Getting a tattoo is such an exciting experience. After feeling all the pain, you can't help but feel excited about how it turned out. However, during the first few weeks of your new ink, it may not appear how you want it to. It may appear milky or dull, but fret not, this is only temporary.
If you’re wondering why your first tattoo is not turning out how you imagined it to be, here is what you need to know about the healing process.
Tattoo Fading and Healing Phases
Tattoos look different during this time because the ink is entering your body. Your skin is a living organ, so when you're getting a tattoo, it's like you're letting your body soak up the ink. For this reason, tattoos may fade dramatically in the first few days.
The first phase involves your body reacting adversely to the needle and ink. In this stage, your tattoo is treated as an open wound. You may notice a lot of side effects, such as oozing, redness, swelling, and an uncomfortable burning sensation. Your ink may appear milky during this period.
The second phase involves itching and flaking. You may be worried that your tattoo looks like some of it is falling off your skin, but this is a normal part of healing and will not affect the permanent look of your ink. Although your skin will itch, it’s best not to scratch or pick at your skin during this time. You can use a moisturizer to reduce the itching.
The third phase is when the itching will stop, but your tattoo may look faded during this stage. This is because a new layer of dry skin will form over the ink, which will eventually exfoliate itself over time and show your tattoo in all its glory.
In the final phase, the tattoo may look fully healed and vibrant. However, it’s wise to continue with the tattoo aftercare. You must stay hydrated and keep the tattoo clean while protecting it from the sun to ensure that it will not have any complications.
The process of healing and fading a new tattoo can be frustrating, but it is essential to note that the dull and milky look will improve after the healing process. Once the tattoo is healed, you will be able to enjoy it for the rest of your life.
What If the Tattoo Still Looks Dull After the Healing Phase?
If this happens, it could be due to a variety of factors. Your skin may not take well to tattoos, or perhaps the color was not saturated enough. Make sure to talk to your artist, as they may offer touch-ups to help your tattoo look better.
Conclusion
Tattoos will look dull initially, but do not worry—the color will come back. You need to understand the healing process and fading for your tattoo to look the way you want it to. With proper care, your tattoo will heal beautifully and keep its color for a long time.
Having a good tattoo artist from the start would relieve you from problems like this. Make sure to have your first tattoo at the best Denver tattoo parlor. Certified Tattoo is an award-winning tattoo studio with more than 30 excellent artists in three shop locations. Here, you can find the best tattoo artist in Lakewood that you have been looking for. Schedule a tattoo consultation today.
