FAQ - Tattoo
Also see our information about aftercare.
What is the minimum age to get a tattoo?
The minimum age for tattoo is 18 years.
The minimum age with parental/legal guardian consent is 16 years.
Please be aware that we have a more specific identification policy for minors and their parent/ guardian.
What identification is required to get a tattoo?
VALID PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED FOR ALL PIERCINGS AND TATTOOS. WE CANNOT ADMINISTER A PIERCING OR TATTOO WITHOUT IDENTIFICATION.
Accepted Identification (if signing for yourself):Can I use numbing cream?
Drivers' License, Passport, Identification Card
Accepted Identification (if signing for a minor):
Parent/Guardian of minor: Drivers' License, Passport, Identification Card
Minor: Drivers' License, Passport, Identification Card, Birth Certificate (must have signing parent's name.)
Identification NOT accepted: School ID, Alberta Health Care, Membership Cards, Social Insurance Cards
Numbing creams like Emla creams are not advised. They change the consistency of the skin and make it difficult to tattoo. If a numbing cream has been applied to your skin we will not be able to tattoo you in that spot.
What should I do to prepare for my tattoo?
- Have a good night sleep before your appointment and after.
- Have a full meal within 24 hours of getting your tattoo. This will significantly increase your comfort level during your tattoo. Bring a resealable juice and a snack.
- DO NOT consume alcohol at least 24 hours before or after getting your tattoo.
- Reduce your intake of Aspirin or other blood thinners unless directed otherwise by your physician.
- Wear appropriate clothing for the convenience of where you are getting your tattoo. Also be aware that you may get ink or blood on your clothing.
- If possible, have a shower before you come in, especially if you work in a dusty, dirty environment. For men, if the area you're getting tattooed in is hairy, it will help if you shave the area before you come in.
- Be aware that your tattoo may take longer (or shorter) than expected, so allow for extra time. It is advised not to make plans right after your estimated tattoo appointment time in the event that it runs longer than expected.
- If you are thinking of bringing a friend, keep in mind that we have a limited amount of space so only one friend is permitted to come with you. Also, the more people, the more distracted the artist can become.
- Be sure that you bring a piece of government issued ID with you, such as a drivers' license or passport. School ID's, Alberta Health Care, or Social Insurance cards are NOT accepted. Make sure you give us a call prior to your appointment if you have any questions regarding accepted identification.
- DO NOT apply any form of numbing cream, such as Emla. It can significantly interfere with your tattoo experience, and we will not be able to tattoo you in that spot.
- Please be sure you are not wearing any perfume at the time of your appointment. Some of our artists and other clients may have allergies and/or are sensitive to perfumes.
Tanning is not advised on new or old tattoos. Sun and tanning beds damage the skin and may cause colour loss. If you tan on your new tattoo, you risk the loss of colour or serious problems if you get a sunburn. The more sun exposure to the skin over time will cause the colours of you tattoo to get dull and you will have to continually touch-up and recolor your tattoo. To avoid this you must keep you tattoo out of the sun and tanning beds for 4 weeks. Once it is healed, apply a high SPF (minimum of 30 SPF) sunscreen to the tattoo to protect it from fading.
Can I shave my new tattoo?
Do not shave on a new tattoo. Wait until the skin is fully healed (6-8weeks) before you shave on your tattoo.
How much do tattoos cost?
Tattoo cost can vary depending on the design, size, placement, person's skin and how well you sit for the tattoo. Our shop charges by the hour. We can give an estimate on how long it will take, although this can vary and be less or more time than quoted.
Can you tattoo over moles?
It is not advised to tattoo over moles.
What do I do if I think my tattoo is infected?
If you think your tattoo is infected visit your artist or doctor. It is advised that you talk to the artist who did your tattoo. Other artist may give you inadequate advice as they do not know the exact process that was done on your tattoo. See tattoo aftercare for more information
Does getting a tattoo hurt?
Tattoos do hurt. Pain tolerance varies from person to person, and depends on what body part is being tattooed. Most people find they can handle the pain from a tattoo way better than they thought they could. However, many people describe the pain as an irritating burning sensation, or a cat scratch. The pain stops as soon as the artist stops applying the needle to the skin. The needle is not constantly applied the artist takes small breaks to add more ink into the needle and change colors. The majority of people find a tattoo more uncomfortable than painful.
Is getting a tattoo safe?
Yes and no. A tattoo applied in a clean studio environment where the artist applies proper aseptic techniques and use new sterile instruments can be very safe. Our artists follow strict guidelines to apply the tattoo so the chain of infection is broken and significantly reducing problems.
Alternatively, if the tattoo is applied in an unsafe way such as reusing needles or ink and not cleaning and sterilizing tools properly, it can put you at risk of infection.
NEVER get a tattoo from someone working out of their home or basement. These people are not considered professional and are not regulated by the health board and may have questionable training which can put you at serious risk of blood borne infections that can affect you for the rest of your life. Always visit a professional studio and ask what there aseptic and sterile techniques are.
What should I consider about the placement and aging of tattoos?
When choosing the placement for a tattoo consider how it will affect your work and personal life. Some professions will not allow visible tattoos, so consider getting it where it can be hidden if need be. Also consider how it will look over time. Tattoos on feet need extra care and may need to be touched up periodically, as your feet are more likely to be weather over time. Some areas of the body don't heal as well as others. These are usually areas that are joint areas where the skin wrinkles and stretches more often such as the bend in the elbow (ditch) or nape of the neck, or any other area with high movement.
As you age so does your skin. Over time tattoos can become dull. If you take care of your tattoo while it's healing, return for your touch-ups (if necessary), moisturize regularly, and avoid sun damage, your tattoo can look beautiful for the rest of your life. Take into consideration when getting a tattoo whether you'll be able to heal the tattoo appropriately or not, and that you will be able to avoid sun or apply a sunscreen in that area.
I am going on vacation in a week and I want a tattoo for my vacation. Is this a good idea?
No, it is best to wait when you will have a sufficient amount of time to heal your tattoo. While healing your tattoo you cannot go swimming or tanning, and it must be protected from the elements such as sand. Sand can cause serious problems such as irritation which can lead to infection. As most people on vacation choose to enjoy these activities it is best to wait. You may also be in an area where there are poor medical facilities and if you have a problem or infection you will likely have problems getting treated.
Never get a tattoo on your vacation in an area where they will not be able to apply proper aseptic and sterile techniques. Camping after getting a tattoo is not advised either, as there is usually no accessibility to clean water and you can raise your chances of infection significantly.
How can I get an infection on my tattoo?
Most infections are not caused in the tattoo studio or by the artist. Many infections are caused outside of the studio. Infection can be caused by using dirty products, towels or bed sheets, you or other people touching the tattoo with unwashed hands, not cleaning the tattoo appropriately, etc. If you think you have an infection, visit your artist or your doctor.
