Blot your new India Ink tattoo with a clean paper towel to remove any excess ink and blood. Then cover the tattoo area with a bandage. If the area is large or irregular, use a gauze pad and medical tape for coverage. The tattoo must be dry and completely covered. Keep it covered for at least two hours.
Carefully remove the bandage. Run the area under warm running water if the bandage is sticking. At this point, the tattoo may be raised slightly. This is normal and temporary.
Wash the newly exposed area with soap and water. Use an antimicrobial soap that is chloroxylenol based. Brand names for this type of soap include Provin, Satin and Loving Lather. Alternatively, you can use a mild soap such as Cetaphil or Dr. Bronner's Castille soap.
Let the exposed skin area dry for five to 10 minutes.
For the first one to three days, you may wish to apply a healing ointment to the tattoo. Some shops sell their own proprietary brand of ointment, or they carry tattoo-specific products such as Tattoo Goo. Alternatively, you can use a diaper ointment such as A&D Ointment or skin moisturizers such as Bag Balm or Aquaphor.
Switch to a fragrance-free lotion. Do not use lotions that contain alpha-hydroxy. Apply fragrance-free lotion four to six times a day, especially if there is any itching. Apply lotion until the itching is gone, peeling or flaking of the skin has ceased and the tattoo has receded into the skin—about two weeks.