Is Tattoo Peeling Normal in the Healing Process?

When you get fresh ink, the Ink Fanatic Tattoo Studio last thing you want to see is the new art seemingly peeling away from your skin.

However, some peeling in the early stages of healing is completely normal. The tattoo process creates a wound in your skin, and peeling is your body’s way of getting rid of dry skin cells that have been affected as your skin heals.

On the flip side, excessive peeling after getting a tattoo could indicate something very different — especially if you’re seeing signs of an infection or inflammation. Curious about whether your tattoo peeling is “normal”? Read on to learn what’s natural in the tattoo healing process and when peeling skin could be a sign of a problem.

What happens after you get a tattoo
The pain and time that comes with getting a tattoo is just the beginning. Your tattoo artist has just created a wound in your skin that must heal in order for your tattoo to look as it should.

In all, the healing process can take a few weeks.

During the tattooing process, needles penetrate both your upper and middle layers of skin. These are known as the epidermis and dermis, respectively.

As your skin cells do their job of healing, you’ll likely see exfoliation in action in the form of the dead skin cells peeling off, so new ones may be rejuvenated. Without proper aftercare techniques, though, a fresh tattoo wound is extremely vulnerable to an infection and other issues within the first 2 weeks.

It’s important to follow your tattoo artist’s instructions and report any unusual symptoms.

When does a tattoo begin peeling?

Most tattoos usually start peeling by the end of the first week. This part comes after the initial bandaging required after you first get your tattoo done. You might also have scabs that peel off on their own into the second week of the healing process.

You may also notice that your tattoo ink looks a little “dull” after your session. This has nothing to do with the ink itself. Rather, it’s attributed to the dead skin cells that have accumulated on top of your tattoo.

Once your skin has completed the natural peeling process, your colors should look fresh again.