1. The Initial Bandage Leave your bandage or covering on for 2–3 hours. This protects the area while it collects excess ink and plasma. Keeping it covered initially prevents ruined clothing and keeps bacteria out of the open wound.

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2. Cleaning & Hygiene Wash your tattoo with a mild, unscented, antibacterial soap (such as gold Dial).

• Hands First: Never touch your tattoo unless you have just washed your hands.

• Water Temp: Use lukewarm water. Avoid overly hot showers, as they can "burn" or irritate the fresh ink.

• No Soaking: Stay out of pools, oceans, and hot tubs for at least two weeks.

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3. Ointment (Days 1–5) After washing and patting dry, apply a very thin layer of ointment (like Aquaphor).

• Pro-Tip: Use it sparingly! A thin "sheen" is better than a thick layer, which can suffocate the skin and clog pores.

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4. Lotion (Week 2 and Beyond) After the first week, switch from ointment to a fragrance-free, dye-free lotion. Apply this whenever the tattoo feels tight or dry.

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5. Activity & Clothing

• Stay Dry: Avoid the gym or activities that cause excessive sweating for the first 14 days.

• Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothes can rub against the tattoo, causing scabbing or ink loss.

• Don't Sleep on It: Try to avoid putting body weight on the tattoo while sleeping to prevent agitation.

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6. The "Golden Rule": DO NOT PICK As your tattoo heals, it may peel or develop thin scabs. This is normal. Do not pick, peel, or scratch. Forcing the skin off early will pull the ink out and leave gaps in your tattoo.

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7. Long-Term Care Once fully healed, always apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) when exposed to the sun to prevent your ink from fading over time.