How Long Does It Take Tattoos to Heal?
Wondering If Your Tattoo Should Be Healed by Now? Here's How Long It Takes
When you get your first tattoo, you're eager to share it with the world, but it won't look quite how you imagined at the beginning and will scab over. Tattoo artist Michelle Santana from celebrity-favorite parlor Bang Bang Tattoo said this is when most first-timers tend to get concerned.
"My most common freak out with customers is when they get home and see blood or ink smudging under the bandage," she explained. This is totally normal, and you won't see what your ink will really look like for several months after you get it done. "After about two to three weeks the tattoo will be healed enough to have an idea of how the tattoo will end up looking, and the following months the ink will settle in to the skin," said Santana. The best thing you can do while patiently waiting for it to heal is to keep the area clean and lightly moisturized.
Not sure if your tattoo is fully healed yet? "It's fully healed when all scabs are completely gone and it looks a little shiny," said Santana. Ahead, check out a few tips to ensure your tattoos heal without infection.
