🐍 Your Tattoo Is Peeling — That’s a Good Thing
So you’ve finally got your new tattoo..
..and it looks amazing. The lines are crisp, the color’s bright, and you can’t stop staring at it.
Then, a few days later — things start to get weird. It’s flaky, dry, and looks like it’s peeling right off your skin. Maybe you even catch a little piece of color coming off and think:
“Oh no. My tattoo is coming off!”
Take a breath. It’s not. Here’s what’s actually happening.
🧠 The Science-y Part (Simplified)
Your tattoo is technically a wound — a very cool, intentional wound. As it heals, your body pushes up the top layer of damaged skin cells and replaces them with fresh new ones underneath. That’s the peeling you’re seeing.
The flakes aren’t your tattoo ink coming off; they’re just the dry outer skin that held a bit of excess pigment. The real ink sits deeper in your dermis — safe, sound, and permanent.
🩹 What You Should Expect
Most tattoos start to peel around days 3–7 after getting tattooed. It can last up to two weeks depending on your skin type, placement, and aftercare.
You might notice:
Light flaking or small skin “crumbs” (gross but normal)
Itchiness that makes you want to claw at it (don’t)
Dull or cloudy colors for a bit (they’ll brighten back up soon)
If it looks like your tattoo is turning into a lizard tail — congrats, you’re doing great.
❌ What Not to Do
Repeat after me:
Do. Not. Pick. It.
Peeling is normal — but picking pulls off healing skin too early and can lift ink with it.
Also avoid:
Scratching (light tapping helps if it’s itchy)
Soaking it in baths, pools, or the ocean
Slathering it in too much ointment (thin layers are your friend)
Tight clothes rubbing on the area
Let your body do the work — all you have to do is keep it clean, lightly moisturized, and hands off.
💧 What You Should Do
Stick to the aftercare routine your artist gave you. Usually that means:
Gently wash it once or twice a day with fragrance-free soap.
Pat dry — don’t rub.
Apply a thin layer of recommended ointment or lotion.
Leave it alone. Seriously.
Your skin’s top layer will naturally flake away, revealing a smooth, healed tattoo underneath.
⚡ When to Worry (Rare, But Worth Knowing)
If your tattoo is:
Oozing thick fluid
Swollen, red, or hot to the touch
Covered in thick scabs or blisters
…that’s not normal peeling — that’s a sign something’s up. Reach out to your artist first for advice, and if it looks infected, see a doctor.
🌈 The Good Part
Once the peeling’s done, your tattoo will start looking crisp again — maybe even better than day one. It’s healed, settled into your skin, and ready to show off.
So next time your tattoo starts shedding like a snake, remember: that’s not a bad thing. That’s your skin doing what it does best — healing up so your art can shine.
Ready for Round Two?
Once your skin’s back to normal, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next piece.
Come see me at Liberty Tattoo Co. —
📍 17 E Main St, Smithtown, NY
📞 631-366-1776
🖤 @diggs_tattoos | diggs.tattoos@gmail.com
