Once your tattoo artist has completed your new tattoo, he should place a bandage on it. You should keep this bandage on your new tattoo for at least the first two hours after receiving your tattoo. If your tattoo artist has covered your tattoo with plastic, you will want to remove it immediately. Plastic will smother your tattoo and not allow it to get any Oxygen, which is important to the healing process.

Once you remove the bandage you will want to wash your tattoo with warm water. You will want to use antibacterial soap and just your hand. Do not use a wash cloth to wash your new tattoo. When you are washing your new tattoo, it will feel slimy. This is actually the plasma that you are feeling and you will want to try to get as much of it off as possible without rubbing too hard. The plasma will turn into a scab if you do not wash the majority of it off. To dry your tattoo you will want to fold a paper towel and gently pt your tattoo until it is dry. You will want to wash your tattoo a few times a day.

After your tattoo is dry, you will want to put an ointment on it. Many people suggest using Neosporin; you should not follow this advice. A large number of people have sensitivity to Neosporin and it can cause you to get an irritation which will cause small bumps to appear in your new tattoo. These small bumps will cause your tattoo to heal with small spots in it. Also, Neosporin works as a drawing agent and can draw the ink out of your new tattoo.

One of the best things that you can use on your new tattoo is Aquaphor. You can also use Tattoo Goo or A&D Ointment, although Aquaphor is what most doctors recommend. You will want to put a light layer of the ointment on your new tattoo after every washing for the first week. Once your tattoo is healing well then you can switch to putting a non fragrance lotion on your tattoo, once again you will only want to apply a thin layer.

You will not want to wear any clothing over your new tattoo which rubs against it. You will not want to take very hot showers, or take baths with your new tattoo, this can cause the ink to seep out. Do not go swimming for the first month after getting your tattoo; this includes swimming in any form of water; no lakes, oceans, or swimming pools. You should apply sun block on your tattoo for the first year after you get it whenever you will be out in direct sun light, this will help your tattoo to retain its bright colors.