Tips & what to expect after getting a tattoo and/or ending a long-term relationship

• Take it easy. This is just like an open wound and should be treated as such.

• Once the initial covering comes off, you’ll probably notice oozing fluids. This is normal at first, and should improve significantly with each passing day.

• Leave it uncovered so you can heal. This will feel tender and vulnerable, but is a necessary part of the recovery process.

• (Let it) breathe.

• Your skin may feel slightly warm to the touch.

• How quickly you recover often depends on size and level of intricacy— bigger, more complex tattoos cause more trauma to the skin.

• Take cool showers.

• It’s not uncommon to feel regret afterwards. You’re used to seeing yourself a certain way and now, all of a sudden, things are different. To help you come to terms with any immediate anxiety or regret you may experience, permit yourself to wait it out.

• Limit your alcohol consumption.

• You may feel under the weather for the first few days. The stress that you’ve put your body through can affect your immune system and increase your chances of getting sick.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Scabbing or hard layers may develop. Avoid scratching, rubbing, and picking at them. Doing these things will only cause more injury and prolong the recovery period.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing.

• Healing can be slow and requires patience. By the second or third week, the outer layers of skin should have healed. It may take 3-4 months for the lower layers to completely heal.

• If you think you aren’t healing properly, seek the help of a medical professional.

💔 🕊 ❤️‍🩹

My first tattoo, care of Shawnee Miller at Woodstock Tattoo Studio.