Definition
What is a tattoo scab?
A scab is the thin crust of dried plasma and ink that forms over a healing tattoo, usually starting in the second week. It's a normal part of healing.
Never pick or scratch scabs — it pulls out ink and creates patches that will need touching up. Let them fall off naturally under the shower.
Examples
- Thin flaky scabs appearing around day 7
- Scabs falling off naturally in the shower
- Ink 'ghosting' as scabs detach — normal and temporary