Frequently asked questions

If you go to a reputable artist following all recommended safety precautions, then getting a tattoo is safe. But please be very honest with your tattoo artist about any medical conditions you might have because some conditions might have an impact on the tattooing or healing process.

The short answer is yes. But not as much as you might think. It depends on several things, your pain tolerance, the location of the tattoo (some body parts hurt more than others), and how well rested you are. See the chart below for a general idea of what to expect.

1. Get a good night’s sleep. It is incredibly important to be well-rested so that you can be alert and in-tune with your body. I recommend getting into bed earlier than you normally do. This will give you extra time to rest and fall asleep, especially if you’re super nervous about your appointment.
2. Drink lots of water the day before your appointment. Not only is it good for your health, but it will make sure that your skin is hydrated and prepared for your tattoo session. Hydrated skin takes ink a lot better than dehydrated skin which will make the entire process a lot smoother for your artist.
3. Shave the area you will be getting tattooed the day before your appointment. We can of course shave you at the studio, but you’ll be much more comfortable doing this at home, and the artist will really appreciate your effort.
4. Take a shower before your appointment if possible. You want to keep your skin as clean as possible since tattooing creates small cuts and opens the skin up.
5. Have a good healthy meal before your appointment. You are going to need your energy especially if you are about to sit through a longer session. A balanced and healthy meal will help your body as it deals with the needle and it will help you mentally. By doing so, you will avoid getting light-headed and you won’t run the risk of passing out from exhaustion. I also recommend bringing snacks to your appointments. It can be especially helpful if you are someone who deals with low blood sugar. Having a piece of fruit, granola bar or cookies can really help with those 6-8 hour sessions.
6. Dress comfortably. You want to be as comfortable as possible during your tattoo and that means wearing a comfortable outfit. You don’t want to be wearing restrictive jeans or a dress shirt while you’re getting tattooed. Loose clothing will help make sure that you aren’t randomly getting itchy, overheated and it will allow you to easily re-adjust your positioning in case you become uncomfortable.

First of all, we always recommend finding the tattoo style that you like, then research the artists who love doing that style, then consult with your tattoo artist for professional advice and custom design options.

Initial healing usually takes about 2-3 weeks, but it can take up to 6 months for the deeper layers of skin to fully heal.

Inform your tattoo artist about any allergies or skin sensitivities. They can recommend hypoallergenic inks and perform a patch test to ensure you don’t have a reaction.

Avoid swimming, sunbathing, and strenuous activities that cause excessive sweating. Refrain from picking or scratching the tattooed area.

The cost varies depending on the size, complexity, and location of the tattoo, as well as the artist’s experience. Consult with your artist for a specific quote.

Yes, tattoos can be removed, typically with laser treatment, but the process can be lengthy, costly, and sometimes not fully effective. If you don’t like your tattoo, you can also consider a tattoo cover up.

Yes, tattoos can fade over time due to factors like sun exposure, aging, and skin changes. Proper aftercare and periodic touch-ups can help maintain the tattoo’s appearance.

A tattoo touch-up is a procedure where a tattoo artist revisits an existing tattoo to refresh its appearance. Over time, tattoos can fade or lose their sharpness due to factors like sun exposure, aging, and the body’s natural healing process. During a touch-up, the artist will reinforce the ink, enhance the colors, and sharpen the lines to restore the tattoo’s original vibrancy and detail. Touch-ups are a normal part of tattoo maintenance and help ensure that your tattoo looks its best for years to come.