Blogs
Getting a tattoo is an exciting and meaningful experience, but what happens after you leave the studio is just as important as the time you spend in the chair. At Ink N Beauty, we take pride in helping you express yourself through body art—and that includes making sure your new tattoo heals beautifully.
If you’re wondering what the healing process looks like or how to take care of your new ink, this guide has you covered.
The First Few Hours: Keep It Clean and Covered
Right after your tattoo is finished, your artist will clean the area and apply a protective barrier—usually a sterile bandage or medical film. This helps protect your fresh tattoo from bacteria and friction as you leave the shop. It’s important to follow your artist’s advice on when to remove the bandage, but generally, you’ll want to leave it on for at least a few hours.
Once removed, wash your tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel—never rub.
Days 1–3: Redness, Tenderness, and Initial Healing
It’s normal for your tattoo to be red, slightly swollen, and tender during the first couple of days. You may also notice some light oozing of plasma or ink—this is part of the body’s natural healing process. Continue to wash your tattoo gently twice a day and apply a thin layer of healing ointment recommended by your artist.
Avoid tight clothing over the tattooed area and keep it away from dirt, sweat, and direct sunlight.
Days 4–14: Itching, Peeling, and Scabbing
This is when the healing tattoo often starts to itch and peel. Do not scratch or pick at it—this can cause scarring or loss of pigment. It’s tempting, but resist the urge. Instead, continue to keep the area clean and apply a gentle moisturizer to relieve dryness.
You may notice small scabs or flakes coming off naturally. This is totally normal and a sign that your skin is regenerating.
Weeks 3–4: Almost Healed, But Still Be Gentle
By now, the outer layers of your skin should be mostly healed. Your tattoo might look slightly dull or hazy during this time—this is called the “milky phase,” and it’s temporary. The deeper layers of your skin are still recovering, so continue to moisturize and protect your tattoo from sun exposure.
At this point, if anything seems unusual (like excessive redness, pain, or discharge), reach out to your artist or a healthcare provider.
Even after your tattoo is fully healed, long-term care is essential to keep it looking vibrant for years to come. That includes:
- Wearing sunscreen over your tattoo when exposed to the sun
- Staying hydrated to promote healthy skin
- Moisturizing regularly to keep your skin soft and your ink sharp
At Ink N Beauty, we want your tattoo to be a lifelong statement. That’s why our artists not only create stunning designs but also educate clients on proper aftercare every step of the way.
.png)
