How to Care & Feeding of Your New Tattoo

Step 1

Keep the bandage on the tattoo for at least two hours after the work is complete (or longer, depending on the tattoo artist's instructions).
Step 2

Remove the bandage very carefully and throw it away. This allows your skin to breathe and begin the healing process. Do not rebandage the tattoo.
Step 3

Put a drop of mild antibiotic soap on your hand and lightly wash the tattoo. Gently pat it dry with a washcloth (not a paper towel) taking care not to rub it.
Step 4

Dab an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) on the cleaned area.

DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo

DO NOT use Vaseline or petroleum jelly

DO NOT use alcohol or peroxide

DO NOT pick or scratch tattoo

DO NOT soak tattoo in tub or shower

get in, get clean, get out!

Stay out of pools, hot tubs, oceans, etc. for two weeksKeep tattoo out of direct sunlight and/or tanning beds

You may, instead, prefer to use a good fragrance free lotion such as Lubriderm, Jergens or Eucerin. Apply a THIN layer and work in well 5 to 6 times a day for the entire healing process. DO NOT over lubricate your tattoo; however, don't let it dry out, either. Should any seepage occur, gently dab off excess with a clean paper towel.