frequently asked questions
Are Tattoos Safe?
Getting a tattoo is perfectly safe. Just make sure that you're honest about any medical conditions.
Does It Hurt?
Pain is really relative. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain. We're not going to kid you, though-it does hurt. Just not that much. Some have compared it to a "hot scratching feeling." But, people would not be returning again and again for tattoo after tattoo if it hurt that bad.
How Much Is It Going to Cost?
Our studio's base price is $200 for small and simple designs. For more complex pieces, prices will vary accordingly.
Is It OK to Get a Tattoo if I'm Sick?
It's NOT a good idea to get tattooed when your immune system isn't at 100%. Your body needs the strength and white blood cells to heal your tattoo, something your body can't do if it's already fighting against virus and bacteria. Also, it's inconsiderate to bring your illness into the tattoo studio and risk passing the germs onto others. If you have an appointment, call and reschedule for when you're feeling well again.
While your tattoo heals, you should:
-wear sun-protective clothing whenever you go outside
-contact your tattoo artist or doctor if you experience any symptoms of infection or other problems
You shouldn’t:
-cover your tattoo with sunblock until it’s fully healed
-scratch or pick at the tattoo
-wear tight clothing over the tattoo
-go swimming or immerse your body in water (showers are fine)
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER GETTING A TATTOO:
Day 1
You’ll come home from the tattoo studio with a bandage or plastic wrap over your tattoo. After a few hours, you can remove it.
Once the covering comes off, you’ll probably notice fluid oozing from the tattoo. This is blood, plasma (the clear part of blood), and some extra ink. It’s normal. Your skin will also be red and sore. It might feel slightly warm to the touch.
With clean hands, wash the tattoo with warm water and a fragrance-free soap. Apply a fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer. Leave the covering off so the tattoo can heal.
Days 2 to 3
By now, your tattoo will have a duller, cloudier appearance. This happens as your skin heals. Scabs will start to form.
Wash your tattoo once or twice a day, and apply a fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer.
When you wash, you might notice some ink running into the sink. This is just excess ink that’s come up through your skin.
Days 4 to 6
The redness should start to fade.
You’ll probably notice some light scabbing over the tattoo. The scabs shouldn’t be as thick as the scabs you get when you cut yourself, but they’ll be raised. Don’t pick at the scabs - this can cause scarring.
Keep washing your tattoo once or twice a day. Apply a fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer.
Days 6 to 14
The scabs have hardened and will begin to flake off.
Don’t pick at them or try to pull them off. Let them come off naturally. Otherwise, you could pull out the ink and leave scars.
At this point, your skin may feel very itchy. Gently rub on a fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer several times a day to relieve the itch.
If your tattoo is still red and swollen at this point, you might have an infection. Go back to your tattoo artist or see a doctor.
Days 15 to 30
In this last stage of healing, most of the big flakes will be gone and the scabs should be going away. You might still see some dead skin, but it should eventually clear up too.
The tattooed area might still look dry and dull. Keep moisturizing until the skin looks hydrated again.
By the second or third week, the outer layers of skin should’ve healed. It may take 3 to 4 months for the lower layers to completely heal.