1. Listen to Your Tattoo Artist

If you had a good tattoo artist, he or she will give you detailed advice on how to take care for your new tattoo – you should listen well, and follow their instructions. Different artists will give different advice, but don’t worry, if they are reputable and have been in business for years, they know what they’re talking about and what’s best you.

2. Leave the Bandage on for 2 to 24 Hours

After inking is complete, the artist will clean the area, and apply an anti-bacterial lotion. He or she will put a bandage or any other cover on the tattoo. After leaving the studio, don’t open the bandage to show off to your friends or due to temptation. The bandage will protect the tattoo from bacteria in the air which can enter into the skin. It should remain on for at least two hours.

3. Open the Bandage with Care

Although the exact time to keep the bandage on can’t be told, most artists suggest keeping the bandage on for at least two hours, while the suggested maximum time varies from four to 24 hours. Tattoos which are covered in a plastic wrap must be uncovered after two hours. In fact, the necessary time to keep the bandage on will differ according to the size of the tattoo, as well as on the body part, which was inked. It also depends upon the level of seepage of the tattoo and the type of bandage kept on the tattoo. Mostly, it is better to follow the instructions of your tattoo artist, but also use your own common sense and judgment.

4. Wash the Tattoo Gently

Most artists suggest using lukewarm water and unscented liquid or antimicrobial soap to wash the tattoo. The tattoo should be washed by hands –wash out all the blood, plasma and ink. This will prevent the scabbing. Wash cloth or any other type of sponge shouldn’t be used to wash the tattoo as they can infect the wound with bacteria.

5. The Tattoo Must be Air Dried

After washing the tattoo thoroughly, gently apply the paper towel to dry it, but don’t rub it because it would cause itching. When the moisture is dried up, leave it without any cover for from 20 minutes to one hour. The moisture in the tattoo will dry through evaporation.

6. Use any Lotion or Ointment

After drying the tattoo, your skin will begin to tighten and then use any lotion or ointment like A&D or Bacitracin. Apply a very thin layer and rub it carefully to absorb it into the skin. Don’t apply too much ointment as this will cause the tattoo to suffocate and will make the bacteria grow.

7. Wash Your Tattoo 3 to 5 Times a Day

Continue washing the tattoo with anti-bacterial soap and lukewarm water up to its healing. The healing process may take three to six weeks according to the size and the body part on which the tattoo is located. The tattoo should be washed at least three times in a day though this number can increase if the tattoo is on hand, foot or any other part of the body, that is more open to germs.