You've just walked out of the studio with fresh ink, and it looks absolutely stunning. Now comes the part that's entirely in your hands – the healing process. If you're feeling a little nervous about getting aftercare right, take a breath. Looking after your new tattoo is genuinely straightforward, and we're going to walk you through every step.

Proper aftercare isn't just about avoiding problems – it's about giving your tattoo the best possible chance to heal beautifully and stay vibrant for years to come. Think of these first few weeks as protecting your investment in a piece of art you'll carry with you forever.

This guide covers everything you need to know, from what's happening beneath the surface of your skin to exactly what you should (and shouldn't) do at each stage. And if anything comes up that we haven't covered here, you can always reach out to us directly – just hit the "Chat Now" button in the menu and we'll help you out.

Let's start with what's actually going on as your tattoo heals.

What to Expect: The Healing Timeline

Understanding what's normal at each stage makes the whole process far less stressful. Your tattoo will change quite a bit over the coming weeks – some of it might look a little alarming if you're not expecting it, but most of what you'll see is your body doing exactly what it should.

Days 1-3: The Fresh Wound Stage

Let's be honest – your new tattoo is essentially an open wound. Your skin has been through a lot, and it's going to respond accordingly.

During these first few days, you can expect:

  • Redness and warmth around the tattooed area
  • Some tenderness or sensitivity to touch
  • Minor swelling, particularly on fleshier areas
  • A bit of oozing – this is plasma mixed with excess ink, and it's completely normal

Your body is already hard at work. It's sending blood to the area, beginning the repair process, and forming that initial protective layer. The tattoo might look slightly dull compared to how it appeared in the studio – don't worry, you haven't done anything wrong. This is just part of the process.

Days 4-14: The Peeling and Itching Phase

This is the stage that catches most first-timers off guard. Your tattoo is going to peel, and it's going to itch. Both of these things are actually good signs – they mean healing is progressing exactly as it should.

The peeling often looks like sunburn – thin, flaky skin coming away, sometimes with what looks like coloured flakes. This isn't your ink falling out; it's just the top layer of damaged skin shedding while the ink remains secure in the dermis below.

As for the itching – we won't sugarcoat it, this part can be maddening. But resist the urge to scratch. We'll cover some relief strategies shortly, but know that this phase passes, usually within a week or so.

Weeks 3-4: The Settling Period

The surface of your tattoo might look fully healed by now – no more peeling, no more tenderness. But the deeper layers of skin are still repairing themselves.

During this stage, your tattoo may look slightly cloudy or dull. Some people panic at this point, thinking something's gone wrong. It hasn't. There's a layer of new skin over your tattoo that hasn't fully settled yet. The vibrancy will return.

Full Healing: The Longer Picture

While the surface heals within a month or so, complete healing of all skin layers takes around two to three months. During this time, the ink fully settles, colours reach their true brightness, and lines show their final crispness. This is when you'll really see the finished result of your tattoo – and your patience with aftercare.