740 Richmond Street, London Ontario

Phone: (226)-270-4985

Aftercare Instructions

Keep Your New Tattoo Healing Clean, Bright & Bold

Proper aftercare is just as important as the time we spend in the chair. Follow these steps closely to protect your skin, keep your lines sharp, and make sure your tattoo heals the way it was designed.

The First 24hrs

set the tone for how your tattoo heals. Follow these steps as soon as you leave the studio:

Leave the bandage or wrap on for the amount of time Buck recommends (usually a few hours).
Before touching your tattoo, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and fragrance-free soap.
Gently remove the bandage and rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
Do not scrub. Use your fingers only — no washcloths, loofahs, or sponges.
Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. Do not rub.
Do not apply lotion or ointment until the skin is completely dry.

How it should feel on Day 1

Your tattoo will feel like a strong sunburn — warm, a bit sore, and possibly slightly swollen. Light oozing or plasma is normal in the first few hours.

If you notice heavy bleeding, extreme pain, or anything that feels out of proportion, follow the guidance in the When to Reach Out section below.

Days 2–3: Early Healing Stage

Your tattoo will begin to dry out and may look slightly dull or cloudy. Keep it clean and be gentle.

Wash your tattoo 1–2 times a day with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap.
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Do not re-bandage unless Buck has given you specific instructions to do so.
You may see light flaking or tightness in the skin — this is normal.
Itching may begin; resist the urge to scratch or pick at the skin.

Moisturizing: How Much?

Once the tattoo is clean and dry, you can begin applying a thin layer of aftercare product recommended by Buck.

Use only a fragrance-free, dye-free tattoo ointment or unscented lotion approved by your artist.
Apply a very thin layer — your tattoo should look slightly matte, not shiny or greasy.
Moisturize 2–3 times per day, or whenever the tattoo feels tight or overly dry.
Gently rub the product in with clean fingers until fully absorbed.
If your skin feels clogged or overly sticky, you are using too much product. Reduce the amount.

What to Avoid While Your Tattoo Heals

These are the most common things that damage fresh tattoos or slow healing. If you are ever unsure about an activity, play it safe and reach out first.

Water & Moisture

No swimming (pools, lakes, oceans, hot tubs) for at least 2 weeks.
Avoid soaking in baths; quick showers only.
Do not let the tattoo sit under direct water pressure for long periods.

Sun & Heat

Avoid direct sun exposure on the tattoo while it heals.
Do not use tanning beds or sunlamps.
After it is fully healed, always use a high-SPF sunscreen to protect the tattoo.

Friction & Contact

Avoid tight clothing that rubs directly on the tattoo.
Do not let pets lick or scratch the area.
Do not pick, peel, or scratch flakes or scabs — let them fall off naturally.

Direct Support

For aftercare questions or concerns:

Phone: (519)859-6590
Email: [email protected]

In a medical emergency, always contact a healthcare professional or emergency services first.

When to Reach Out

Healing looks different for everyone, but certain signs mean you should get in touch with Buck or a medical professional.

Redness that spreads or worsens after the first 48 hours.
Severe swelling that does not improve or continues to increase.
Thick yellow or green discharge, or a strong, unpleasant odor.
Intense pain, burning, or heat at the tattoo site that feels worse over time.
Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell during the healing process.

If you are ever unsure, it is always better to ask. Send clear photos and a short description so Buck can give you informed guidance.

Touch-Ups & Long-Term Care

Even with perfect aftercare, tattoos can settle differently depending on your skin, placement, and lifestyle. Touch-ups keep your piece looking fresh and intentional.

Most tattoos take 2–4 weeks for surface healing and up to 3 months for deeper layers.
Once fully healed, check your tattoo in natural light for any light spots or areas that need reinforcing.
Touch-ups are usually quick sessions focused on fine-tuning lines, shading, or saturation.
Always follow the same aftercare instructions after a touch-up as you would for a new tattoo.
Protect your tattoo long-term with regular moisturizing and consistent sunscreen.

Planning a Touch-Up

If you think your tattoo might need a touch-up, send clear, well-lit photos after it has fully healed. Buck will let you know what makes sense and how to book a short session if needed.

A well-cared-for tattoo can look bold for many years. Aftercare is your side of the collaboration — Buck handles the ink, you handle the healing.

Aftercare FAQ

Quick answers to the most common healing and aftercare questions. If you don’t see your question here, reach out directly.

How long does it take a tattoo to heal?

Surface healing usually takes 2–3 weeks, but deeper layers of skin can take up to 3 months to fully recover. During this time, your tattoo may look slightly cloudy or dry. This is normal as long as there are no signs of infection.

Is peeling and itching normal?

Yes. Light peeling, flaking, and itching are all normal parts of the healing process. Do not pick or scratch the skin. Instead, keep the area clean and apply a thin layer of approved moisturizer to help with tightness and itch.

What kind of soap and lotion should I use?

Use a mild, fragrance-free, dye-free soap for washing, and a fragrance-free, non-greasy lotion or tattoo aftercare product approved by Buck. Avoid anything with heavy perfumes, alcohol, or harsh chemicals.

Can I work out or play sports with a fresh tattoo?

Light movement is usually fine, but avoid heavy sweating, contact sports, or anything that causes rubbing against the tattooed area for at least the first week. Always shower soon after working out and gently clean the tattoo.

What if I accidentally bump, scratch, or soak my tattoo?

Don’t panic. Gently clean the area with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap, pat dry, and apply a thin layer of aftercare product. Watch it closely over the next 24–48 hours. If you notice unusual redness, pain, or discharge, contact Buck or a healthcare professional.

Tattoos By Buck

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Email: [email protected]

Phone: 226-270-4985