Q: How old do you have to be to get tattooed?
A: New York State law requires you to be at least 18 years of age to get tattooed, with or without parental consent. All customers are required to present a form of photo id (drivers license, passport) that also shows your birth date, to validate your age. Your id will be photocopied for our records.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Prices can only be given in person, but our minimum cost is $100.00. This covers the cost of one of the cleanest safest environments you can find to get tattooed in. Whether you are getting a back piece, or a beauty mark tattooed, the set up is the same. For smaller tattoos, we can quote you a flat price. For larger pieces you will be quoted at an hourly rate, or a rater per session. If your tattoo develops into something more involved that what you first planned, you can usually set up a per session rate, which will help you budget for a bigger priced piece. If you feel the tattoo you really want costs more than what you expected, it is usually better to save your money so you can get what you really want, other than compromise your idea and be left with something less than what you wanted.
Q: Are the needles new?
A: Each needle is sterilized and single use only. Everything is sterilized the same as in the hospital, by using an autoclave. An autoclave is defined as "basically a high-quality, regulated pressure cooker. Used tubes and needle bars can be placed in the autoclave and brought to a very high temperature to kill blood borne pathogens and bacterial agents." -(http://tattoo.about.com/cs/beginners/g/blglosautoclave.htm) Our Autoclaves are tested by an independent facility to ensure that they are running correctly.
The inks are poured into individual caps that are thrown out after use. All surfaces that the tattooist comes in contact with are covered with non-posporous plastic wrap or barrier film, including lights, machine chords, and arm rests. Counter tops are sprayed down after each customer with a germicidal disinfectant. Each artist is trained in the proper procedures to guard against any cross contamination.
Q: Do you need an appointment to get tattooed?
A: We accept walk-ins when there is time available, however, we recommended calling ahead or booking an appointment in advance, so you don't have to wait. Usually if one shop is busy, there is someone who can help you at the other shop. If there is a particular artist you want to get tattooed by then we definitely recommend that you call in advance to set up time with that artist.
Q: How do I set up an appointment?
A: To help you choose an artist you would like to book time with, we recommend looking through all the artist's portfolios. Each artist has their own unique style, by looking at everyone's work, you can then decide which artist best suits your taste. If your piece is detailed, and needs to be custom drawn, it is a good idea to set up a consultation with the artist you choose, so that your artist can know exactly how you want your tattoo to look. At this time, the artist will ask for a deposit, which will secure the appointment for the date and time you booked, and will also be put towards the cost of your tattoo. Your deposit is non refundable if you cancel your appointment or do not show up. You may change the time or date of your appointment, we ask that you please give us at least 24 hours notice to allow us to book something for the time you change your appointment to.
Q: Can I bring my own picture?
A: Most tattoos done here are custom, so you are encouraged to bring your own image. You may bring in images you have found to give your artist a good idea of what you have in mind for your tattoo. Even if it's not exactly what you want, we can work with you to come up with the perfect image.
Q: How do I take care of my new tattoo?
A: When you leave your tattoo will be bandaged, when you leave you should leave the bandage for at least four hours, and can be left on for up to twelve hours.
• When you remove the bandage, you should wash it thoroughly
with a mild soap, (like ivory, no deodorant soaps) and warm water.
Do not scrub the tattoo, gently
work up a good lather with the soap and water, and rinse.
• Wash two to three times per day until it starts to peel.
• After rinsing, apply a thin layer of ointment (Vitamin A&D, Bacitracin)
three to four times per day for the next two days.
• After two days use a good quality hand cream (Curel, Kerry,
Lubriderm) for two weeks until the skin is smooth.
• Do not use aloe
• Do not pick or scratch at your new tattoo
• No swimming or tanning/prolonged exposure to the sun for ten days
• In the future, if you are going in the sun, apply a high SPF sunblock
(35-40) to protect the color.
Q: How long does the new tattoo take to heal?
A: Your new tattoo will take from ten to fourteen days to heal, sometimes healing will take longer, depending on the placement, and how it's treated during the healing process.Usually you won't even get a scab during the healing process. The skin will become flaky or peely, much like a sunburn. While it is healing, there may be some soreness, swelling, and itchiness especially the following day until the tattoo settles in. Do not scratch your new tattoo, hand cream can help with the itchiness, after the two day period of using ointment, you can apply the hand cream. Some people will scab while the tattoo is healing, especially if the tattoo is close yo an area that bends, or that your clothes rub on. If you do get a scab, leave it alone, try to keep it day and let it come off on it's own. If you have any questions about how your tattoo is doing, we encourage you to call or come by. Some things that may be good for your skin do not help your tattoo heal, it may even damage it, so before you apply something to your skin that isn’t a recommended product, please call.
Q: Can I get my tattoo wet while it's healing?
A: It is very important that you wash your new tattoo especially the first couple days. When it begins to peel and flake, or scab you should refrain from touching it as much as you can. Avoid bathing in a tub, hot tubs and swimming at least for thefirst ten days. (This means get your new tattoo after your trip to Florida.)
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How old do you have to be to get tattooed?