The Healing Timeline: What to Expect After Getting Tattooed

From Fresh Ink to Fully Healed: Understanding Your Tattoo's Healing Journey

Getting a new tattoo is thrilling. However, healing is just as crucial as the tattoo itself. Whether it’s your first session or your fifth, knowing what to expect can significantly impact how your tattoo looks long-term.

At 808 Studios, we prioritize aftercare to ensure your tattoo heals cleanly and remains vibrant. Here's a detailed 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 completely normal.

• Oozing clear plasma or a bit of ink may occur, especially within the first 24–48 hours.

• Your tattoo may feel sore, similar to a mild sunburn.

• By the end of the week, the surface will start to scab slightly.

  
  

What to Do:

• Keep your tattoo clean using unscented soap and lukewarm water.

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

• Avoid soaking, heavy sweating, or sun exposure.

• Hands off! No scratching or picking!

  
  

Week 2: The Itchy Phase (Days 8–14)

This is the phase 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 appear 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 undergoing 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 covered.

👉 Ready for Your Next Piece?

Book your next session with one of our artists.

Understanding Tattoo Aftercare

Tattoo aftercare is an essential part of the tattoo experience. It ensures that your artwork remains vibrant and well-defined for years to come. The healing process can vary from person to person, but following the guidelines above will help you achieve the best results.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Artist

Selecting the right artist is crucial for your tattoo journey. A skilled artist not only creates stunning designs but also provides valuable aftercare advice. At 808 Studios, our artists are dedicated to ensuring your tattoo experience is exceptional from start to finish.

Final Thoughts on Tattoo Care

In conclusion, the journey from fresh ink to fully healed skin is a process that requires patience and care. By understanding the stages of healing and following the aftercare tips provided, you can ensure your tattoo remains a beautiful expression of art on your skin. Remember, your tattoo is a reflection of your individuality, and taking care of it is part of celebrating that uniqueness.