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 AFTERCARE

Each artist at Reclamare has a specific set of aftercare instructions that pertain to their style of tattooing. They will go over this information with you at the end of your appointment, however below you will find general guidelines to follow to ensure the health of your new tattoo.

  1. WRAPPING: Your artist may wrap your tattoo after your session with either saran or a special bandage that acts as a “second skin”

    • SARAN: You should only leave your saran wrap on for 1-2 hours. If you need to leave it on longer due to work or an event this is okay, but it may feel uncomfortable. During this time your body will begin a natural healing process which involves the release of fluids such as plasma from your tattoo. Every body and tattoo is different but you will likely notice some “weeping.”

      • After a couple of hours, gently remove your saran wrap. We recommend doing this in the shower, as it can be a bit messy, and you will need to clean your tattoo immediately after.

    • SECOND SKIN: You should leave your second skin on for 24-48 hours. During this time your body will go through a natural healing process which involves the release of fluids such as plasma from your tattoo. Every body and tattoo is different so you may notice very little “weeping” or a significant amount. These fluids will collect under the second skin, often appearing as a mixture of the various colors in your tattoo. This is normal and totally OKAY. Do not break, tear, or pop the second skin to drain it. If it leaks, this is also okay, clean and dry the skin around it. If you like you can place a piece of Saran Wrap around the leaking edges for peice of mind.

      • After 24-48 hours, remove your second skin by starting at the outer edges and working your way in. We recommend doing this in the shower, as it can be a bit messy, and you will need to clean your tattoo immediately after.

      • The second skin usually will not stick to the tattoo itself, only the skin around it. Some clients have expressed discomfort removing the second skin, similar to that of a large bandaid.

      • PLEASE NOTE: If you are sensitive to adhesives let your artist know. It will not hurt your tattoo, but we don’t want to cause our clients more stress. If you notice a redness developing around the edges of the second skin you can remove it sooner that 24hrs.

  2. CLEANING: After removing your wrapping you must clean and dry your tattoo.

    • We recommend a warm water, and a gentle, unscented or naturally scented soap for cleaning such as: Dr. Bronners, Cetaphil, Hand-made gentle soaps, etc. DO NOT use any heavily scented soaps or soaps with exfoliating beads.

    • When washing be sure to clean off any residue or plasma from the tattoo surface. Don’t scrub, but rather carefully wash with small circular motions. Rinse clean.

    • Pat your tattoo dry with a CLEAN paper towel. We recommend paper towels so that lint/dust from a regular towel doesn’t get on your new tattoo.

    • In some cases your artist may instruct you on how to “re-wrap” your tattoo after cleaning for the first evening.

  3. OINTMENT/NO OINTMENT: Once again every body is different and every artist has different recommendations for aftercare ointment. Some people like to “dry heal” which is fine if you and your artist know that this will work for your body. If you’re unsure we recommend proceeding with the following instructions for a few days.

    • After you clean and dry your tattoo you will want to put a THIN layer of healing ointment 1-2 times a day for the first few days. LESS IS MORE!! The ointment is meant to be slightly moisturizing and soothing to your skin. It helps prevent your tattoo from feeling tight or dry.

    • Ointments that we currently approve of:

      • Organic Cocoa Butter

      • Organic Shea Butter

      • Palmer’s Cocoa Butter

      • Tattoo Specific Healing Balms (ie Griffin Salve, Hustle Butter, H2Ocean, Redemption)

      • Aquaphor

      • If you have something you would like to use but aren't sure, feel free to ask at your appointment.

    • PLEASE NOTE: Putting too much ointment on can “suffocate” and irritate your tattoo and the skin around it. If the amount applied is too rich it could cause break-outs in and around your tattoo. DO NOT use heavily scented lotions, vaseline, or sunscreen to moisturize your tattoo. DO NOT use Neosporin or other anti-bacterial ointments unless otherwise directed by your artist or doctor.

    • If you like the ointment and are not over-moisturizing, you can continue to use it in combination with sunscreen after the first few days. You can also switch to a gentle lotion.

  4. PEELING, ITCHING, SCABBING:

    • On average it can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks for a tattoo to fully heal. During this time you may experience itching, peeling/flaking (similar to that of a sunburn) and/or mild scabbing. DO NOT pick, peel, or scratch your healing tattoo. If the itching really bothers you, you can place your tattoo ointment/lotion in the refrigerator and apply it cold to your tattoo to help soothe your skin. You can also gently pat the tattoo in the areas that itch. We do not recommend using anti-itch cream.

  5. SUNSCREEN: Sunscreen will extend the life and health of your tattoo!

    • After the initial days of healing you can implement sunscreen into your daily regime. The sun can, overtime dull and fade tattoos, especially on areas of the body that are often exposed to the sun (arms, legs, feet)

    • Using sunscreen regularly can help protect your skin and your tattoo. ALWAYS use sunscreen if you plan to be exposed to the sun for an extended period of time (ie at beaches, pools, theme parks, bbq, while playing outdoor sports, etc)

  6. BATHS, SPAS, SWIMMING & EXERCISE

    • It is best to avoid submerging your new tattoo in water until the initial peeling phase is complete. Showers are fine, but baths, pools, spas, and swimming in any and all natural bodies of water is not recommended for at least 2 weeks.

    • Exercising with your new tattoo is fine after 1-2 days, but you want to be sure to keep it clean after your work out. It is preferable to avoid communal gym equipment for the first week, especially cases in which your skin is coming into contact with equipment. Weights are fine, but use your own yoga mats, gym towels, etc.

  7. GENERAL INFO:

    • Remember that your tattoo is an open wound. You want to treat it as such, taking care of it gingerly and effectively, avoiding anything that could aggravate your skin or the healing process.