
– Avoid lotions containing petroleum or mineral oils, and use fragrance-free moisturizers.
Tenth Week: Itching and Flaking Subside
– Itching and flaking should start to subside.
– Avoid picking or scratching scabs to prevent scarring.
– Use a gentle, hypoallergenic soap to cleanse the tattoo.
Remember, colored tattoo ink may take longer to heal than black ink. Seek medical advice if redness persists or worsens.
