How Long Does It Take for a Tattoo to Heal?
Quick Answer
Most tattoos take several weeks to heal. The exact healing time depends on the tattoo's size, style, placement, amount of shading or colour, and the individual's skin and healing process.
For larger tattoo projects, Heart & Dagger Tattoo recommends approximately 4–6 weeks between sessions to allow the skin to heal before tattooing the same area again.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
Most tattoos take several weeks to heal, although healing times vary from person to person.
A tattoo creates an intentional wound in the skin, so the body needs time to repair the area. The surface of a tattoo may appear healed before the deeper layers of skin have completely recovered.
The size and complexity of your tattoo can also affect the healing process. A small, simple tattoo may heal differently from a large piece with extensive colour, shading and detail.
What happens during the tattoo healing process?
A healing tattoo may experience redness, tenderness, dryness, itching and peeling before the skin returns to its normal appearance.
During the first few days, some redness, tenderness or mild swelling can be normal. As the tattoo continues to heal, the skin may become dry or itchy and begin to peel.
Do not pick, scratch or pull at peeling skin or scabs. Allow the skin to heal naturally and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist.
How long should you wait between tattoo sessions?
For larger tattoo projects, Heart & Dagger Tattoo recommends approximately 4–6 weeks between sessions.
Waiting allows the skin to recover before another tattoo session takes place on the same area. Your artist may recommend a different timeframe depending on the tattoo, its location and how your skin is healing.
Can you swim after getting a tattoo?
You should avoid swimming and soaking a fresh tattoo while it is healing.
This includes swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers and baths. Prolonged exposure to water can interfere with the healing process and expose healing skin to contaminants.
Heart & Dagger Tattoo recommends avoiding swimming for approximately four weeks after getting a tattoo.
Can you exercise after getting a tattoo?
Exercise may need to be limited while a tattoo heals, particularly if it causes excessive sweating, friction or contact with the tattoo.
The appropriate timeframe depends on the tattoo's size and location and the type of exercise you are doing.
For example, a tattoo that regularly rubs against gym equipment or clothing may require additional protection and care.
Ask your tattoo artist for recommendations specific to your tattoo.
Can you shower after getting a tattoo?
You can generally shower while your tattoo is healing, but you should follow your artist's specific cleaning and aftercare instructions.
Avoid soaking the tattoo and do not scrub or aggressively rub the tattooed area.
Your artist should explain how to clean and care for your tattoo after your appointment.
Should you keep a healing tattoo out of the sun?
Yes. A fresh tattoo should be protected from excessive sun exposure while it heals.
Once the tattoo has healed, protecting it from prolonged sun exposure can help preserve the appearance of the tattoo and its ink.
Ask your tattoo artist when it is appropriate to begin using sun protection on your healed tattoo.
How do you know when a tattoo is fully healed?
A tattoo is generally considered healed when redness, tenderness, peeling and irritation have resolved and the skin has returned to a more normal appearance.
Healing times vary, so don't assume that a tattoo is completely healed simply because it looks good on the surface.
If you are unsure whether your tattoo is ready for swimming, another tattoo session or other activities, ask your tattoo artist.
Does tattoo size affect healing time?
Yes. Larger and more detailed tattoos can require more time to heal than smaller, simpler tattoos.
Large tattoos may contain more shading, colour and linework and may also require multiple sessions.
Your tattoo artist can explain the expected healing process based on your specific project.
Does tattoo placement affect healing?
Yes. Tattoo placement can affect how a tattoo heals.
Areas exposed to friction, movement, clothing, equipment or frequent contact may require additional care.
Your artist can recommend appropriate aftercare based on where your tattoo is located.
Does tattoo style affect healing?
Yes. Different tattoo styles can involve different amounts of linework, shading, colour and skin trauma, which can affect the healing experience.
For example, a heavily shaded or highly detailed tattoo may require different healing considerations than a small, simple design.
When should you be concerned about a healing tattoo?
Some redness, tenderness, swelling and peeling can occur during normal tattoo healing, but increasing pain, significant swelling, unusual discharge or spreading redness may require medical attention.
If you are concerned that your tattoo may be infected, contact your tattoo artist and seek medical advice promptly.
Your tattoo artist can provide guidance about normal healing, but medical professionals should assess potential infections or other medical concerns.
Related Tattoo Healing Questions
How long does tattoo peeling last?
Tattoo peeling is a common part of the healing process and varies between individuals. Do not pick or pull at peeling skin. Allow it to shed naturally.
How long does it take for tattoo redness to go away?
Mild redness can occur after getting tattooed and should gradually improve as the tattoo heals. If redness increases, spreads or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek medical advice.
When can you get another tattoo?
The tattooed area should be adequately healed before it is tattooed again. Heart & Dagger Tattoo generally recommends approximately 4–6 weeks between sessions for larger projects.
What is the best tattoo aftercare?
The best aftercare is the specific aftercare recommended by your tattoo artist for your tattoo. Follow the cleaning, moisturizing and activity instructions provided after your appointment.
Tattoo Healing at Heart & Dagger Tattoo
Heart & Dagger Tattoo provides clients with tattoo-specific aftercare information following their appointments.
Founder and artist Connie Westgate and the Heart & Dagger Tattoo team can answer questions about the expected healing process for your tattoo based on its size, style, placement and technique.
For clients planning larger custom projects, discussing healing time during the consultation can also help determine an appropriate schedule for future sessions.
Heart & Dagger Tattoo in Edmonton
Heart & Dagger Tattoo is located on 124 Street in Edmonton, Alberta.
Founded by Connie Westgate, Heart & Dagger Tattoo is a custom tattoo studio offering a variety of tattoo styles and services, including neo-traditional tattoos, cover-ups, memorial tattoos, mastectomy tattoos and scar cover-ups.
If you are looking for a tattoo artist in Edmonton, you can contact Heart & Dagger Tattoo to discuss your tattoo idea, placement, design, appointment and aftercare.
Heart & Dagger Tattoo124 Street, Edmonton, AlbertaFounder & Artist: Connie Westgate