General FAQs

Is there a difference between a tattoo studio, a tattoo parlor, and a tattoo clinic?

No. They are all exactly the same. I’m going to refer to them all as “parlors” on this website to minimize confusion.

When should I go to get my tattoo?

Tattoo parlors usually open late in the morning and close late at night. A typical parlor might be open from 12:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m. Many parlors are closed on Sundays, but some are not. You just need to check beforehand to see what the hours are. Also, parlors are usually busiest at night and on Saturdays, so if you don’t want to wait you might want to go in the morning or afternoon a weekday.

Do I need to call ahead?

Usually not, but do it anyway. It can’t hurt. Some artists require you to make appointments several days in advance. If you want a large, intricate tattoo, you probably need to make several appointments, because it’s going to take hours.

How much do tattoos cost?

Usually parlors have a $50.00 minimum charge. This money covers the costs of equipment sterilization. Good tattoos aren’t cheap. If somebody says they can give you a tattoo for ten bucks, don’t let them do it!

How long do they take?

This of course depends on the size and intricacy of the tattoo. Very large tattoos may require several appointments lasting a couple of hours each. My dime sized tattoo took a good 30 minutes, so prepare to spend at least that long in the chair.

How much do tattoos hurt?

See The Pain Factor

Can I take a painkiller before my tattoo?

Maybe. You want to stay away from Aspirin and anything else that can thin your blood. You don’t want to bleed too much. Also stay away from drugs that can alter your judgment or perception. Alcohol, though it may calm your nerves, is always a bad idea before tattooing. Real professionals will not tattoo a person who is clearly intoxicated. Ask your artist before you take any medication.

My artist has a method of sterilization that works just as well as autoclaving.

No he doesn’t. Autoclaving is the only method of sterilization.

But does he need to autoclave needles even if they’re brand new?

Yes. All needles and tubes must be autoclaved. New does not mean sterile. No exceptions!

One artist told me that he can give me a semi-permanent tattoo that will wear off in 3-5 years. Is that possible?

No. Several years ago some artists claimed that they had developed a new method of tattooing. Supposedly the tattoos would rise to the surface and fade away after 3-5 years. Some unfortunate folks are just now figuring out that their tattoos are not going anywhere, and I’ll bet they’re not happy about it. Don’t fall for this.

My artist says I can’t get my tattoo as small as I want it. Why?

Very small tattoos can sometimes shift and change so much as you age that they end up looking like a blob. I originally wanted my tattoo to be as small as a pencil eraser, but all the artists I spoke with told me that it needed to be bigger in order to really look crisp and nice.

Somebody told me that he can give me a tattoo at his house. Is that okay?

Absolutely not! This is a great way to get a disease. I will go so far as to say that you should report anyone who offers to do this. Tattoo artists have to be licensed. They must also operate in a facility that is inspected by the health department.

Is tattoo ink really addictive?

No. This is a funny rumor. It probably started because people tend to want more tattoos after they get their first one. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that the actual ink used in tattooing is physiologically addictive, so don’t worry about that.

I heard that I can never have an MRI if I get a tattoo. Is this true?

No, it isn’t. However, some inks have been recalled because they can cause a burning sensation during the test. This happens because these inks have a high concentration of metallic elements, and an MRI is basically an incredibly strong magnet. If your tattoo is new, you shouldn’t have to worry about this, but if it is older, be sure to tell the MRI tech about it before the test. I must tell you, I have had two MRIs (both before I had my tattoo), and neither time was I asked whether or not I had a tattoo. If tattoos created a huge problem during this test, MRI techs would have to ask about them.

Can I get HIV or AIDS from a tattoo?

Though I don’t want to dismiss the possibility, it would be very difficult to contract HIV from a tattoo. The HIV virus is weak, and it can’t live outside the body for very long at all. Also, contrary to popular belief, it is hard to get HIV from a needle stick. This virus is much more likely to be transmitted through sexual contact. If someone came and stuck you with an HIV contaminated needle right now, your chances of contracting the virus would be approximately 1 in 200. That’s one half of one percent.

Can I get Hepatitis from a tattoo?

YES. A recent study suggests that between 22% and 33% of commercially tattooed individuals are infected with Hepatitis C. Your chances of contracting the disease may not be as high as this statistic suggest though. The fact that a certain percentage of tattooed people have a disease does not necessarily mean that the disease was caused by the tattoo. Nevertheless, tattooing certainly carries a high risk of transmission. This is why safety and hygiene are so important. Even if you go to a very safe parlor, you really should have some blood tests for Hepatitis and other easily transmittable diseases about one year after your tattoo. You want to get treatment as soon as possible if you are infected, and you don’t want to make anyone else sick.

Can a tattoo give me skin cancer?

There is no evidence to suggest that it can.

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