5 Signs Your Tattoo Is Fully Healed
Quick answer
A tattoo is fully healed when all five of these are true: there's no flaking or scabbing anywhere, the skin isn't shiny or waxy and matches the skin around it, it feels flat and smooth, it isn't sore, itchy or warm, and the cloudy milk-scab look has cleared so the color looks crisp. The top layer of skin usually heals within about two months, but the deeper layers can take several months more, up to around six months in total.
Your tattoo stopped peeling, it looks great, and you're ready for the pool, the beach and maybe a touch-up. Is it actually healed?
A tattoo can look done before it is. The top layer of skin is usually healed by around two months, but the layers underneath can take several months more1, and full healing can take as long as six months2. Here are five signs it's really there, from the chair. Check all five.
1. No more flaking
What you'll see: a smooth surface with no flakes, no scabs and nothing lifting at the edges. Flaking usually eases around week three1.
Still healing if: there's any flaking left, even a little around the edges.
2. No shine
What you'll see: in our experience, freshly healed skin can look shiny or waxy for a while. Once the tattooed skin matches the skin around it, the surface has settled.
Still healing if: it still looks shiny, tight or waxy compared to the skin next to it.
3. Smooth to the touch
What you'll see: with a clean hand, run a finger over it. In our experience, a healed tattoo feels just like the rest of your skin.
Still healing if: it feels raised, bumpy or rough. Give it more time.
4. No tenderness
What you'll see: it doesn't hurt, itch or feel warm. Some itching during the peel is normal, but a healed tattoo should feel like normal skin.
Still healing if: it's still sore, itchy or warm. If it's getting worse instead of better, or you see spreading redness or pus, see a doctor.
5. Clear color
What you'll see: the cloudy milk-scab look is gone, and the lines and color look crisp and bright1.
Still healing if: it still looks cloudy or dull. Judge it after about six weeks at the earliest. See 5 Reasons Your Tattoo Faded Fast.
Is it healed? The five checks
| Check | Healed | Still healing |
|---|---|---|
| Flaking | Smooth, no flakes or scabs | Any flaking, even at the edges |
| Shine | Matches the skin around it | Shiny or waxy |
| Texture | Flat and smooth | Raised, bumpy or rough |
| Feel | Not sore, itchy or warm | Sore, itchy or warm |
| Color | Crisp and clear | Cloudy or dull |
Looks healed isn't always healed
The surface heals in weeks. The skin underneath can take months. When all five boxes are checked:
- Pools, hot tubs and the ocean are back on. See 5 Things to Schedule Around a New Tattoo.
- Sun is OK, with sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every time it's exposed.
- Touch-ups can be booked. Your artist can judge what needs work once it's settled.
For what the first few weeks look like, see 5 Things That Look Wrong While Your Tattoo Heals (But Aren't).
FAQ
How do I know if my tattoo is fully healed?
Check five things: no flaking or scabs anywhere, no shine compared to the skin around it, smooth and flat to the touch, no soreness, itching or warmth, and clear color with no cloudy milk-scab look. If all five are true, the surface has healed.
How long does it take for a tattoo to fully heal?
The top layer usually heals within about two months, but the deeper layers can take several months more. Full healing can take as long as six months.
Why is my healed tattoo shiny?
In our experience, freshly healed skin can look shiny or waxy for a while. Once it matches the skin around it, the surface has settled.
Is it normal for a healed tattoo to be raised?
A tattoo can feel slightly raised while it's still healing. In our experience, a fully healed tattoo feels like the rest of your skin. If it stays raised, itchy or bumpy for a long time, or gets worse, see a dermatologist.
When can I swim after a tattoo?
Once it's fully healed. Wait until there's no flaking, no shine and no tenderness, and check with your artist.