Remove the initial bandage put in place by your artist immediately after receiving a tattoo. The bandage should be on for no more than two hours. Once the bandage is removed, the tattoo should never be bandaged again.
Wash the tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap. Do not rub the tattooed area when lathering or rinsing; rather, pat the area with soap, then gently scoop water onto the area with your hand.
Pat the area dry with a clean towel. Do not rub.
Spread a thin layer of protective ointment over the area. This step should only be used for the first three to four days, after which you should start using regular, non-scented skin lotion.
Use dark and loose clothing if you must cover the area. Ink can imprint onto clothing while the tattoo is still fresh, so avoid light-colored clothing. Also, access to oxygen is crucial for a tattoo to heal, so avoid tight clothing.
Pull away the clothing any time it sticks to the ointment or lotion, and remove the clothing as soon as you can to allow the tattoo to breathe while healing.