Tattoo aftercare

How a tattoo heals

Tattoo healing is commonly described in three stages, which can also be broken down by days. Individual healing rates vary; this guide explains what to expect as your tattoo recovers.

Like any other open wound, tattooed skin needs protection from harmful bacteria and time to regenerate fully before further tattooing.

Stage I · Days 1–6

Plasma discharge, swelling and redness should gradually subside. A protective layer begins to form over the tattoo during this period.

Healing begins as soon as you leave the artist’s chair. The tattooed area is an open wound, and the skin begins releasing plasma as clotting and protective scab formation start.

The artist cleans the area with antibacterial soap and covers it with plastic film to protect it until you get home. The studio’s instructions for this film are a minimum of 2 hours and a maximum of 4 hours.

After carefully removing the film, you may see a sticky mixture of plasma, blood, lymphatic fluid and ink. Wash it off carefully with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. Let the tattoo air-dry or use a clean cosmetic tissue. Avoid fabric towels, which can harbour bacteria.

Leave the tattoo uncovered. If there is no further discharge after 30–45 minutes, you can apply cream. If plasma is still present, repeat the cleaning process.

Tip: keeping plasma build-up low helps a thin scab form rather than a thick crust that may contribute to scarring or colour loss. Wash the tattoo before applying Badass Tattoo Balm.

During the first few days, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water in the morning to remove overnight ointment residue and lint.

The tattooed area may be slightly bruised. Swelling and sensitivity can also occur where the needle has passed repeatedly.

Did you know?
Swelling around a tattoo is associated with increased blood flow to the area as part of the body’s response to an open wound. Increased circulation can also make the area feel warm.

These reactions can occur during the first days of tattoo healing.

However, excessive swelling or redness, particularly several days after tattooing, should be assessed by a doctor because it may indicate infection.

After several days, a scab forms. Removing excess plasma and ink during daily cleaning helps prevent an excessively thick crust. The tattoo may look slightly dull; detail becomes clearer once healing is complete.

This stage can be uncomfortable. Tenderness and the need to avoid rubbing or sticking to bedding and clothing may make sleeping difficult.

If clothing sticks to the tattoo, wet the area with lukewarm water, then gently wash the tattoo and apply a thin layer of cream.

Remember:
– Pat the tattoo dry instead of wiping it, to avoid removing scabs and ink.

Stage 1 — quick tips:
– Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo, or use disposable gloves.
– The initial healing stage may last around a week, depending on the individual.
– Do not remove scabs prematurely: this can slow healing and affect the tattoo’s colour.
– Gently wash the tattoo once a day with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap, then apply a thin layer of aftercare cream Badass Tattoo Balm. Do not rub dry and avoid fabric towels.
– Apply aftercare cream Badass Tattoo Balm 4–5 times a day to keep the tattoo moisturised.
– Mild bruising, swelling or redness may occur in the first few days, but consult a doctor if symptoms do not improve or get worse.

Stage II · Days 7–14

Itching and peeling begin. Let scabs and dry skin come away naturally.

This can be one of the most uncomfortable stages because of itching.

By now, the scab is firm and formed; thinner areas may already be flaking away. This can continue for around a week while the skin becomes dry and peels.

During this stage, dryness associated with healing leads to flaking and itching.

Keep the skin moisturised and do not scratch the tattoo. This is important to prevent damage. The studio’s guide suggests gentle touching or Bepanthen ointment if needed for itching.

During this stage, moisturise the tattoo 5–6 times a day with a thin layer of aftercare cream Badass Tattoo Balm (or a suitable alcohol-free, fragrance-free lotion) to reduce excessive dryness and itching.

Make sure the tattoo is completely dry before applying ointment. Moisture trapped beneath it can soften scabs and make them easier to dislodge.

If you apply too much ointment, gently remove excess at the edges with a clean cosmetic tissue until only a thin sheen remains. Avoid a thick coating.

Towards the end of this stage, more flakes of skin come away. Let them detach naturally; removing them prematurely can affect the ink in deeper layers.

Uneven flaking and dryness can make the tattoo look patchy for a few days. More noticeable peeling may last 2–4 days.

Small coloured skin flakes may come away during gentle washing. Do not scrub or force them off.

You may also feel tightness as the surrounding skin dries during healing. A thin layer of ointment can ease this feeling.

Stage 2 — quick tips:
– This stage may last around a week, depending on the individual.
– Skin and scabs begin to dry, peel and fall away. Do not remove them prematurely.
– Itching can occur. Do not scratch; apply Badass Tattoo Balm to moisturise the area and soothe itching.
– The skin around the tattoo may feel tight. A layer of ointment can help ease the sensation.
– The tattoo may look like shedding snakeskin for a few days. Let the scabs come away naturally.

Stage III · Days 15–30+

The surface may look healed but slightly dull. Deeper layers are still recovering, so continue your aftercare routine.

By this final stage, scabs should have come away and peeling should be largely finished, except where scabs were thicker.

The tattooed area may still feel dry and slightly sensitive. Continue moisturising, especially when you notice dryness.

During this period the tattoo may appear slightly dull, flat, flaky or shiny in the light.

A thin layer of recovering skin may still cover the tattoo. As the skin regenerates over the following month or two, the tattoo’s clarity returns.

This is a useful time to check for patches, fading or other details that may need attention after healing.

Contact us to discuss a touch-up if needed.

When is a tattoo fully healed?

Although the skin may look normal after 2–3 weeks, deeper layers are still healing. The surface recovers first, helping protect against infection.

Deeper layers can take 3–4 months to recover, although the tattoo may look clear well before then.

It is difficult to give an exact healing date because everyone heals differently. Tattoo size and the artist’s technique can also affect recovery time.

After 4–6 months from the last tattoo session or touch-up, the area is generally expected to be healed or close to complete healing.

Questions about healing?

If symptoms concern you or healing is not progressing as expected, speak to a doctor. For questions about the studio’s aftercare instructions, contact the Badass team.