Day 1 – 2
Now that the scabbing has subsided and your tattoo appears duller than usual, itching may occur; don’t pick, scratch, or peel, as doing so could lead to infection and permanently fade its color. Repeated, non-scented, hypoallergenic soap will promote proper healing while decreasing disease risk.
Day 3 – 4
Within the first two days, it’s normal for a tattoo to feel tender and sore, while its area can often ooze plasma, blood, and ink as your body heals itself. Maintaining the cleanliness of the tattoo is of utmost importance at this stage. Wash twice daily with soapy water, pat dry, and apply a thin layer of an antibacterial or naturally derived anti-inflammatory tattoo ointment for best results.
Day 5 – 6
By now, your new tattoo may have begun to form scabs as part of its natural healing process, and you must resist picking or scratching them – this could cause infection or distort the final look of the ink! Continue to wash thoroughly using mild soap and lukewarm water, applying fragrance-free hand lotion, but remember that over-spreading ointment may be as harmful!
Day 7 – 8
Most scabbing should have decreased by day seven, and your tattoo should start healing. Be sure to continue cleaning and moisturizing (without overdoing it!) without picking at scabs – this may lead to scarring! Your tattoo may still contain blood, plasma, and lymphatic fluid – it’s completely normal!
Day 9 – 10
By now, swelling and redness should have subsided significantly, and any itching should have also decreased. Resist the urge to scratch to avoid infections or altering the final appearance of your design. Maintain a regular tattoo cleaning and application regimen with alcohol-free creams or ointments to help ensure skin hydration, prevent infection, and reduce itching. This will provide the most optimal experience.
Day 11 – 12
At this stage, it’s not unusual for your tattoo to begin exuding blood or plasma; this is part of its healing process and should be monitored. To keep it looking its best and protect its longevity, it is vital to keep it clean and moisturized. At least twice daily, clean your tattoo with warm, soapy water and apply non-scented antibacterial ointment to help avoid infection. Irritation should soon lessen, and most scabbing should have gone away by this point.
Day 13 – 14
Your scabs should have hardened and are ready to peel at this stage. While itching may occur during this phase, it is essential not to pick at them as this may cause scarring. Tattoos often develop a dull and cloudy appearance as the scabs fall away, so it is vitally important that they remain clean by washing with fragrance-free soap 3-4 times each day.
Day 15 – 16
At this stage, the redness and oozing will slowly diminish; to help facilitate this process, keeping your tattoo clean and moisturized during this period is paramount. Your tattoo may become flaky and dry as dead skin continues to shed from it, so continue watering 1-2 times per day for optimal results. If itching persists at this stage, this could be a telltale sign of infection and should be reported immediately to the artist and physician.
Day 17 – 18
Most scabs should have fallen off at this stage, and your tattoo should be nearly healed. To ensure optimum healing conditions for the tattoo and ensure its nourishment, continue washing and moisturizing daily as directed sunlight may cause sunburn to occur. Continue to practice good healing habits, such as washing and moisturizing regularly, drinking plenty of non-alcohol-containing water, and maintaining a nutritious diet.
Day 19 – 20
At this stage, itching and flakiness may occur; however, any attempt at scratching or picking can result in scarring and should be avoided at all costs. Therefore, it is crucial that the tattoo be washed twice daily with soap and applied with an antiseptic ointment as soon as it has healed completely. At this stage, it’s not unusual for Tattoos to ooze blood, plasma, and lymphatic fluid; this is considered healthy!
