- Do not leave bandage on for more than four hours. When removing bandage, remove gently and slowly. If it feels like it's sticking to the tattoo, run some warm water water over it and pull it off slowly.
- Wash your hands before touching the tattooed area. Run some warm water over the tattoo and work up a lather of soap in your hands.
- Use only antibacterial soaps. Body wash or dish soap is not acceptable.
- Wash 2-4 times a day until healed. Morning and night are most important. For the first two or three days, make sure you are using pressure with you hands when you wash it, you want to make sure you get all of the crusty blood and plasma off of it. Once it starts scabbing or peeling after a few days, wash a little more gently as you don't want the scabs or skin flakes coming off before they're ready.
- Do not apply ointment for the first 24 hours of your new tattoo, just wash it for the first day.
- Apply ointment or lotion 2-4 times a day as needed. It needs to be moist so that it doesn't crack, but you want to make sure you don't over apply the ointment, as too much moisture can smother the wound and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
- If you use lotion, make sure to use only fragrance-free lotions. If you use an ointment such as Tattoo Goo® or Aquaphor®, make sure to use a very thin layer, as it's easy to over apply and clog the pores. If you notice a rash developing from any lotion or ointment, discontinue use and switch to a different product. Try to stay away from any ointments with petroleum or beeswax. Do not use Neosporin® as it will draw out the color.
- If your tattoo develops an infection, please see a doctor as soon as you notice it.
- If you think your tattoo might rub on clothing or stick to clothing or bed sheets, it might be a good idea to wrap it with a nonstick bandage. If you do, be sure to change the bandage and wash the tattoo every 4-6 hours or when you wake up in the morning.
- Do not let your tattoo soak in water until it's all healed, as it will soften the scabs and pull out the color. Showers are fine, just don't let the shower head beat down on the tattoo. Stay away from baths, swimming pools, lakes, hot tubs, etc. until the tattoo is healed.
- Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight as much as possible while it is healing. No sun tanning and no tanning beds. If you're going to out in the sun for a while, it would be good to cover the tattoo.
- Do not pick or scratch at the scabs or skin flakes. Just let them fall off when they are ready. If the tattoo is itchy, you can try lightly patting it or applying some ointment, that sometimes helps.
- To keep your tattoo looking good over the years once it's healed, it's helpful to keep the skin moisturized and always put sun screen on when tanning or out in the sun.