Heal beautifully

Aftercare

Aftercare is the most important part of healing. Tattoo aftercare in particular is far more important than most people realize — follow your artist's guidance and reach out any time. We're here for the whole journey, not just the appointment.

Worried right now?

Redness, swelling, and tenderness are normal early on. If something looks infected, don't remove the jewelry — book a free follow-up or email us a photo at [email protected]. For an emergency, see a doctor first — then tell us.

Tattoo aftercare

Improper care can cause poor healing, colors “dropping out,” lines falling out, or a tattoo that needs touch-ups it otherwise wouldn't. The old ways of healing can't compare to modern methods — modern tattoos use better inks and machines and deserve modern care.

The generic way

Legally we're required to give aftercare instructions without promoting a product. Since we aren't doctors, here's the simple version:

  • Wash your tattoo throughout the day with soap and water.
  • Keep your fresh tattoo out of the sun and pools.
  • Don't rub dirt or anything else into your tattoo — it's an open wound. Full stop.

The right way

We're proud to carry Hustle Butter — aftercare made for tattoos, trusted by artists worldwide, and what many of us use during the tattoo itself. Most store lotions, soaps, and sunscreens contain chemicals that are harmful to a healing tattoo.

Hustle Butter Deluxe is vegan and petroleum-free, so it keeps your tattoo moisturized without clogging it — before, during, and after the work. Ask your artist what's right for your skin and your piece.

In-studio · Hustle Butter & NeilMed

Aftercare products

Hustle Butter Deluxe Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Hustle Bubble Deluxe (foam wash) Hustle Bubble Deluxe (foam wash) Tattoo Hustle Butter Numbing Hustle Butter Numbing Tattoo NeilMed Piercing Aftercare Spray NeilMed Piercing Aftercare Spray Piercing Recovery Piercing Pillow Recovery Piercing Pillow Piercing

Ask your artist or piercer which products are right for you.

Piercing aftercare

  • Clean once or twice daily with sterile saline — avoid harsh soaps, ointments, alcohol, and peroxide. We carry NeilMed sterile saline spray, the same simple solution piercers recommend.
  • Don't touch, rotate, or change your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.
  • For oral piercings, rinse with saline; cold foods and drinks help with swelling in the first days.
  • Questions during healing? Reach out, or book a quick follow-up and we'll take a look.

Download a guide

Questions about healing?

Check our FAQ, or book a quick follow-up and we'll take a look in person.

Read the FAQ Book a follow-up