Keep your fresh tattoo covered for the first couple hours. Then wash your hands and remove the bandage.
Wash the tattoo with bare hands and an unscented antibacterial soap. The first time you wash it make sure all blood, plasma, and ointment are throughly washed from the skin. You will likely notice the difference of it going from slippery feeling to not-slippery feeling. Be thorough but gentle.
Pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel and allow it to breath for 15 minutes before moisturizing.
Wash your hands again and apply an unscented moisturizer. In a gentle manner work it into the skin.
Wash your tattoo once a day and moisturize when the skin feels dry. Take care not to apply too much.
If your tattoo is stuck to your clothing or bedding in the morning then wet the fabric and allow the plasma to dissolve before peeling away gently.
After 4 or 5 days your tattoo will begin to peel and itch. It is normal to see colored skin flaking off. Do not rush this process. Never rub, scratch, or pick at your healing tattoo. Avoid exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight or submersing in water at least until it’s finished peeling.
It could take anywhere from two weeks to a month for your new tattoo to heal completely.