How to care for your new tattoo

Leave your bandage on for 5 to 7 days. It will fill with plasma. This is normal and helps your tattoo heal. 

When removing your bandage do so in the shower with water running over it. Remove your bandage as you would a command strip (perpendicular to your tattoo). Not doing so can result in irritation to your skin and prematurely removing tattoo 'scabbing'. Remember, your new tattoo is a wound.

After your bandage is removed wash your tattoo. You will want to use a mild soap. I recommend dial gold or Castile soap. Wash your tattoo using clean hands only. Avoid wash rags or loofahs on the area. After washing gently pat dry with a paper towel. No body or hand towels on your fresh tattoo. 

Do not rub or exfoliate your tattoo. Doing so can prematurely remove scabbing. Apply a thin layer of ointment such as Aquaphor or A&D. No neosporin or Vaseline. Repeat washing and moisturizing ointment twice a day for one week. After a week you may switch to once a day and an unscented lotion as needed for dryness. I like cetaphil or lubriderm. 

Your tattoo will heal much like a sunburn. It will flake and peel. It may also appear red and feel warm to the touch. Do not pick at it as it can make your tattoo heal poorly. Do not scratch your tattoo until the flaking stage is over. Be sure to avoid submerging or soaking your tattoo in any water for at least 2 weeks. After this time you may resume normal activity.