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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