Leave the bandage on for 1-2 hours then wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild soap. Do not bandage your tattoo again unless you were instructed to do so. Rub lightly with a bare hand as you wash off any blood, ointment  and excess ink.

DO NOT use a washcloth as you may damage the skin. Once  you’re finished washing the tattoo, gently pat it dry with a clean, soft towel and then let it get some air for 10 minutes to ensure it is completely dry. Wash your tattoo at least 2x a day (morning and night), as well as anytime that you may have sweat excessively or been in a dirty environment (gym, work, etc.).

Apply a thin layer of Bepanthen First Aid to your new tattoo. Do this 1-2 times a day for the next 3 days. Apply only a small amount, making a thin layer on your tattoo. Dab any excess ointment off with a clean paper towel. DO NOT put too much on! This may result in a heavy scab, slower healing time and will cause excess ink to be pushed out of your tattoo giving it a faded look.

After 3 days use a moisturizing skin lotion on your tattoo (Vaseline Intensive Care or Cocoa Butter). Be careful not to remove any scabs as you rub the lotion in. Ensure your lotion is fragrance free and use it about 2-4x a day. Your  tattoo will peel/scab off in 5-14 days.

DO NOT pick any of the scabs as you may cause scarring or pull off  some colour from your tattoo. Your tattoo will also become itchy during the healing process. Gently pat your tattoo and DO NOT scratch! If you get any ingrown hairs DO NOT pick them.

While your tattoo is healing avoid swimming (salt water/chlorine), baths, tanning beds, fake tanning lotions, etc. New skin forms over your tattoo and you do not want to damage it as it grows over.

Your tattoo should heal up like a scrape (gravel rash) type injury. The way your tattoo looks after it heals depends a lot on the healing process and what you do over the few weeks after your tattoo was applied.

Take care of it and it will last a lifetime.