Drying and itch · Days 4–7
Day 6: itch building, flakes appearing
Itching around day 6 is one of the most common signs a tattoo is healing on schedule. On its own, without worsening redness, heat or discharge, it is not an infection sign. Light flaking may be starting at the edges or over linework.
What to do today
- Pat or tap instead of scratching
- Let any loose flakes fall off on their own
- Still no baths, pools or hot tubs
Normal in the drying and itch stage
The surface dries and tightens. Itching starts, light flaking may begin and the colors look a bit faded. This is the top layer of skin, not your ink.
- Tight, slightly stiff skin
- Itching that ranges from mild to maddening
- Light flaking starting, sometimes earlier on small tattoos
- Colors looking duller than on day 1
Care for this stage
- Keep washing and keep the balm layer thin
- Pat or tap when it itches. Do not scratch
- No swimming, baths or soaking
Go deeper: Is tattoo peeling normal?