Ars Tattoo Blog

We continue our series of articles aimed at beginner tattoo artists. If you have already managed to read our tattoo artist's guide, where we advise on how to take your first steps in this profession, it's time to get down to specifics and start assembling the necessary tools for tattooing. This time, we won't be focusing on elements strictly for learning to tattoo, but rather on what you really need to realize your first project on a live model. Let's get started. Accessories for transferring the design Precisely transferring the design onto the client's skin is the foundation of a successful tattoo. You'll need appropriate accessories and equipment, from tracing paper and hectographic ink to a printer. All of these are, of course, available in Ars Tattoo's permanent offer. If you want to create your own portfolio of designs, use a rapidograph to design them. What is a rapidograph? You can find out more about that in another blog article. Tattoo machine – time to choose it consciously Beginner tattoo artists often experiment with different types of machines, which is highly recommended. During the learning phase, it's worth testing both classic coil machines and more advanced rotary machines. If you've already done that and know which machine works best for you, then buy a model tailored to your expectations, one that will guarantee an accurate reproduction of the design on the model's skin. A wide selection of branded tattoo machines, including super comfortable wireless machines, can, of course, be found in Ars Tattoo's permanent offer. Ars Tattoo Expert Tip: You can also try your hand at the handpoke technique, for which you don't need a machine. You can read more about it in a separate article on our blog. Needles/cartridges Introducing ink under the skin requires either classic needles or cartridges. The former are dedicated to coil machines and are more often chosen by so-called old-school tattoo artists. If you prefer working with a rotary machine, you will certainly opt for cartridges – much more convenient and much easier to quickly change during a project. Both needles and cartridges can be found in Ars Tattoo's permanent offer. Grip This is a small but very useful accessory for tattooing. Simply put, a grip helps guide the needle more easily. This directly translates to greater comfort and precision during work. At Ars Tattoo, we offer many variants of grips for cartridges and standard needles, including disposable, rubber, silicone models, and those with adapters to fit the grip to a specific machine. Inks Tattoo inks are, of course, an essential attribute of a tattoo artist. Available in an enormous variety of colors, they determine not only the aesthetics but also the durability of the tattoo. Remember to use only REACH-compliant inks for tattooing people, which guarantees safety and the absence of undesirable skin reactions. Anesthesia It may not be essential, but it's worth having on hand if your model turns out to have a low pain threshold. Tattoo anesthetics, of course, do not guarantee complete elimination of unpleasant sensations, but they significantly increase the comfort of the person being tattooed (and thus the tattoo artist, who no longer has to "fight" with a constantly squirming client). You can read more about how tattoo anesthetic works in a separate article on our blog. Petroleum jelly Modest petroleum jelly is also an important part of a tattoo kit. You'll use it to improve needle/cartridge glide, which translates to better working comfort. Additionally, tattoo petroleum jelly provides extra moisture and skin protection. We write more about which petroleum jelly to choose in another article on the blog. Hygiene, care, protection Tattooing is not just the – let's call it – artistic and technical part, but also the entire setup that determines the comfort and safety of the client. You need to stock up on a range of products to maintain hygiene at the workstation, as well as to protect the fresh tattoo and care for it during the initial, critical stage. Assemble a kit consisting of professional hygiene and disinfection products, tattoo cosmetics, and special dressings – Ars Tattoo consistently recommends the best solution of this type, which is second skin. These are, of course, only the most important items you need for tattooing. Let's not forget about small accessories, such as disposable gloves, cups, or the entire tattoo studio equipment. Frequently asked questions and answers What do you need to do a tattoo? The basic elements are a tattoo machine, needles or cartridges, and ink. In addition to this, there are smaller, though no less important, accessories, such as a machine grip, hygiene products, and cosmetics that improve the comfort of the client and the tattoo artist (tattoo petroleum jelly, optionally anesthetic, skin and workstation disinfectant, fresh tattoo dressing). What types of tattoo machines are there? The two basic groups are classic coil machines and much more modern rotary machines. The latter are further divided into several variants, including pen-type and wireless machines. Can you get a tattoo without a machine? Yes, a tattoo can be done using the handpoke technique, meaning with just needles. This is a traditional form of tattooing that is currently experiencing a renaissance of interest, guaranteeing a unique effect (but also requiring excellent skills from the tattoo artist).

If you notice that your skin is peeling heavily shortly after getting a tattoo, don't complain to your tattoo artist – this is completely normal and nothing to worry about. It will also not affect the final look or durability of the tattoo, as long as you take care of it properly. Why does a tattoo peel? What should you do to alleviate this process a little and properly care for your fresh ink? We have prepared a set of practical tips for you. Why is my tattoo peeling?! The answer is very simple: because your skin is healing. When getting a tattoo, we often forget (or don't even know) that it is in fact a procedure that breaks the skin's continuity and creates a superficial wound. For the body, this is a kind of shock that triggers and stimulates natural regenerative processes. Two typical signs that the healing stage has begun are itching and precisely the peeling of the tattoo. Peeling usually appears about 7-10 days after getting the tattoo. It's a bit like skin shedding after sun exposure. It is almost always accompanied by more or less intense itching. There's nothing to worry about – this is completely normal, and even desirable, as it indicates proper wound healing. Will the tattoo "fade" due to skin peeling? Don't worry: no, peeling skin does not remove the ink that has been introduced into its deeper layers. Although it may initially seem that the tattoo is fading (especially in the case of tattoos made with colored inks), there's no need to worry: if the design was done by a professional, using branded inks, and you also take care of your tattoo, you can count on its long-lasting durability and preservation of its original appearance for a very long time. My tattoo is peeling: do I need to do anything about it? You don't have to, but it's certainly worth it. Here are some rules that are good to follow during the healing phase of a tattoo: Do not scratch the tattooed skin, do not peel off flaking epidermis or scabs that form; At night, apply a dressing to protect the tattoo from irritation in contact with bedding (this can be cling film, or even better, a second skin type dressing); Intensely moisturize the skin using special tattoo care cosmetics – cream, lotion, or butter; Remember about hygiene – during the healing period, wash the tattoo several times a day with special soap or a gentle tattoo foam, e.g., Tattoo Eazer Foam; Do not expose the healing tattoo to direct sunlight – when going outdoors with exposed skin, apply sunscreen beforehand, preferably one dedicated to tattoo protection, such as LOVEINK Tattoo Sunscreen. When will the tattoo stop peeling? This depends on the healing rate of your tattoo, which is critically influenced by the size of the wound and your diligence in caring for the ink. Usually, peeling subsides with the full healing of the skin, which can take from several days to several weeks. Read about whether the tattoo healing process can be accelerated in a separate article on our blog. As you can see, tattoo peeling is nothing alarming and always occurs during the healing phase of the ink. Take care of proper skin care, protect the tattoo from irritation, sun radiation, and dirt, and you will gain a permanent body decoration that will please the eye even after many years. Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Why does a tattoo peel? Tattoo peeling is a normal phenomenon accompanying wound healing. In addition to peeling, you may also notice persistent skin itching. There is nothing to worry about – this will pass once the tattoo has fully healed. How long does a tattoo take to heal? The healing time of a tattoo depends on its size and adherence to proper care principles for fresh ink (disinfection, hygiene, moisturizing, protection from sun and abrasions). Assume that the main healing stage lasts from 2 to about 4 weeks. What not to do while a tattoo is healing? Above all, do not peel off flaking skin, pick at scabs, or scratch the wound. Remember to wash the tattoo daily with special soap, moisturize the skin with cream, lotion, or tattoo butter, and protect the wound from the sun. For several weeks, do not swim in a pool, do not go to a sauna, and avoid overexerting the tattooed part of the body (for example: if you have a tattooed leg, refrain from running for some time). What should be concerning during the tattoo healing stage? If you notice that the wound is swollen, you experience continuous and increasing pain, the skin around the tattoo is severely red, pus is oozing from the wound and emitting a very unpleasant odor, a rash or other strange skin reactions appear, do not delay visiting your general practitioner.

Is your tattoo itching? Don't worry, it's normal during tattoo healing. However, it's such an irritating and bothersome symptom that many people look for proven ways to deal with this problem. It's good that you found our guide. In it, we advise you on what cosmetics to use for an itchy tattoo. Why does a tattoo itch? A tattoo is on the one hand an effective body decoration, but on the other hand a significant intervention in the skin. During tattooing, the continuity of the skin is broken and open wounds are created that need to heal. The symptom of healing is precisely itching and peeling of the skin – unpleasant, sometimes bothersome, but unavoidable. However, this does not mean that you can do nothing about it. Instead of fighting yourself not to scratch the tattoo (which can be problematic in your sleep), reach for appropriate care cosmetics that will relieve itching and at the same time accelerate the skin regeneration process. Washing a tattoo – what to use? Washing is one of the most important care activities during the tattoo healing stage. The skin should be washed just before applying the dressing, and after removing it, this should be done several times a day. Frequent washing with the right product significantly minimizes itching.  What to use to wash a fresh tattoo? At Ars Tattoo, we consistently recommend the very easy-to-use, delicate foam Tattoo Eazer Foam, which you can carry with you, e.g., in your purse or backpack, and use it even at work or university. Optionally, choose one of the tattoo soaps available at Ars Tattoo, for example LOVEINK Tattoo Soap Silver. Moisturizing the skin – the best way to reduce itching If you notice increased itching after tattooing, this is a reliable signal that your skin is crying out for moisture. This is the basis of fresh tattoo care and the most effective way to reduce the feeling of itching. For moisturizing tattoos, use dedicated cosmetics, primarily tattoo creams or tattoo butter. Choose branded products available in our store that are based on natural ingredients, supporting your skin's regeneration process and reducing the associated discomfort.  How long does a tattoo itch? Here, another question should be asked, namely: how long does a tattoo heal? The skin will stop itching when it is fully healed, which usually takes from a few weeks to even a few months. Throughout this time, it is worth taking care of proper skin care, not only to save yourself from unpleasant regeneration symptoms, but also to maintain the beautiful appearance of the tattoo for years. Additional recommendations Remember to protect your skin from external factors for several weeks after getting a tattoo. In summer and on sunny days, apply a special tattoo sunscreen. For about a month, refrain from going to the sauna and swimming pool, and do not swim in the sea (salt water is irritating and drying to the skin). By following our tips, you will much better endure the tattoo healing stage and will feel less need to scratch your skin, which you should, of course, not do. Frequently Asked Questions Why does a tattoo itch? This is a natural symptom accompanying skin healing. Itching and peeling are a good sign: it indicates that your skin is slowly regenerating. What to use for itchy skin after a tattoo? Get a basic set of cosmetics, i.e., foam or soap for washing and cream or butter for moisturizing. Clean and well-moisturized skin regenerates faster and itches less. What is second skin? Second skin is a special type of dressing applied to freshly tattooed skin, which creates optimal conditions for regeneration in the first days after the procedure. What not to do with a fresh tattoo? Do not expose your skin to the sun (use protective tattoo creams), and for about a month, avoid swimming in the pool and sea, and visiting the sauna. How long does a fresh tattoo itch? Itching will accompany you throughout the entire tattoo healing period, which can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the size of the wound.   

Tattoo healing is a process that begins immediately after tattooing is finished and lasts much longer than just the skin redness or peeling. In the first few days, the tattoo may be tender and secrete a small amount of plasma; later, dryness, itching, and peeling occur, and then the skin gradually returns to its normal appearance. How long does a tattoo take to heal? What does a tattoo look like after a week, two, and four weeks? Which symptoms are a natural part of regeneration, and which should raise concern? Below, we present the most important stages of tattoo healing. Tattoo healing at a glance First hours – redness, tenderness, slight swelling, and weeping. Days 1–3 – the skin begins intensive regeneration; it may still be sensitive and slightly swollen. Days 3–7 – weeping subsides, dryness, tightness, and the first signs of peeling appear. Weeks 1–2 – itching and skin exfoliation are typical. Weeks 2–4 – the surface of the skin gradually rebuilds, and the tattoo may look dull for some time. Subsequent weeks – the skin continues to regenerate in deeper layers, even if the tattoo looks healed from the outside. These timeframes are indicative. The healing rate depends, among other things, on the size and location of the tattoo, the tattoo artist's technique, individual skin characteristics, and the aftercare process. How long does a tattoo take to heal? The visible surface healing process usually lasts several weeks. For many people, the most significant changes—redness, peeling, and scabbing—subside within about 2–4 weeks. However, this does not mean that all skin layers have finished regenerating after this time. A tattoo is created in the dermis, so the rebuilding process continues even when the epidermis looks normal again. In practice, it is worth distinguishing between: visible surface healing – the subsiding of redness, weeping, peeling, and scabbing, fuller skin regeneration – the process occurring over the following weeks. Also, do not expect every tattoo to heal according to the exact same schedule. A small pattern on the forearm may behave differently than a large, heavily saturated piece done during a multi-hour session. First hours – fresh tattoo Immediately after finishing the tattoo, the skin has been freshly pierced by needles. The body's natural reaction is localized redness, tenderness, and slight swelling. A mixture of plasma, a small amount of blood, and excess pigment may also seep from the skin. In the first few hours after the session, this is a typical reaction for a freshly tattooed area. The tattoo may also be noticeably warmer than the surrounding skin and more sensitive to touch. At this stage, the tattoo artist covers the fresh design with an appropriate dressing. A self-adhesive second skin is increasingly used for this purpose. Wearing a second skin? A small amount of plasma, blood, and pigment collected under the initial dressing may appear after tattooing. We have described in detail when to change the dressing, how long it can be worn, and how to remove it properly. Second skin – how to use and how long to wear it? Days 1–3 – natural skin reaction During the first few days, the body reacts intensively to the trauma to the skin. The tattoo may still be red, slightly swollen, and tender. Further secretion of a small amount of clear or slightly colored fluid is also possible. If a second skin is used, the fluid may be visible underneath. During this period, the trend of changes is more important than the mere presence of redness or tenderness. With proper healing, symptoms should gradually decrease, not intensify with each passing day. Important: redness and slight swelling immediately after tattooing can be natural. However, if the redness begins to spread, pain intensifies instead of subsiding, or other alarming symptoms appear, the healing process requires closer attention. Days 3–7 – the skin begins to dry out After a few days, the initial tenderness and redness should gradually fade. The tattoo stops being "fresh," and the surface of the skin begins to change. You may experience: a feeling of skin tightness, dryness, mild itching, first signs of epidermal peeling, small scabs. The timing of these symptoms is individual. For some, peeling will start after just a few days; for others, it will be later. If the second skin is still on the skin, it should be used in accordance with the specific product's instructions and the tattoo artist's recommendations. You should not apply a new adhesive dressing to a tattoo that has already entered the intensive peeling phase. Weeks 1–2 – itching and tattoo peeling This is one of the most characteristic stages of tattoo healing. Old, damaged skin is gradually replaced by new skin, so the surface begins to peel. The tattoo may look less attractive than it did immediately after completion – patches of skin are dry, colors may appear less intense, and the whole piece may look slightly dull. This is usually a temporary element of healing. At the same time, itching often occurs. Although it can be bothersome, the tattoo should not be scratched or mechanically exfoliated. Do not peel off loose fragments of epidermis or small scabs either. They should detach from the skin naturally. Tattoo healing Tattoo peeling Why does a tattoo peel, how long can it last, and what should you avoid doing during this time? Tattoo healing Tattoo itching When is itching a typical part of regeneration, and when is it worth paying more attention to? Weeks 2–4 – surface skin rebuilding Once intensive peeling subsides, the surface of the tattoo begins to look more and more normal. Most scabs and peeling skin should have disappeared, and itching becomes significantly less or subsides. At this stage, however, the tattoo may look dull, slightly milky, or less contrasted than you expect for a while. This does not automatically mean pigment loss. The new layer of epidermis is still maturing and may temporarily change the way the tattoo is visible. With each passing week, the appearance of the skin should gradually stabilize. This is why you should not judge the final result of a fresh tattoo during peeling or immediately after it ends. After about 4 weeks – the tattoo looks healed After several weeks, for many people, the skin surface looks normal. There are no scabs or peeling fragments, and the redness and tenderness have disappeared. This does not mean that regeneration is completely finished. The tissue rebuilding process also occurs deeper down, so full skin stabilization may take longer than visible epidermal healing. For this reason, after a month, the tattoo may look healed, even though internal regenerative processes are still ongoing. Only after healing is complete can you properly assess the quality of the work and—if necessary—arrange a potential touch-up with your tattoo artist. What determines the healing rate of a tattoo? Not every tattoo heals at the same rate. Two people getting a tattoo on the same day may go through the subsequent stages at slightly different times. Factors affecting the rate of regeneration include: Size of the tattoo An extensive project means a larger area of skin subjected to tattooing. Degree of saturation and technique Large fills, intense color, or working over the same area multiple times can cause more skin irritation than a small, delicate design. Location on the body Areas prone to frequent bending, clothing friction, sweating, or pressure may require special attention during healing. Individual skin characteristics Regeneration rates are not identical for everyone. Aftercare Keeping the tattoo clean, handling the dressing properly, and avoiding scratching, soaking, and other irritants helps create the right conditions for the skin to regenerate. If you want to know exactly how to behave at each of these stages, see our separate aftercare guide. How to care for a fresh tattoo? Step-by-step aftercare → What does a properly healing tattoo look like? There is no single appearance for a properly healing tattoo, but a typical progression has one important trait: over time, the condition of the skin should improve. In subsequent stages, the following may occur: initial redness and slight swelling, skin tenderness, mild weeping in the initial period, dryness and tightness, itching, epidermal peeling, small scabs, a temporarily duller appearance of the tattoo. It is important not only which symptom occurs, but also whether it gradually fades and whether it appears at a typical point in the regeneration process. When should tattoo healing be cause for concern? Not every case of redness or itching means an infection. In the first few days, some level of skin reaction is expected. Symptoms that intensify instead of gradually subsiding should be given more attention. Consult a doctor if, among other things, the following occur: increasing pain instead of gradual improvement, redness clearly spreading beyond the tattoo area, increasing swelling, skin noticeably hot to the touch, purulent or alarming discharge, unpleasant odor, red streaks emanating from the tattoo site, fever, chills, or general malaise. If you suspect an infection, do not try to resolve the problem solely with tattoo care products. A strong skin reaction can also be related to an allergy or irritation, e.g., to the pigment, dressing adhesive, or a skincare product. If the reaction is intense, persists, or worsens, it requires proper assessment. Can you speed up tattoo healing? There is no safe way to "skip" the natural stages of skin regeneration. The body needs time to rebuild. However, you can avoid hindering the skin's healing and ensure it has the right conditions: keep the tattoo clean, use the dressing according to instructions, do not scratch or peel off scabs, do not let the skin become excessively dry, avoid prolonged soaking, limit friction and irritation of the fresh area, protect the healing tattoo from direct sunlight. You can find more practical information about washing, moisturizing, sports, bathing, and protecting your fresh design in the guide How to care for a fresh tattoo? Frequently asked questions How long does a tattoo take to heal? Visible surface healing usually lasts several weeks. For many people, peeling, scabs, and redness subside within about 2–4 weeks, while deeper skin regeneration takes longer. What does a tattoo look like after a week? After about a week, the initial redness and tenderness should be significantly less. The tattoo may be dry, tight, itchy, and begin to peel. What does a tattoo look like after two weeks? For many people, after about two weeks, most of the intensive peeling begins to subside. The surface may still look dull or slightly "milky" as the new epidermis is still maturing. When does a tattoo start peeling? Usually, this happens a few days after the tattoo is finished, but the exact moment depends on your skin and the nature of the project. Peeling is a typical part of regeneration, and you should not peel off the epidermis by hand. Does tattoo itching mean it is healing? Itching often occurs during rebuilding and exfoliation. However, if it is very intense and accompanied by blisters, an intensifying rash, or other alarming symptoms, the cause may also be irritation or an allergic reaction. Are scabs on a tattoo normal? Small scabs can form during healing. Do not scratch or peel them off. They should detach naturally as the skin regenerates. Why does a tattoo look pale or dull during healing? After the old epidermis peels off, the new layer of skin may temporarily change how the pigment looks. The tattoo may appear less contrasted until the skin surface fully stabilizes. When is a tattoo completely healed? It is impossible to indicate one day for all tattoos. The surface of the skin often looks healed after a few weeks, but the regeneration process of deeper layers takes longer. How to distinguish normal healing from an infection? With proper healing, redness, pain, and swelling should gradually fade. Increasing pain, spreading redness, hot skin, purulent discharge, fever, or red streaks require medical consultation. Stages of tattoo healing Redness → dryness → peeling → skin rebuilding First days – tenderness, redness, and slight weeping can be natural. First weeks – the skin may itch, peel, and temporarily change the appearance of the tattoo. Over time – symptoms should gradually subside, and the skin's appearance should stabilize. Key signal – proper healing tends towards improvement. Symptoms that clearly intensify require closer attention. How to properly care for a fresh tattoo?