Your new tattoo will take between 2-4 weeks to fully heal; every tattoo is different! Fineline tattoos with minimal shading can take 1-2 weeks while larger, more colorful tattoos can take the full 4 weeks. The first few days your tattoo will be irritated, swollen, and/or warm to the touch. This is normal. By the 4th or 5th day, your tattoo will begin to flake and peel. Do not pick or scratch at it. Once the flaking is done, the skin will be shiny for a few more weeks until it settles.