Keep new tattoos clean and moisturized. DO NOT OVER-MOISTURIZE.
Leave the bandage on for about two hours - more or less is fine, but do not sleep in the same bandage you leave the shop in.
Stick to unscented soaps and lotions. There are a lot of specialty products on the market these days, and those are fine, but I like sticking to the classics; Unscented Liquid Dial Soap and Aquaphor. If the tattoo is on an area of the body that is more exposed to germs, such as on the hands or feet, you might choose an antibiotic soap like Dial Gold.
Clean at least 2-3 times a day for the first few days, and moisturize with a thin layer of Aquaphor. Too much aquaphor is worse than not enough.
After a few days, discontinue Aquaphor and switch to a plain, unscented lotion such as Lubraderm or Cetaphil.
The tattoo may go through a scabby, peely, itchy stage about a week after application. This is normal, don’t pick or scratch at the scabs and let them fall off on their own.
Absolutely no swimming, soaking, sunshine, tanning, or saunas for at least 2-3 weeks. Washing and showering is fine, its okay for clean water to touch your tattoo, but you don’t want to soak (especially not in chlorinated or lake/river water).
Do not share aftercare supplies with other people. Do not use the same container of Aquaphor you’ve been using on your babies diaper rash. Do not let your dog lick the Aquaphor off of your new tattoo. Buy a squeeze tube of aquaphor (rather than a tub you dip your fingers into) and do not touch the tip of the tube anywhere on your skin.
Sleep in clean sheets, wear clean clothing (especially if your tattoo is in an area like the waistband or wrist where clothing tends to rub), and clean the tattoo often to avoid infection.
If tattoo becomes red, hot, “weepy” or shows any other sign of infection contact a medical professional immediately.
In recent years “second skin” aftercare products such as Tagaderm and Saniderm have become popular. Except in certain specific circumstances, I do not recommend these products and won’t provide them to you. If you love these products and have had success with them in the past, they can be purchased at any drug store. I suggest waiting 12-24 hours after getting tattooed to apply second skin. The next day, this first bandage can be removed, the tattoo cleaned again, and a fresh piece of second skin applied. The second piece can usually be left for 3-4 days. Always apply to freshly washed tattoos which have been allowed to completely air dry. Do not use in tandem with other ointments or aftercare treatments. Remove immediately if edges are peeling or if the tattoo or edges of the bandage become red, hot, or irritated.