The first step after getting a new tattoo is to remove the bandage after 1 hour. Do not leave bandage on overnight, or for any extended period of time for any reason.
The tattoo must be thoroughly washed immediately after removing the bandage. Using a mild, liquid, fragrance free, anti-bacterial soap (ex: Dial Antibacterial Soap), gently scrub the tattoo with your fingertips only. Do not use a wash cloth or any other type of abrasive material to wash your new tattoo. Wash the tattoo until all traces of ointment and blood are completely gone. If the tattoo feels rough, it needs to be more thoroughly cleaned.
DO NOT RE-BANDAGE, OR APPLY OINTMENT TO YOUR TATTOO. LEAVE UNCOVERED OVERNIGHT.
For the first 4 days following application of your new tattoo, wash thoroughly 3-4 times daily with liquid antibacterial soap. If for any reason your tattoo feels rough, wash it again.
Apply Neosporin CREAM, Antibiotic CREAM, 3-4 times daily. DO NOT apply any kind of GELS, OINTMENTS, OR ANYTHING WITH A PETROLEUM JELLY BASE to your tattoo. Any product containing petroleum jelly can harbor bacteria or cause an allergic reaction in the tattoo which can seriously inhibit the healing process.
After the first four days, or when the tattoo begins to peel or slightly scab and itch, begin using a non-fragrance, dye-free moisturizing lotion to your tattoo 3-4 times daily or as needed. DO NOT SCRATCH OR PICK AT YOUR SCABS, OR PEEL AWAY ANY FLAKES. If it itches, apply a small amount more of lotion or pat the tattoo to cool the itch.
Once the flaky stage is done, the tattoo will appear to have a white haze over it, which can temporarily make colors look lighter or scar-like. This stage will pass within 1 week on most individuals. Continue using a non-fragrance lotion until this stage passes.
For the first 3 weeks, DO NOT shave over the tattoo, submerge in water for over 15 minutes, or tan. Keep the new tattoo out of the sun, chlorine water, and salt water for the first 3 weeks. After the first 3 weeks, sunlight and tanning is permitted with the use of a 35 SPF sunscreen or higher over the tattoo. Swimming is also fine after the first 3 weeks. If you want to keep your tattoo bright and clear, protect it from the sun. The sun is your tattoo's biggest enemy-always wear sunscreen to prevent fading!
