After you get rid of the bandage, youll want to wash your tattoo. Use tepid water and milk, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap, to softly wash away any ointment, blood and/or plasma, and to totally clean the area. Do not use a washrag, a sponge, a loofah, or anything else abrasive material. Use your hand for cleaning, it the tattoo feels slimy and slippery, it has likely been oozing plasma- try to softly take away as much of this as possible, as blood plasma creates scabs when it dries out.

Then pat the area firmly with a clean towel, or a paper towel, to get it completely dry. Follow with a light application of ointment- preferably one that is Vitamin A and D enriched. Do not use Neosporin- this is not for tattoos, and can create allergic reactions.

After that, keep it clean, but you can use lotion instead of ointment, to keep the skin soft. The lotion should be dye and fragrance free.

Can you shower with your new tattoo? Yes, you can- just dont soak it. Submerging your tattoo in a hot tub, or a bathtub, can cause serious damage- so avoid those for 2-3 weeks. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo, remove it quickly with water. Swimming should be avoided. Peeling and scabbing is normal- dont panic. Apply warm moist compresses to the scabs for about 5 minutes, 2-3 times a day to soften them, and they will eventually peel off on their own. Do not apply lotion or ointment to a softened scab ” wait for it to try. Dont pick it, and dont scratch, even when it itches.

Protection of your tattoo from the suns ultraviolet rays is essential- as these can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast. If it is necessary for you to spend some time in excessive heat, protect your tattoo with sunblock of SPF30 or above. This will keep your tattoo vibrant, and ensure you feel proud of it!