Cloudy phase · Days 14–28
Day 22: colors starting to come back
On smaller and thinner-skinned placements the haze may start lifting around now. On larger or denser pieces it can take longer. Either is normal.
What to do today
- Lotion if dry
- Sun off it
- Take a photo to compare at week 6
Normal in the cloudy phase stage
The surface is smooth again, but a milky "silver skin" layer sits over the ink and colors look muted. It clears on its own. This is not the finished tattoo.
- A hazy, waxy or milky look over the design
- Muted colors compared to day 1
- Linework that feels slightly raised
- The odd late flake
Care for this stage
- Switch to a plain unscented lotion
- Keep it out of direct sun
- Ease back into the gym. Do not judge the tattoo or book a touch-up yet
Go deeper: Tattoo healing stages