Tattoo Healing Timeline & Aftercare
Enter your tattoo date and get a dated aftercare schedule — washing, peeling, when you can swim, sunbathe and train. Downloadable as a PDF care card.
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Dated Care Schedule
How a Tattoo Heals
Surface healing follows a predictable arc: days 0-3 the tattoo weeps and is washed 2-3× daily with a thin layer of moisturizer; days 4-6 scabbing forms (never pick); days 7-14 it peels and itches — slap, don't scratch; around day 14 the surface is closed, and by day 30 deeper layers settle and a touch-up can be judged. Enter your tattoo date (and wrap type) to get every milestone as a real calendar date, plus the dates swimming, saunas, sun and hard training become safe. Download the schedule as a PDF care card.
General guidance, not medical advice — follow your artist's instructions first, and see a doctor for spreading redness, heat, swelling or fever (infection signs).
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I swim after a tattoo?
Pools, sea, baths and saunas soak the wound and carry bacteria — wait until the surface is fully closed, about 2 weeks (your dated schedule shows the exact day). Showers are fine from day one.
My tattoo is peeling and looks dull — is it ruined?
No, that is the normal day 7-14 phase: the peeling layer mutes the ink, and a "milky" look can persist to week 3-4. Judge the final color after a month.
Second-skin film or classic wrap — what changes?
Adhesive films stay on 3-5 days and skip the early washing routine, often healing with less scabbing. Classic wrap comes off within hours and starts the wash cycle immediately. Pick the mode above to get the matching schedule.
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Tattoo Healing Timeline & Aftercare