How long does it take for a tattoo to fully heal?

Author: Brycen Balistreri  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

On average, a tattoo takes two to four weeks to heal. However, it takes about three to six months for the skin underneath the tattoo to fully heal. 12 This time depends on specific skin reactions, tattoo size, and ink colors used.

When can I stop tattoo aftercare?

Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion.

How long does it take for a tattoo to be 100% healed?

A tattoo should have healed in the outer layers of the skin after about 2-3 weeks to such an extent that there are no more restrictions on your lifestyle. However, the complete tattoo healing process in all skin layers will take about 4-6 months.

How long after a tattoo does it look normal?

Tattoos take 6-8 weeks to fully heal, they usually look weird still after a month. If it still looks off in another month, go to your shop and ask for a touch up. No biggie.

How often should I moisturize a new tattoo?

How Often Should I Moisturize a New Tattoo? According to tattoo artists and skincare experts, you should moisturize a new tattoo three times a day. While this might seem excessive, it's important to remember that your skin is still healing and will be very tender from the process.

Dry Healing Your New Tattoo

How to speed up tattoo healing?

7 Hacks To Help Heal Your New Tattoo
  1. Relax and Stay Calm. First things first, relax. ...
  2. Say No to Re-Bandaging. ...
  3. Let Your Tattoo Breathe—No Picking Allowed. ...
  4. Avoid Baths, Pools, and Hot Tubs. ...
  5. Stay Out of the Sun (For Now) ...
  6. Embrace Healthy Lifestyle Habits.

How long after a tattoo can you shower?

It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before jumping into the shower. This initial waiting period gives your skin time to begin healing. When you do shower, try to minimize direct contact with the tattooed area and limit its exposure to water.

What tattoos take the longest to heal?

Finger tattoos can take up to 6 weeks to heal, longer than other tattoos because the skin is constantly wrinkling and it's hard to keep the area clean & moisturized.

Does Aquaphor fade tattoos?

Does Aquaphor Cause Fading in Tattoos? There are rumors that Aquaphor makes tattoos fade, but from our experiences and many others, this just isn't true. If a tattoo is done correctly and the ink is where it needs to be, ointment should only help your tattoo heal correctly.

What you Cannot do after a tattoo?

What NOT to do after getting a tattoo
  • Scratching.
  • Picking at scabs.
  • Exfoliating the area.
  • Using petroleum jelly.
  • Direct sunlight.
  • Applying sunscreen to the area until the tattoo is fully healed.
  • Wearing tight clothing.
  • Immersing the area in water (hot tubs, bathtubs, pools, etc.) until the tattoo is fully healed.

Do tattoos look better when fully healed?

The ink will usually end up looking a tiny bit darker and less vibrant once healed. Of course, a lot of this will be down to the quality of ink used, and the technique of the artist.

When should I stop washing my tattoo?

You should continue washing your tattoo until it is fully healed. It is considered fully healed when all scabs have fallen off, and the skin has regenerated and closed up. This process generally takes between 2 to 4 weeks.

What stage of tattoo is itchy?

Stage Two (Days 7-14) – Itching and flaking begins, and this continues until layers of dead skin and scabs have fallen off. 3. Stage Three (Days 15-30) – Tattoo looks fully healed but may look slightly cloudy for a few weeks. Deeper layers of skin are still repairing, so continue to look after your tattoo.

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.

Can I put vaseline on my tattoo?

To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks to help wound healing.

How many days should I keep my tattoo covered?

Leaving the bandage on for too long can result in infection, so always change your bandage within the stated timeframe. Most tattoos can be properly healed with 2 applications of the bandage, with each application being left on the skin for 1-2 days, for a 3 or 4 day total.

Does drinking water help tattoo heal faster?

Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated from the inside out, promoting faster healing. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day. Hydrated skin not only heals faster but also retains the ink better, keeping your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant.

What is a tattoo blowout?

Blowout occurs when the ink extends beyond the intended boundaries of the design, resulting in prominent spots. More often than not, this situation arises due to poor execution of the tattoo.

What makes tattoos fade faster?

And the UV frequencies in sunlight are energetic enough to break down the ink molecules over time, so tattoos that are always exposed – such as on the fingers or face – fade quicker than those covered by clothing.

Do tattoos look smudged while healing?

While a new tattoo can push out ink, along with blood and plasma, it typically does no harm and doesn't lead to a tattoo blowout. This leaking typically lasts no more than 48 hours. However, bruising from a new tattoo can make it look a little blurred or smudged as it goes through the healing process.

Does over moisturizing a tattoo cause blowout?

Over-moisturising can lead to inflamed tattoos and potentially infection. Excess moisture can clog your skin's pores which prevents it from breathing, something that's important for your skin to heal. This can lead to breakouts on the skin that can damage the tattoo.

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