1. Leave bandage on for at least four hours, but no longer than twelve hours. Do not re-bandage your tattoo.

2. Wash your tattoo using an anti-bacterial soap, water and your fingers. Do not use a wash cloth, and pat dry (DO NOT RUB).

3. Wash your tattoo at least four times a day for the first three days.

4. Three times a day, apply a thin layer of a triple anti- biotic such as Neosporin to your tattoo and work it into your skin. Do not leave a thick coat of anti-biotic on your tattoo. If it is too moist, you will lose color.

5. After three days, you no longer need to pay special attention to washing. Just wash your tattoo when you shower, and stop using the anti-biotic and switch to a lotion such as Keri, Curel or Eucerin. Avoid any lotions with aloe vera, or heavy perfumes. Continue to use the lotion until your skin is no longer dry and peeling. This should take around three weeks.

6. DO NOT go swimming, or do anything to soak your tattoo in water for the first two weeks.

7. Avoid getting your tattoo in direct sunlight for the first two weeks, after it is fully healed, you may want to use a strong sun block on your tattoo to keep the color brighter and stronger.

8. With ankle tattoos, avoid wearing colored or wool socks for the first two weeks. White socks only, and NO NYLONS.