After Lip Tattoo: Peeling and Color Retention Process

After completing the lip tattooing procedure, the lips will begin the peeling process around day 3-4. The duration of the peeling process varies from person to person, but generally, it takes about 3-7 days for the lips to fully peel. During this time, the initial tattoo color and skin will gradually shed, and new skin will form without pain or bleeding. This is a natural healing process where the skin regenerates, and the lips will start to look clearer.

During the peeling process, the color of the lips will fade from the initial dark red tone to a softer shade. Once the peeling is complete, the remaining color will be slightly lighter than the initial color but will give a natural, soft pinkish hue that isn’t too intense. However, the peeling duration depends on several factors, such as the original lip skin condition and aftercare practices.

Percentage of Color Retention After First Lip Tattoo

Once the lips have fully peeled, the color remaining on the lips will be about 20-30% of the initial color. The amount and intensity of the color retained depends on several factors:

• Color Intensity: Darker colors tend to last longer and appear more vibrant than lighter shades.
• Amount of Ink Used: If the artist applied more ink, the lips will retain more color.
• Natural Lip Color and Thickness: Lips with darker or thicker natural color may retain less ink compared to lighter, thinner lips.
• Technique and Expertise of the Artist: An experienced artist will ensure better ink retention and longer-lasting results.
• Quality of Ink and Tools Used: High-quality ink and standard tools contribute to better results and longer-lasting color.

Color Retention After Second Lip Tattoo

After the second lip tattoo session, once the lips have fully healed from the first session, the color on the lips will be about 70% of the intended shade. Over the next 60-90 days, the color will gradually settle into the skin, and the result will appear as a soft, natural red. The final, fully developed color will be visible after about 180 days.

Aftercare for Natural Ombre Lip Tattoo

After undergoing natural pink lip tattooing, your lips may appear darker than the color you initially selected, which is normal. There may also be slight swelling in the first 1-2 hours. Some people may not experience swelling at all, while others may notice swelling for several days, depending on their skin type. During this period, applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and any discomfort.

Peeling and Aftercare Process

• Days 3-4 After Tattooing: Your lips will begin to peel slightly, similar to when your lips are dry or cracked due to dehydration. It’s crucial not to pick, scratch, or peel the skin, as this could lead to infection or cause uneven color retention.
• One Week After Tattooing: By this time, most of the peeling will be complete, and the remaining color may appear lighter. Your lips will likely look clear with a hint of pink, or the color may be barely visible. However, this is the phase where the color will gradually begin to appear, and it may take up to 8 weeks for the color to fully develop and emerge on the skin.

During this time, the tattoo artist will usually schedule a touch-up appointment 4-6 weeks after the initial session. The touch-up is important because the initial color may not have fully adhered, or there may be uneven spots.

Factors Affecting Color Retention

The lips are an area that constantly comes into contact with water—whether from drinking, eating, or brushing teeth. As a result, the ink may fade more easily than in other areas of the body, such as the eyebrows. Additionally, swelling or bleeding during the procedure can affect the ink’s retention.

Prohibited Actions After Lip Tattoo

After completing the lip tattooing procedure, there are several things you should avoid in order to maintain the color and beauty of your tattooed lips for as long as possible. These precautions should be followed during the first 1-2 weeks, a time when the lips are healing and the color needs time to fully set.

• Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Drinking alcohol or smoking can cause the lips to dry out and the color to fade faster. Alcohol also increases dehydration in the body, which can slow down the healing process.
• Avoid Spicy or Hot Foods: Spicy or hot foods can irritate the lips and cause the color to fade more quickly.
• Avoid Using Lipstick or Matte Lip Products: Use only the lip balm recommended by your artist to ensure the color stays longer and the lips heal properly.
• Avoid Picking, Scratching, or Scraping the Lips: Doing so can cause wounds on the lips and prevent the color from adhering as desired.
• Avoid Swimming or Hot Water Baths: Contact with excessive water can cause the color to fade faster.

Post-Tattoo Lip Care

In addition to the prohibitions mentioned above, it’s important to follow these aftercare steps to ensure the best results and long-lasting color:

• Drink Plenty of Water: Keep your lips hydrated and help speed up the healing process.
• Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure: Sunlight can cause the color to fade, so it’s best to avoid prolonged sun exposure.
• Use Lip Balm with Sunscreen: Protect your lips from UV rays to prevent fading of the lip color.

Lip tattooing requires time for recovery and proper aftercare to ensure beautiful and lasting results.