FAQ
We get it - your tattoos are more than just body art - they are a form of self-expression. And like all masterpieces, they require care and nourishment. If you’re wondering where to start or what you need to know, we're here to help answer your burning questions. Whether you are a first-time client, a hard-hitting artist or an avid collector, we've got you covered with our FAQ below.
First things first though, check out our TATTOO TIPS & TRUTHS BLOG. It’s a wealth of knowledge and we’re constantly updating it.
If you have questions not listed below, hit us up at contact@hustlebutter.com.
And if you're just looking for expert ways to keep your art looking and feeling good for life, connect with us. Follow us on IG, TikTok, Facebook & YouTube, and sign up for our emails & texts. You may even get access to some exclusive drops & promotions.
IG @hustlebutterdeluxe | TikTok @hustlebutter | FB @hustlebutter | YouTube @hustlebutter
General Questions
What is Hustle Butter?
Hustle Butter is the #1 artist-recommended tattoo aftercare brand designed specifically to keep art vibrant and skin hydrated before, during and after every session. From nourishing balms and gentle cleansers to daily mineral sunscreens and moisturizing lotions, Hustle Butter was crafted to keep tattooed skin looking and feeling its best today, tomorrow, forever. Hustle Butter has been around since 2012, and is still changing the game every damn day.
How did Hustle Butter get its start?
Born out of pure love for tattoos—the art, the culture, and the people behind them—Hustle Butter started with two NYC lifers, Richie Bulldog and Seth Love, who saw a problem and set out to fix it. Artists were stuck using petroleum jelly that gummed up needles, slowed sessions, and made healing a mess. So they got to work, hustled through countless formulas, and created something better—a body butter that changed tattoo care forever. What began in 2012 as one clean, game-changing balm has grown into a full lineup for every stage of the tattoo journey. Learn more about our story.
How do I contact Hustle Butter?
Got a question, comment or concern? Feel free to reach out to us anytime at contact@hustlebutter.com and you’ll hear back from a team member within 24 business hours.
Do you have special offers or deals I can use to try your products?
We’ve got you. The easiest way to score a deal is by signing up for our newsletter and texts. Get 10% off your first order just for joining, plus first dibs on promos, drops, and insider events. And if you want to level up as a Hustle Insider, sign up for texts too - you’ll get 15% off your first order (for email + SMS sign up) and even MORE perks.
Want more ways to stay plugged in? Follow us on social—IG (@hustlebutterdeluxe), TikTok (@hustlebutter), Facebook (@hustlebutter) and YouTube (@hustlebutter) for giveaways, sales, sick art and so much more.
Why do people love Hustle Butter?
It’s simple—Hustle Butter works, and people notice: from tattoo artists to everyday tattoo enthusiasts. Our cruelty-free and vegan formulas were designed specifically for tattooed skin to keep art and skin nourished, vibrant, and happy. But don’t just take our word for it—take the words of experts. Hustle Butter has been featured in Men's Health, Cosmopolitan, Harper's BAZAAR, PopSugar, TODAY, Esquire, and Women's Health, amongst other leading outlets, and has built a community of fans who swear by it. Whether it’s for tattoo aftercare, daily skin love, or protecting your art from fading, people trust Hustle Butter to deliver.
Does Hustle Butter have a tattoo studio?
Yes—we do! Our Hustle Butter Tattoo Gallery is located in the heart of SoHo in New York City. It’s a space where we celebrate the authenticity and artistry of tattoos. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or getting your very first piece, we invite you to join our community and experience firsthand why REAL NEVER FADES.
Check us out to learn more about our resident and guest artists, styles, and to book an appointment: Hustle Butter Tattoo Gallery.
Placing Orders AND Shipping
How long does it take to ship after I place an order?
Please allow 3-4 business days for your order to process and ship. You will receive an email update with tracking information once it has shipped. All shipments to PO Boxes, APO/FPO addresses, Alaska, Hawaii and US Territories are shipped via Priority Mail. Shipping times are based on business days and do not include weekends or holidays.
Check out our full Shipping Policy here.
How do I find out when my product ships?
We get it, you’re excited to get your product in your hands! We would be too. You will receive an email with tracking information as soon as your order has shipped.
Can I change my shipping address after I order?
Depends! If your order has not yet shipped, we can likely help update your shipping address. Please reach out to contact@hustlebutter.com and we’d be happy to help. If your order has shipped (you’ll receive an email with tracking information once it does), unfortunately we cannot change the shipping address on the order.
Can I change my order (products and/or quantities) after placing it?
Yes—if your order hasn’t shipped yet, we can update it for you. Just reach out as soon as possible at contact@hustlebutter.com with your order number and the changes you’d like to make.
RETURNS AND EXCHANGES
Do you offer returns or refunds on products purchased through HustleButter.com?
We hope you are happy with your purchase, however, if you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, you may return it to us for a refund (shipping charges will not be refunded) within 30 days of the delivery date. To return an item purchased through HustleButter.com, please contact contact@hustlebutter.com with your full name, order number and product name. Please note, you will be responsible for all return shipping charges and product must be unused and unopened. We strongly recommend you use a trackable method to mail your return back to us.
You can visit our full return/refund policy for products purchased on HustleButter.com here.
For Hustle Butter products purchased on Amazon, Ulta.com or through TikTok Shop, please refer to individual retailer Return/Refund/Exchange policies. Please note Hustle Butter does not sell through any other marketplaces at this time and items purchased through these platforms from OTHER SELLERS cannot be serviced by our customer team.
Can I exchange an item purchased through HustleButter.com?
We do not currently offer direct exchanges. If you ordered the wrong item or would like something different, you're welcome to return your unused, unopened product for a refund (within 30 days of delivery) and place a new order for the item you want. Please note that return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
Need help starting a return? Email us at contact@hustlebutter.com with your order number and product details — we’re happy to assist!
I received incorrect or defective items – what can you do?
Sorry to hear that! Please contact us at contact@hustlebutter.com with information about the issue, where you ordered your product from, your full name and order number, and your shipping address so we can remedy the situation ASAP.
Subscribe and Save
How does Subscribe & Save work?
Easy. When you subscribe, you score an extra 10% off every order—no code, no hassle. Before adding your product to cart, you pick how often you want your product delivered (every 1, 3, or 5 months), and we’ll keep your stash stocked without you lifting a finger. Need to switch things up? You can adjust your delivery frequency or cancel anytime. Total control, steady savings, and never running out of the good stuff.
Can I cancel or modify my subscription?
Yep—anytime. Your subscription is 100% flexible. You can change your delivery frequency or cancel altogether with just a few clicks in your account. Here’s how:
1) Login to your account at www.hustlebutter.com (person icon at top right of site)
2) Once logged in, click on "Subscriptions"
4) Under the product you are looking to modify the subscription for, click "Manage" and choose "Skip the Next Order" or "Pause". If you want to cancel the subscription, select "View details" and "Cancel" in the upper right hand corner.
Brand Partnership / Community
How can I become a sponsored/Pro Team Artist?
Thank you for wanting to join team Hustle - we love to hear that!
At the moment, our artist roster is full, however, Richie Bulldog is always on the look out for the future of the Hustle. He is looking for amazing artists who already use our products. Think you got what it takes? Show us your work using our products and tag us in it, we’d love to see!: IG (@hustlebutterdeluxe), TikTok (@hustlebutter), and Facebook (@hustlebutter) with our tags #hustlebutter #youcantknockthehustle #yckth.
Hustle Butter appreciates you. 🔥
How do I sign up for wholesale pricing as an artist or distributor?
We love the interest! Becoming a Hustle Butter wholesale partner comes with serious perks—increased revenue for your shop, exclusive discounted pricing on case orders, dedicated support from a real human on our team (no bots here), and $40 off your first order. Signing up only takes a few minutes—just head here to get started and unlock the benefits.
Tattoo Care
I’m getting a new tattoo - what’s the best way to prepare for it?
Getting ready ahead of your session sets you up for a smoother, more comfortable experience. Make sure you’re well-hydrated, have eaten, and are rested. Keep your skin nourished and in good shape in the days before your appointment, and wear clothes that allow easy access without rubbing the tattooed area. Avoid sunburn, and if anything looks off with your skin, let your artist know.
Want all the details? Check out our full guide here: How to Prepare for a Tattoo
How do I care for my new tattoo?
Congrats on your new tattoo! Your artist is always the go-to for a custom aftercare plan that fits your skin, tattoo, and lifestyle. Big picture? Keeping it clean, nourished, and protected is what gets you through the healing phases strong. Hustle Butter’s got your back with products built for day-one care—like Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm, Tattoo Aftercare Wraps, and our Antibacterial Foaming Soap. Ask your artist how to work these into your routine—they know your skin and your art best. And if anything looks or feels off don’t wait - reach out to your artist and your healthcare provider immediately. For some more general tips & tricks, check out our Complete Tattoo Aftercare Guide.
How long does it take a tattoo to heal?
Like so many things in life, it varies. The fact of the matter is that tattooing penetrates the skin — so it takes time to heal properly. The visible healing will occur over the next two to three weeks, but the dermis (layer of skin beneath what you can see) can take as long as six months. That’s why it’s essential that you give the skin the hydration and nourishment it requires during the healing process. Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm is made of clean (paraben and phthalate-free) vegan ingredients that help keep skin moisturized. Hustle Butter Antibacterial Foaming Soap is gentle on skin but tough on germs and works to keep the area clean during healing stages. Talk to your artist about incorporating both in your aftercare routine as your tattoo heals and check out our full blog post on the Healing Stages of a Tattoo.
And don’t worry, if your fresh tattoo is peeling, itching or flaking, those are signs that your body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to be doing: renewing and rebuilding the skin underneath your new tattoo. If you are wondering what’s normal, or when to reach out to your artist, our Tattoo Peeling Guide lays out how to get through the peeling stage without damaging your tattoo or your skin. It’s also worth noting that healed tattoos need love, too. Just because the healing is over doesn't mean you’re out of the woods - long-term vibrancy requires consistency.
Why do artists recommend using Hustle Butter over Aquaphor, Vaseline, or Neosporin during the healing stages of a new tattoo?
Artists know that what you put on your tattoo matters. Aquaphor and Vaseline are heavy petroleum-based ointments that can trap in heat, sweat, or bacteria, while Neosporin is medicated and can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people. All three can be overly greasy, which sometimes interferes with how a tattoo settles in the skin.
Hustle Butter is different: it’s clean, vegan, and breathable—formulated to keep tattooed skin moisturized and comfortable without clogging or suffocating it.
That said, every body and every tattoo is unique—always talk with your artist about what’s best for your aftercare routine.
Some of your products are only for fully healed tattoos, not fresh ones. How do I know if my tattoo is fully healed?
Every tattoo and every body heals on its own timeline. On the surface, tattoos often look healed in a few weeks, but deeper layers of skin can take much longer. The best way to know for sure? Ask your artist—they’ll know when your art is truly healed. In the meantime, check out our guide on the Healing Stages of a Tattoo where we break it all down! Make sure not to use any products designated as for ‘healed tattoos only’ or 'not for use on fresh tattoos' until your tattoos have gone through the proper healing to avoid interfering with the healing process.
How do I take care of my tattoo-long term to maintain vibrancy and combat fading/dullness?
Tattoos are forever—but keeping them looking fresh takes a little love. Long-term care comes down to two things: nourishment and protection. Consistent moisturization helps your skin (and your art) stay looking healthy—our Daily Rejuvenating Lotion and Revitalizing Stick are made to keep tattoos looking their best. And nothing fades ink faster than the sun, so sunscreen is non-negotiable. Hustle Butter Sunscreens are built to protect your art while keeping skin happy all year long.
Want the full lowdown? Check out our Guide to Long-Term Tattoo Care and our Guide on Sunscreen for Tattoos for tips on keeping your ink vibrant for years to come.