Features How It Works Healing Guide FAQ Download Free
AI-Powered Tattoo Care

Is that normal?
Know in seconds.

Snap a photo. Get instant peace of mind about your tattoo's healing. Know what's normal. Catch problems early.

Download for iOS

Free to download • No account required

Tattoo being analyzed
Analyzing tattoo...
Scan
Detect
Assess
Scroll to explore
<30s AI Analysis Time
Free To Download & Try
No Account Required to Start
Features

Everything you need for peace of mind

Ink Check combines AI technology with tattoo healing expertise to guide you through every stage of your healing journey.

Spot Problems Early

AI-powered analysis catches warning signs before they become serious issues. Get actionable guidance when something looks off.

Know What's Normal

Stop doom-scrolling forums wondering if your tattoo looks right. Get clear, instant answers about redness, peeling, and itching.

Track Your Progress

Document your healing journey with a visual timeline. Compare day-by-day changes and see how far you've come.

Smart Reminders

The first 2 weeks are critical. Get gentle daily reminders to check in on your tattoo during the healing window.

How It Works

Three simple steps to peace of mind

1

Snap a Photo

Take a clear photo of your tattoo using your iPhone camera. Works in any lighting condition.

2

Get AI Analysis

Our AI analyzes your tattoo in seconds, identifying your healing stage and any areas of concern.

3

Take Action

Get clear guidance on what to do next, what to watch for, and when to seek professional help.

Healing Guide

Tattoo healing stages, day by day

Most tattoos surface-heal in 2–3 weeks, with the deeper layers of skin continuing to heal for 2–6 months. Here's what's normal at each stage.

Days 1–3

Open wound

Oozing of plasma, blood, and excess ink is normal. Expect mild swelling and redness immediately around the tattoo. Wash gently with fragrance-free soap two to three times a day and apply a thin layer of healing ointment.

Days 4–6

Scabbing & tightness

Light scabs form as the top layer begins to seal. Skin feels tight and starts to itch. Switch from ointment to a fragrance-free, dye-free moisturizer. Do not pick at scabs — they should fall away on their own.

Days 7–14

Peeling & itching

The outer layer flakes off like a sunburn, often taking dry ink with it — this is normal and the color underneath is intact. Itching peaks this week. Tap, never scratch. Keep the area moisturized.

Days 15–30

Surface healed

The tattoo looks healed but may appear cloudy or slightly faded. A thin layer of dead skin still sits over the ink. This will shed naturally and the colors will brighten over the next few weeks.

Months 1–6

Deep healing

The deeper dermal layers complete healing. The tattoo reaches its final color and clarity. Continue sunscreen (SPF 30+) on the tattoo to prevent fading.

Not sure where you are?

Open Ink Check, snap a photo, and the AI tells you which stage you're in and whether anything looks off — in under 30 seconds.

Download Ink Check →
Normal vs Concerning

Is my tattoo infected?

Most "is this normal?" panic moments are normal healing. Here's how to tell the difference. If concerning signs appear, see a healthcare professional — Ink Check is educational and is not a medical device.

Usually normal

  • Mild redness around the tattoo for the first 3–5 days
  • Clear or yellowish plasma weeping in the first 48–72 hours
  • Light scabbing that comes off on its own
  • Itching, especially during week two
  • Peeling that resembles a sunburn
  • A dull or cloudy look in weeks three to four
  • Slight bruising near the tattoo, especially on ribs, feet, or inner arm

See a professional

  • Redness that spreads beyond the tattoo outline after day three
  • Pain or warmth that increases after the first 48 hours instead of decreasing
  • Yellow or green pus, or thick foul-smelling discharge
  • Fever, chills, or feeling unwell
  • Red streaks moving away from the tattoo
  • Swelling that worsens after 48 hours
  • Severe blistering or a rash spreading well past the tattoo (possible allergic reaction)
Reviews

Loved by tattoo enthusiasts

"Finally stopped panicking every time my tattoo looked slightly different. This app gave me actual peace of mind during healing."

Sarah M. - First Tattoo

"Got 15 tattoos and wish I had this app for all of them. The timeline feature is amazing for tracking progress."

Jake R. - Tattoo Collector

"The app flagged some redness that turned out to need attention. Caught it early thanks to Ink Check. Worth every penny."

Maria L. - Sleeve in Progress
FAQ

Common questions

How does Ink Check work?

Simply snap a photo of your tattoo and our AI analyzes it instantly. You'll get feedback on whether your healing looks normal, what phase you're in, what to watch for, and actionable next steps. The entire process takes less than 30 seconds.

What are the stages of tattoo healing?

Tattoo healing happens in four overlapping stages. Days 1–3 is the open-wound phase — oozing of plasma, ink, and a little blood is normal, with mild swelling and redness. Days 4–6 brings scabbing and tightness as the skin forms a protective layer. Days 7–14 is heavy peeling and itching as the outer layer flakes off — do not pick or scratch. From day 15 through month 6, the surface looks healed while the deeper dermal layers continue to heal and the colors brighten back up.

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

A tattoo's surface typically heals in 2–3 weeks, but the deeper layers of skin take 2–6 months to fully heal. Larger tattoos, tattoos on high-friction areas like feet, hands, or elbows, and tattoos on people with slower wound healing may take longer.

How do I know if my tattoo is infected?

Warning signs include redness spreading beyond the tattoo outline after day three, pain or warmth that increases after the first 48 hours, yellow or green pus, fever or chills, red streaks moving away from the tattoo, and swelling that worsens after 48 hours. Mild redness, light scabbing, itching, and peeling during the first two weeks are usually normal. If you suspect an infection, see a healthcare professional — Ink Check is educational and is not a medical device.

Is peeling and itching normal during tattoo healing?

Yes. Peeling and itching are normal between days 7–14. Your skin sheds the damaged outer layer the way it does after a sunburn. Do not pick, scratch, or peel — that can pull ink out and leave patchy spots. Keep the area moisturized with a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion and tap rather than scratch when it itches.

Is Ink Check a replacement for medical advice?

No. Ink Check provides educational information about tattoo healing but is not a medical device. It's designed to help you understand normal healing and know when to seek professional help. Always consult a healthcare professional or your tattoo artist if you have concerns about infection or your health.

Can Ink Check diagnose a tattoo infection?

No. Ink Check can identify visual warning signs of a possible infection — such as spreading redness, unusual discharge, or atypical healing — and tell you that medical attention may be warranted. It cannot diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. For a diagnosis, see a healthcare professional.

Is Ink Check free to use?

Yes! Ink Check is free to download with limited checks. Ink Check Pro offers unlimited AI analysis, full healing timeline, detailed insights, and smart reminders. Pro comes with a free trial so you can experience all features risk-free.

What happens to my tattoo photos?

Your privacy is our priority. Photos are stored locally on your device, not on our servers. When analyzed, images are processed by our AI service in real-time and are not stored after processing. No account is required, and we don't collect personal information.

What platforms is Ink Check available on?

Ink Check is currently available on iOS (iPhone) and can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store. Android support is coming soon - stay tuned!

References

Backed by public health sources

Healing-stage descriptions, aftercare guidance, and infection warning signs in Ink Check are based on guidance from these public health and dermatology authorities.

Ready for peace of mind?

Download Ink Check free and never wonder about your tattoo's healing again.

Download on the App Store

Free to download • No account required • iOS only