26 Sep The Ultimate Guide to your Tattoo Aftercare: Expert Tips from Krish Trece and Tattoo Armour for Perfect Healing step by step.
Hey, I’m Krish Trece, a tattoo artist specialized in Neo-traditional and Neo-romantic styles based here in Manhattan, NYC. After over more than a decade in the industry, I’ve learned that the right aftercare is crucial for helping your neo-romantic tattoo heal beautifully and keep it looking amazing for years to come.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through a complete aftercare guide, including tips on how to use Tattoo Armour, an incredible product that protects your skin and really boosts the healing process. Let ‘s get into it!
So what exactly is Tattoo Armour and what does it do !
Created by tattoo artists for tattoo artists, Tattoo Armour is a Class 1 CE-certified medical device pad built for the best tattoo healing experience. After years of testing, it offers a simple yet powerful way to take care of your new ink. Its design ensures perfect absorbability of plasma with no adhesives and no over-drying for optimal healing.
The pad’s unique pattern holds steady throughout the healing process, reducing scabbing and keeping your tattoo clean and comfortable. It’s easy to apply and protects against bacteria, germs, dirt, and even UV-light, shielding your new tattoo from anything that could mess with its healing.
With its thicker protective pad, Tattoo Armour is especially ideal for tattoos with color like Neo-traditional and Neo-romantic work, absorbing ink residue while keeping the area neat. It lets your skin breathe, so your tattoo stays protected and you can get on with your day without worrying about irritation or harm to your tattoo.
When it comes to healing your tattoo, it’s all about quality for my clients. This is why I make sure that by using Tattoo Armour, I make sure that’s exactly what you get for your special piece.
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Taking care of your Fresh Tattoo

Step 1: Clean your Tattoo
First things first—make sure your hands are thoroughly clean. We’re going to start by gently removing any excess plasma and blood from the tattoo, which is completely normal for a fresh tattoo.
Wash the area with lukewarm water and unscented soap, making sure to clean it gently. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap and residue. Then, pat the area dry with a paper towel (don’t rub or use cloth towels as these can contain unwanted dirt/bacteria) and let it air dry for a couple of minutes, keeping everything clean and sanitary.

Step 2: Apply aftercare ointment
Once the tattoo is fully dried, gently apply a thin layer of your preferred tattoo aftercare ointment. Make sure to spread it evenly over the entire tattooed area without using too much product, as a little goes a long way. This will help keep your tattoo moisturized and promote optimal healing.

Step 3: Apply the Tattoo Armour sheet
Carefully place the Tattoo Armour pad flush on the tattoo, ensuring proper coverage while leaving some padding between the tattoo and healthy skin for optimal protection.

STEP 4: Secure the pad
Secure the sheets with tape, making sure they fit comfortably and tightly. Consider using micropore, medical tape, or sensi wrap for skin application, as these options will help keep everything in place and are skin friendly.
SO WHAT ‘S NEXT? In between pad changes
It’s time to change your pad, you might be wondering what to do? You’ll be wearing your Tattoo Armour sheets for the next two days following your appointment. During this time, it’s important to follow a few key steps to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully. Let’s dive into the next steps!

Step 5: When to remove
Keep the Tattoo Armour sheets on for approximately 6 to 8 hours (or all night*) before removing them. When it’s time to take them off, do so gently to minimize any discomfort. You might notice that the adsorbed plasma resembles the tattoo image, which is kinda cool and a completely normal part of the healing process!

Step 6: Clean and repeat!
Let’s repeat the process!
Wash the area with lukewarm water and unscented soap, then gently pat the area dry with a paper towel. Allow it to air dry for a couple of minutes, and once fully dried and with thorough clean hands, apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare ointment. Spread it evenly over the tattoo, using just a little to keep it moisturized and promote optimal healing. We’re going to be repeating this process during every pad change.
Additional Recommendations
* YES, they’re reliable all night:
You don’t need to wake up in the middle of the night to change your pads. While it means the pads will be on for a little longer, the reduced movement while you sleep means you’ll bleed less, so it all balances out. Sleeping with the pads on is definitely the most comfortable option, and trust me, your bedding will thank you for it!
Custom Size:
You can adjust the sizing by cutting the sheet to the required size. I’ll explain the recommended sheet size for your tattoo once our session is over. Just remember, please don’t create a mosaic of tiny little pads; as your tattoo has to be properly covered for optimal healing!
Questions?
Feel free to ask me questions during or at the end of our session and once you get home, feel free to contact me if needed!
After the Pads:
Remember, your tattoo is still fresh, so it’s crucial to keep it clean and well cared for for the next 2 weeks. Wash your tattoo once or twice a day, then dry it and moisturize with the aftercare ointment lightly throughout the day. Make sure your hands are clean while doing so and no dirt/pet fur gets on your tattoo.
Avoid swimming in open waters and keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. You may notice some peeling or flaking, similar to a sunburn, and it might get itchy, but **DO NOT** pick or scratch at it. Wear loose-fitting clothes around the area, and ensure your clothes, bedding, and towels are freshly washed. Try to avoid sleeping directly on the tattoo to promote proper blood flow.
Remember, everyone heals at different speeds. You’ll know your tattoo is fully healed when the skin no longer feels tender or tight. Once this healing period is over, you can continue to hydrate your skin with your regular moisturizer. It’s also recommended to use 50+ sunblock whenever you’re exposed to the sun for extended periods of time, as this will help prolong the life of your tattoo.

Thank you so much for trusting me with your tattoo journey!
I truly appreciate the time you took to review these important aftercare steps. Taking care of your new ink is essential for achieving the best results, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Enjoy your new tattoo!

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