You just got a new tattoo, but instead of enjoying it, you’re in pain and the tattoo is sore and swollen. It all seems like a mess, especially when you remove the bandage, and the tattoo is just bloody, tender, and red. Well, that is nothing to be concerned about. Your new tattoo behaves like a fresh wound, which needs time to heal.

But, you cannot help but wonder; when will my tattoo stop being sore? In the following paragraph we’ll take a look at tattoos, why are they sore and when will they stop being sore and start to finally heal. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Tattoo Soreness: 7 Things You Should Know

1. Why Is My Tattoo Sore?

As we mentioned earlier, tattoo soreness, tenderness, and swelling is a completely normal reaction of your skin to the process of being tattooed. Your skin was continuously ‘stabbed’ and penetrated by a tattoo needle, which causes skin irritation, the irritation of nerve endings, and overall discomfort and pain as a result. Not to mention, the skin needs to be stretched when being tattooed, which also contributes to soreness and pain afterward.

So, now that we know what your skin goes through, it is not so weird that it is sore, isn’t it? The skin simply needs to have its moment to properly react to all the ‘torture’ it just endured, and it does so by being sore, swollen, red, tender, and painful.

2. How Long Will The Tattoo Be Sore?

As your new tattoo behaves like a fresh, open wound, it will take some time to start closing and healing. The first 3 days are crucial because the tattoo is getting rid of all the excess blood and plasma. The skin is starting to dry out and form a new layer of skin to protect the tattoo.

At this point, your aftercare routine needs to step in. You need to wash your tattoo, leave it uncovered to breathe and dry out, and after few days, you need to start moisturizing it.