Remove the initial bandage received after tattooing and allow your tattoo a healthy exposure to oxygen. Once removed, never again wrap a bandage over your tattoo while it heals.
Shovel warm water onto the area with your hands and lightly dab antibacterial soap all over the tattoo. Do not rub the soap into your skin.
Wash the soap off with more warm water and gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. It is best to simply let the area air dry, but sometimes that can take too long. Under no circumstances should you scrub the area with a towel, even when it is peeling and itchy. Assisting the peeling process in any way can lead to the loss of ink or fading of colors.
Smear a thin layer of protective ointment over the tattoo once it is completely dry. A small amount of ointment goes a long way and lathering too much can be just as detrimental as not enough.
Repeat the process of cleaning your tattoo at least three times a day for two weeks and continue spreading ointment after each cleaning for the first three days only. After three days switch to nonscented hand lotion. Scented lotion contains alcohol and can damage or fade the ink.
Apply a generous amount of sunblock, not sunscreen, to the tattooed area.
Rub the sunblock into your skin until it becomes fully immersed. If you can still see the white of the lotion, then it is not rubbed in all the way.
Reapply lotion as often as possible and avoid direct sunlight on the area for long periods of time if you can help it.