How should a tattoo look after 2 weeks?

Author: Prof. Rodrigo Johnston  |  Last update: Friday, January 9, 2026

Tattoo Care After 2 Weeks (Days 15 to 30): This is the last stage of the healing process. Most, if not all, of the scabs will have fallen off by this point. If your tattoo looks dry and dull, continue to moisturize to rehydrate the skin.

What should your tattoo look like after 2 weeks?

There's a mostly translucent layer of skin that takes anywhere from an extra week to a month to finish healing. After that has come and gone, you'll notice your tattoo looking more bold; however, it will not be as dark as it was when first inked.

How do I know if my tattoo is healing properly?

You will know that your tattoo is completely healed when there are no scabs, the texture of your skin where the tattoo was placed is the same as a similar surface of skin, and the colors on your tattoo are no longer faded.

Is it normal for a tattoo to fade after 2 weeks?

Yes, it's normal for a tattoo to show some fading within the first month after getting it. During the healing process, the outer layer of skin sheds, which can cause some of the ink to appear less vibrant. Factors such as sun exposure, skin type, and tattoo care can also influence how quickly a tattoo fades.

Do I still have to wash my tattoo after 2 weeks?

Ideally you should wash your NEW tattoo at least 2--3 times a day for 2--3 weeks using lukewarm water and an antibacterial, cleaning it with pears or dove soap is highly recommended. After wash, you can clean dry the tattoo (dab-dab) and apply the aftercare cream to help the tattoo heal.

How To Treat A NEW Tattoo: Step By Step AFTERCARE Guide To Get AMAZING HEALS

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

When to stop using Aquaphor on a tattoo?

Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.

Why is my tattoo still rough after 2 weeks?

It's normal for a raised tattoo to go down after one to two weeks with proper aftercare. If it's taking a lot longer than that or if the situation is getting worse, you may have an infection. The best way to avoid an infected tattoo is to follow your artist's aftercare instructions down to the letter.

How often should I moisturize my 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.

What does a poorly healing tattoo look like?

But if you are one of the unlucky few whose bodies overreact to ink, here are some signs to look for: Redness/swelling around the tattoo after the first day. A rash that spreads beyond the tattooed area on your skin. Blisters, pus sacks, and similarly oozy skin abnormalities.

Is My tattoo Infected or just healing?

Signs of a tattoo infection may appear across the entire tattoo or only within specific colors. They can include: Bumps on your skin (papules) that sometimes contain pus (pustules). Nodules, bumps on or below your skin that are larger than papules.

Why is my tattoo still tender after 2 weeks?

Check with your tattoo artist if you're worried in the first few days, or if you're experiencing pain rather than soreness after a week. And do consult your doctor if you're worried about infection! If your tattoo is hot, swollen, and painful beyond those first few days, you may need antibiotics.

Why does my tattoo look patchy after 2 weeks?

At this stage, don't worry. You need to let the tattoo completely heal and settle into your skin, which could take around a month. Once settled, if it still looks patchy, you might want to go back to your artist and get it touched up. Artists will often do touch ups for free, as long as it's not a huge rework!

Can a tattoo be fully healed in 2 weeks?

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.

Why does my tattoo look smudged while healing?

If you've recently gotten a tattoo, but it appears blurry and smudged during and after the healing process, you may be experiencing tattoo blowout. "A blowout is when a tattoo expands below the skin layer when it hits fat [and] veins or when scarring occurs," says Crys.

What are the stages of tattoo healing?

While there's some variability to the healing process, generally, there are three broad stages of tattoo healing:
  • Inflammation (Days 1-3) ...
  • Visible recovery (Days 4-14) ...
  • Invisible recovery (Days 14-30) ...
  • On the day. ...
  • 1-48 hours. ...
  • 48hrs – 14 days. ...
  • The sun. ...
  • Scented soap.

What does tattoo ooze look like?

“It is also normal to have some oozing of clear, yellow, or blood-tinged fluids for several days after a tattoo.” Dr. Paviol says these responses should steadily subside over time, however, if you are still experiencing more redness, swelling, or pain after two or three days, you may need to have the area evaluated.

What will my tattoo look like after 2 weeks?

Tattoo Care After 2 Weeks (Days 15 to 30):

This is the last stage of the healing process. Most, if not all, of the scabs will have fallen off by this point. If your tattoo looks dry and dull, continue to moisturize to rehydrate the skin.

Why is my 2 week old tattoo bumpy?

Normal Healing Process: In some cases, bumps on a tattoo are a normal part of the healing process. When the skin is punctured during the tattooing process, the body's immune system responds by sending white blood cells to the area to fight off any potential infection.

Can too much Aquaphor fade a tattoo?

There hasn't been an official study on how much ink (if any) Aquaphor can remove or fade from a tattoo. In the interest of fairness, plenty of tattoo artists claim that they've never experienced ink loss in their clients that use Aquaphor.

Can I take a bath 2 weeks after a tattoo?

It's recommended to wait at least 2–4 weeks before taking a bath, or until your tattoo is fully healed. By this time, the scabs should have fallen off naturally, and the skin should no longer appear raw or irritated. However, healing times can vary depending on the size, placement, and individual skin type.

Should I let my tattoo dry out?

You can pat the tattoo gently with a clean paper towel, but you must let the tattoo dry, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes after each cleaning. Any extra moisture trapped by immediately covering the tattoo is an invitation for bacteria to multiply.

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