Wash a fresh tattoo at least three times a day for the first two weeks with warm water and antibacterial soap. Do not place your tattoo under a running faucet, instead scoop water onto the area with your hand and delicately dab soap on it.
Pat the area dry with a clean towel or allow it to air dry. Do not rub the tattoo.
Apply protective ointment after each washing for the first three days then switch to a regular non-scented hand lotion. Apply a thin layer of protective ointment; don't over-saturate the area. Never use scented lotion because it contains alcohol, which will dry out the tattoo.
Do not react when you see small flakes of dead skin forming over the tattoo -- this means the peeling process has begun. Allow the skin to peel away naturally or during washing. Do not assist the peeling process in anyway. The parts that are ready to come off will do so.
Continue caring for the tattoo until it is completely healed.