The Healing Timeline: What to Expect After Getting Tattooed

From fresh ink to fully healed, here’s what your skin goes through (and how to care for it).

Getting a new tattoo is exciting but healing is just as important as the tattoo itself. Whether it’s your first session or your fifth, knowing what to expect can make all the difference in how your tattoo looks long-term.

At 808 Studios, we make aftercare a priority so your piece heals clean and stays looking sharp. Here's a breakdown of what your tattoo goes through during the healing process, week by week.

Week 1: The Fresh Phase (Days 1–7)

Your tattoo is technically a wound, and your body starts repairing it right away.

What to expect:

• Redness, warmth, and slight swelling are totally normal

• Oozing clear plasma or a bit of ink (especially within the first 24–48 hours)

• Your tattoo may feel sore, like a mild sunburn

• The surface will start to scab slightly by the end of the week

What to do:

• Keep your tattoo clean using unscented soap and lukewarm water

• Apply a thin layer of healing balm (we’ll give you our recommended product)

• Avoid soaking, sweating heavily, or exposing it to the sun

• Hands off! no scratching or picking!

Week 2: The Itchy Phase (Days 8–14)

This is the part where it starts to peel and it might drive you a little crazy.

What to expect:

• Itchiness and flaking as your top layer of skin regenerates

• Light scabbing may begin to fall off on its own

• The tattoo may look dull or slightly “frosty” during this phase, that’s normal

What to do:

• Keep moisturizing (don’t let it dry out)

• No scratching or scrubbing, no matter how tempting

• Continue avoiding pools, hot tubs, and sun exposure

Week 3–4: The Settling Phase

Your skin is doing its deeper healing now.

What to expect:

• The outer layer of skin is mostly healed

• Deeper layers are still repairing, so the tattoo may still look slightly hazy or dry

• Colour and contrast will begin to sharpen up again

What to do:

• Moisturize daily with fragrance-free lotion

• You can return to most normal routines, but still avoid harsh sun exposure

• Wear SPF if your tattoo will be in the sun

Week 5+: Fully Healed (But Keep Caring for It)

By this point, your tattoo should be fully healed, but that doesn’t mean the care stops.

What to expect:

• Final colour and detail should be visible

• Your skin is no longer sensitive or flaky

• You’re ready to show it off

What to do long-term:

• Use SPF daily on exposed tattoos to prevent fading

• Stay moisturized to keep your skin (and ink) looking fresh

• Book touch-ups if needed, especially for large or detailed pieces

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Need Aftercare Help?

Every tattoo (and every body) heals a little differently. If you ever have questions, reach out to your artist directly, we’ve got you.

👉 Ready for your next piece?

Book your next session with one of our artists.