By Kat Von D of the hit TV show LA Ink

Tattoo-care instructions vary from artist to artist. However, the bottom line is that if your tattoo is done correctly, very minimal aftercare is needed. Most aftercare instructions are designed to speed up the healing process.

Kat Von Ds Steps to Follow

1. Remove your bandage, after an hour or so. Once the bandage is removed, gently hand-wash your tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap.

2. Apply very thin coats of Aquaphor for the first five days. (You can find this fragrance-free ointment in the lotion section of any drug store.) You can apply the ointment two to three times a day. However, never over-saturate the tattoo.

3. Once the tattoo starts peeling lightly, you can switch to a non-fragrant white lotion.

Remember to Avoid

* Direct sunlight for the first two weeks.

* Submerging your tattoo in any type of water for the first two weeks.

* Picking or scratching at your tattoo.

* Washing the area with soaps or lotions that contain lots of ingredients, especially fragrance.  Fragrance can irritate your skin or even cause you to have a more serious reaction. The least amount of chemicals you put on your tattoo, the better.

Once the tattoo has healed, however, you can pretty much put anything on it!

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