Aftercare

The care of your new tattoo during the first few days will determine its appearance in the future.

Leave bandage on for 1-2 hours or as instructed by your artist.
Wash your hands well with soap before touching your new tattoo.
After the bandage is removed, wash your tattoo with warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap (some recommendations listed down below). Remove all existing A&D, blood, and lymph with a clean paper towel. Excess lymph will cause scabbing, and you want to minimize this as much as possible. Do not use anything abrasive to clean your new tattoo.
Rinse and air dry or pat dry with a disposable paper towel. Do not use a shower towel
Wash tattoo twice a day until the tattoo is completely healed. Do not over-wash. Regular showering is fine. Do not submerge the tattoo for an extended amount of time until it has healed - this includes baths and swimming.
Over the next few days the tattoo will become flaky, dry and tight. Use a thin layer of ointment (Aquaphor, Hussle butter) 2-3 times a day. Leave the scabs and let them fall out naturally. Do not pick or scratch the area. The tattoo may appear dull until it has completely healed - this is normal and will go away after a few weeks. Wear loose clothing over the area.

use anything on the tattoo other than what is previously recommended.
pick, peel or scratch your new tattoo
under any circumstance use rubbing alcohol, peroxide, or cortisone on your tattoo.
use sponges, washcloths, or anything abrasive while cleaning your tattoo. They harbor bacteria and may irritate or harm your tattoo.
let anyone touch your tattoo.
go in a lake, tub, pool, etc. These all contain bacteria.
Expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight. This includes tanning beds. A high SPF sunscreen will protect the crispness/longevity of your tattoo in the future.

The artist is not a physician. If you have any concerns or signs of infections, please consult with your physician immediately.