Tattoo Peeling Day by Day: What Is Normal and What Is Not

A few days after getting a new tattoo, most people look down and panic. The skin is flaking, bits of coloured skin are coming off in the shower, and the design suddenly looks dull and patchy. Is the ink falling out?

Almost always, no. Peeling is a normal part of healing. Here is what is happening, what is normal day by day, and the signs that mean something is actually wrong.

Why tattoos peel

Tattooing places ink into the dermis, the deeper layer of skin. To get there, the needles pass through the epidermis, the thin outer layer, thousands of times. That outer layer is damaged in the process, and your body replaces it by shedding the old skin, just as it would after a mild sunburn or graze.

The flakes can look coloured because the damaged surface skin contains a little ink. The ink that forms your tattoo sits below, in the dermis, and stays put.

Tattoo peeling day by day

Everyone heals differently, and size, placement, style and aftercare all change the timing. This is a typical pattern for a small to medium tattoo.

Days 1 to 3: tender, red and weeping

The tattoo feels sore and warm, like a sunburn, and may look raised and slightly swollen. It can ooze clear fluid, plasma and a little excess ink. This is the open wound stage, so gentle washing and following your artist's covering instructions matter most here.

Days 3 to 7: tightness, itching and the first flakes

The redness calms down and the skin starts to feel tight and dry. Itching often begins, and fine flaking or light scabbing appears, usually first on areas with heavy linework or solid colour.

Days 7 to 14: peak peeling

This is when peeling is most obvious. Skin comes away in thin flakes, sometimes in larger sheets, and the itching can be intense. The tattoo may look patchy, faded or cloudy. Keep going with gentle washing and a thin layer of moisturiser, and do not pick.

Weeks 2 to 4: the cloudy or milky stage

Most flakes are gone, but a new, shiny layer of skin sits over the tattoo and makes it look dull, slightly silvery or blurred. This is sometimes called the "milky" stage. It is normal, and the tattoo usually brightens as the new skin settles over the following weeks.

Months 1 to 3: settling

The surface looks healed, but the deeper skin is still recovering. The tattoo reaches its true, settled appearance over this period. Our tattoo healing timeline covers the longer process in more detail.

What is normal and what is not

Normal:

• Flakes that contain some colour
• Itching, sometimes strong, during the first two weeks
• Thin, light scabs on parts of the design
• A dull, cloudy or shiny look after peeling
• Slightly raised skin that comes and goes early in healing

See a doctor if you notice:

• Redness that spreads or gets darker instead of fading
• Increasing pain, heat or swelling after the first few days
• Pus, a bad smell, or yellow or green discharge
• Thick, heavy scabs that crack and bleed
• Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
• An itchy, bumpy rash that appears on one colour, which can be an allergic reaction

How to look after a peeling tattoo

Do not pick or peel the flakes. Pulling skin off before it is ready can take ink with it and leave light patches that need touching up.

Do not scratch. If the itch is unbearable, try a light tap or gently pressing the area with clean hands, or apply a thin layer of moisturiser.

Wash gently. Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap with clean hands, then pat dry with a clean paper towel. Flakes that come off naturally while washing are fine.

Moisturise lightly. A thin layer of an unscented aftercare balm or lotion keeps the skin from cracking. Too much can trap moisture and slow healing. See our guide to tattoo aftercare products.

Avoid soaking. No baths, swimming, saunas or hot tubs until the peeling has finished and the skin has closed.

Keep it out of the sun, and wear loose, soft clothing that will not rub off flakes.

What if my tattoo does not peel?

That can be normal too. Small, fine line or lightly shaded tattoos sometimes flake so little that you barely notice, and some people's skin simply heals with less visible peeling. As long as the tattoo is not showing signs of infection, a lack of peeling is not a problem.

Will I need a touch up?

Once healed, some small patches may look lighter, especially on hands, feet and areas that move a lot. Many artists offer a free touch up within a few months if you followed their aftercare. Wait until the tattoo is fully healed before judging, because the cloudy stage makes most tattoos look worse than they really are.

Getting your first tattoo? Our first tattoo guide walks through the whole process, from choosing an artist to aftercare.