1)    Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before care of your tattoo.
2)    Remove bandage in 2-4 hours, wash gently with mild antibacterial soap (i.e. Dial, Lever 2000), cool water and fingertips.  Then gently blot dry with a clean, sterile towel.  If bleeding persists, apply ice pack for 15 minutes.
3)    Apply a thin film of triple antibiotic ointment, (i.e. Bacitracin, Neosporin), 4-6 times per day for the next 10-15 days.  Excessive amounts of ointment will do more harm than good.  Be sure to rub the ointment in completely, after 5 minutes, the tattoo should feel dry to the touch.
DO NOT over apply ointment, this may cause a rash! If a rash does occur in or around your tattoo, it will most likely be caused by an allergic reaction to the antibiotic ointment.  Discontinue use of ointment immediately.  Use Vitamin A & D ointment.  If rash has not improved within 2 days, contact the artist or your physician immediately.
4)    DO NOT re-bandage your new tattoo.  Your new tattoo needs air for faster healing.  Only re-bandage to avoid dust and dirt or to prevent rubbing from tight clothing.  Clean loose clothing should be worn.
5)    Keep tattoo as dry as possible!  No swimming, soaking, steam baths or saunas until tattoo is completely healed.  When bathing, apply a thick layer of ointment to block water and allow run off.  Water may make the scabs fall of prematurely. Avoid chlorinated water if possible.
DO NOT let tattoo dry out and crack.
6)    AVOID direct sunlight and tanning.  Until completely healed, try to avoid sun on your new tattoo for at least 30 days.  Sunlight may bleach out colors prematurely.  Always use sun screen during swimming and sunbathing activities to help preserve your colors as long as possible.
7)    DO NOT pick the scabs from your tattoo.  Let them fall off naturally.  They will do this when they are ready.  The itching feeling is a normal sign of healing, DO NOT scratch, a light slap on the skin will help relieve the itching.
8)    NO grease like Vaseline.  Vaseline does nothing to help healing and will pull color from the skin.
9)    NO ALCOHOL or PEROXIDE!
10)    NO advice from friends and bar room experts!
11)    Follow above directions completely for 10-15 days.
12)    After 10-15 days, apply hand or skin lotion, i.e. Lubriderm, to relieve dryness and brighten tattoo. DO NOT use products such as cold cream (Noxzema) or perfumed fragrances.
NOTE:    At time of healing, tattoos are dull looking.  After moisture has been restored to the skin, the tattoo will brighten considerably.