do always wash your hands with antibacterial soap before caring for your new tattoo. keep covered with the bandage that was applied by your artist for the first hour. carefully remove the bandage and gently wash with antibacterial soap and rinse. loosely re-bandage the tattoo if it will be exposed to a dirty environment or an abrasive surface, tight clothing, shoes, or bed linens. otherwise, leave the tattoo uncovered and wear loose clothing over the new tattoo. when drying your new tattoo use paper towel and pat or air dry. do not rub or use cloth towels. apply a very thin layer of antibiotic ointment (such as neosporin). do not over apply the ointment. gently wash and apply the ointment 3 times a day (or as needed) for 12 to 14 days.