The life of your new tattoo is dependent upon the care it receives within the first few days.  It takes about two weeks to heal and two more to settle in.  Keep your dressing on for three to six hours.  Remove the bandage and wash the tattoo firmly with clean, mild soapy water.  Use your hand not a cloth – no fingernails. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat two more times. Remove all Vaseline from skin. Make sure it does not feel slippery.  Lightly pat dry with a towel each time.