Wipe down the entire tattooed area with an alcohol solution immediately after finishing the tattoo. This disinfects the area and staves off initial infection.
Wrap the tattoo with a bandage pad and tape, but leave it on for no more than two hours.
Remove the bandage once you get home and never re-bandage the area. Allowing your tattoo to breathe is crucial for the healing process.
Wash the fresh tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap. Do not rub the fresh tattoo at any point, instead, shovel water onto the area with your hand and dab the soap.
Dry the tattoo with a clean towel or allow it to air dry. Again, do not rub the tattoo, but instead pat the area down with your towel.
Spread a thin layer of protective ointment over the tattoo after each cleaning for the first two to three days, after which you should start using regular non-scented body lotion.