I have had 63 hours of ink work over the years, and tried several healing strategies, many of which resulted in the need for touch ups, until I found a great tattooist who gave me advice that I now regard as definitive due to its brilliant results.
When the tattoo is fresh, wrap it in clingfilm and tape it airtight. From then on, leave it alone, and change the the clingfilm every 8-12 hours. At this point, the inked skin will be 'slimy'. Gently wash the skin with unperfumed soap, by hand, using tepid water until the 'slime' is gone. Pat it dry with a clean towel, and apply new clean clingfilm.
During this period, keep tat covered during baths/showers, and treat it as a seperate entity to the rest of your body, not allowing it to soak or stay wet for any length of time.
Repeat this process until the tat is no longer slimy upon removal of clingfilm (48-72 hours is normal).
From here on in, no cover is required. Merely moisturise every 4 hours. Ideally tattoo goo, or other bespoke product. Never savlon or germoline or medicated ointments. E45 or even vaseline will work fine. Thin amount, gently applied.
If you do this, scabbing will be very light, and will slough off naturaly as you continue to moisturise over 8-10 days.
Once the scabbing is gone, continue to moisturise morning and night, until the new skin loses its 'tight and shiny' appearance, and you will be left with a vibrant, settled tattoo.
