The first thing you need to is remove the bandage/saran wrap from your tattoo after about an hour. Your new tattoo is a wound and it needs to breathe so it can heal.
Wash the tattoo using your fingertips using a mild antibacterial soap. Remove all traces of blood since this can cause scabbing. Do not scrub the tattoo with a washcloth during the healing period. Always pat the tattoo dry with a clean soft cloth or let it air dry. Apply a thin coat of ointment to the tattoo. Tattoo Goo, , A&D Ointment and Aquaphor are all very great. Only use enough to make it shine and work it in well. Remove all the excess ointment with a paper towel. You only need enough to keep the tattoo moist to keep it from scabbing. You do not need to re-bandage your tattoo.
You should re-apply ointment whenever the tattoo is starting to feel dry or stiff. Typically three to five times per day for three or four days then switch to a moisturizer such as Keri, Lubriderm, Jergens, or Vaseline Intensive care. Do not use lotions that contain color, fragrance or sparkles until the healing is complete.
If you don't keep it moist it will form a thick scab that may crack when you move. When this kind of scab is formed the ink sits within it and slowly heals into the skin. When the tattoo is kept moist it doesn't have a chance to form a scab but does form a thin membrane to protect the tattoo while it heals. Do not peelor pick at your tattoo, you will pull the ink out. It is normal to see small flakes of colored skin falling off during the healing stage.
You must keep your tattoo clean, but long showers or baths should be avoided for 2 weeks. Prolonged soaking can loosen any scabs that may have formed, or will soak through the soft tissue and cause some of your ink to leak out.
Try not to scratch or pick at the tattoo. It will get itchy and a good alternative that I found worked well was to slap it or spray it with rubbing alcohol.
The sun is bad for your tattoo, even if you've had it for a long time. Wait until it is fully healed before you go back in the sun make sure you put on a high quality sunblock. Do not apply sunblock while the tattoo is healing though. The tattoo is under your skin, and your tan will form above it. If you get too dark, some colors may not show as brightly as they used to. Over time, excessive exposure to the sun will cause your tattoo to fade.
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