5 Jaw-Dropping Facts About Cardi B's Massive Peacock Tattoo Makeover That Took 60 Hours

Cardi B's massive, vibrant peacock tattoo is arguably her most iconic piece of body art, a sprawling masterpiece that covers her right thigh, hip, and a portion of her back. As of today, December 11, 2025, the conversation around this tattoo remains fresh, not just for its size and intricate detail, but because the rapper famously put herself through a grueling, multi-session process to give the decade-old ink a complete, breathtaking makeover.

The revamp transformed the original design into a hyper-detailed, colorful spectacle, solidifying its place as one of the most recognizable celebrity tattoos in modern pop culture. This deep dive explores the history of the original piece, the shocking details of the painful, week-long update, and the symbolic meaning behind the magnificent creature that adorns the Grammy-winning artist.

Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar: A Brief Biographical Profile

Before she became the global superstar known as Cardi B, she was Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar. Her journey from the Bronx to the top of the music charts is a testament to her unique personality and relentless drive.

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• Full Name: Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar (formerly Cephus)
• Date of Birth: October 11, 1992
• Birthplace: The Bronx, New York City, New York
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity/Heritage: Trinidadian (mother) and Dominican (father)
• Sister: Hennessy Carolina
• Spouse: Offset (of the group Migos)
• Career Start: Gained prominence on the VH1 reality television series Love & Hip Hop: New York.
• Notable Achievements: First female rapper to have multiple diamond-certified songs; Grammy Award winner.

The History and Meaning of the Original Peacock Tattoo

The peacock tattoo is not a recent addition to Cardi B's extensive collection of body art; it is a foundational piece that predates her mainstream fame. She originally got the large-scale design inked approximately 10 years ago, making it one of her oldest and most significant tattoos.

A Symbol of Immortality, Power, and Pride

The choice of a peacock is highly symbolic, a theme that resonates deeply with Cardi B's public persona. In many cultures, the peacock is revered for its beauty and is a traditional symbol of immortality, power, and glory. Its "eyes" on the tail feathers are often associated with the all-seeing power of the divine or protection from evil. For Cardi B, the tattoo embodies a fierce sense of self-confidence and pride, traits she has become famous for. The bird's bold, iridescent colors match the rapper's vibrant, unapologetic style.

Location and Initial Design

The original tattoo was a substantial piece, beginning on her right hip and extending down her thigh. It featured the majestic bird with its tail feathers cascading down her leg, interspersed with some floral elements. Over the years, however, the original colors had faded and the lines had softened, prompting the star to seek a major overhaul to restore its vibrancy and detail. This decision to invest in a full-scale restoration shows the enduring importance of the design to her personal story.

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The Grueling, Week-Long Tattoo Makeover

In a testament to her commitment to her body art, Cardi B underwent an intensive, painful process to revamp the entire 10-year-old peacock tattoo. The artist responsible for this massive undertaking was Jamie Schene, a renowned California-based tattoo artist known for his vibrant, hyper-realistic color work.

1. The Painful Process Took Over 60 Hours

Cardi B was incredibly transparent with her fans about the agony of the process. She revealed that the entire makeover took "hours of pain" and was completed over several sessions, spanning nearly a week. The total time spent under the needle for the touch-up and expansion is estimated to be over 60 hours. This commitment highlights the dedication required for large-scale body art, especially when working over old ink.

2. Adding a New Layer of Hyper-Realistic Detail

Jamie Schene's work was a complete transformation, not just a simple color fill. He meticulously went over every section of the original peacock, deepening the colors and adding an incredible level of detail to the feathers, which now appear more lifelike and iridescent. The revamp essentially turned the tattoo from a beautiful piece of ink into a stunning piece of fine art.

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3. New Elements: The Butterfly and Colorful Florals

The revamp introduced several significant new elements that expanded the tattoo's scope. Schene incorporated a beautiful butterfly into the design, a symbol often associated with transformation, change, and rebirth—a fitting motif for an artist who has constantly reinvented herself. Additionally, he added more intricate and colorful floral elements, which seamlessly blend the peacock with the new, large-scale floral tattoo Schene had recently completed on Cardi B's back. This created a cohesive, flowing narrative across the entire right side of her body.

4. Connecting the Peacock to the Back Floral Tattoo

One of the most crucial aspects of the makeover was integrating the peacock tattoo with the massive floral and butterfly piece that covers her entire back. By extending the peacock's feathers and adding matching florals, Jamie Schene successfully created one continuous body suit of art. This connection demonstrates a high level of planning and artistic vision, making her body art collection feel unified rather than disparate pieces.

5. A Public Unveiling and Unfiltered Photo

Following the completion of the grueling sessions, Cardi B proudly unveiled the updated tattoo to her millions of followers on social media, sharing an unfiltered photo of the final result. She captioned the reveal by expressing her satisfaction, noting that after ten years, she was thrilled to finally give her iconic ink the vibrant, refreshed look it deserved. The public reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with fans and critics alike praising the stunning level of detail and color saturation.

Cardi B's Extensive Tattoo Collection and Topical Authority

While the peacock is her most prominent piece, Cardi B's body is a canvas reflecting her life, loves, and loyalties. Her full collection of tattoos provides rich topical authority for understanding her personal narrative:

• Hennessy: Located on her left bicep, this is a tribute to her younger sister, Hennessy Carolina. The name is surrounded by three roses.
• Offset: The name of her husband, Offset, is tattooed on her left thigh, a clear expression of her commitment to their relationship.
• Tommy G: An older tattoo on her left wrist, in red ink, dedicated to an on-again, off-again boyfriend from her past.
• "Loyalty Over Royalty": This phrase is inked on her right forearm, reflecting a core value she holds dear.
• "Samuel": Scrawled in elaborate cursive on the nape of her neck, the meaning of this name remains one of her more mysterious pieces of ink.
• I Love You Hand Symbol: Located behind her right ear, this tattoo features the American Sign Language gesture for "I Love You" alongside a small star.

The decision to refresh the peacock tattoo after a decade speaks volumes about its significance. It is not just a piece of art; it is a permanent fixture of the Cardi B brand, representing her journey from a fledgling artist to a global superstar. The work by Jamie Schene has ensured that this foundational piece of body art will remain a vibrant, compelling part of her image for years to come, continuing to inspire awe and discussion across the entertainment industry and the world of tattoo artistry.