FAQs

Below we have compiled an extensive and comprehensive list of frequently asked questions concerning tattooing and body piercing.

ABOUT TATTOOS
Q. How much do tattoos cost?
     A. Our tattoos start at $60 and go up, depending on the amount of time required.

Q.  Does it hurt? Our most frequently asked question.
     A. The answer is yes. Having needles pierce your skin 'does' hurt. But what you 'really' want to know is, "How MUCH does it hurt, and can I handle it?" It's not nearly as bad as what you might imagine. The pain comes from the cluster of needles on the tattooing machine piercing your skin very rapidly. This sensation, however, doesn't feel like the poking pain of an injection--it's more of a constant vibration. You will be amazed at how quickly your body releases endorphins, (pain killers), which dulls the pain significantly. The pain will also vary according to where on your body you get work done. Skin right above bones (collarbone, anklebone, etc.) tend to be more painful than other areas. In addition, certain types of needles seem to hurt more than others. Some think the needles used for outlining produce a sharper, more noticeable pain, while the needles used for shading seem to be much more like an electrical buzz (nearly painless).  Remember, you are volunteering for the experience. The amount of pain will depend on your psychological attitude. NOTE: Do not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs for pain relief purposes prior to your tattoo sessions. Both aspirin and alcohol thin your blood and promote excessive bleeding. Aspirin also decreases the clotting of blood, which will slow down your healing as well.

Q. What kind of design should I get?  What does your shop offer?
     A. What images do you think of when you think of a tattoo? Do you think of anchors, of roses or of skulls? While these traditional images are still available, you will be pleasantly surprised at the variety you will find today. There are two basic types of tattoos: Flash, and custom. As you can imagine, "custom" means you have a design you like that you take in with you. "Flash" is the stock designs you see on the walls of the shop. The main thing to remember is that you're not required to choose from the selection of flash in a shop--You're NOT limited to just an anchor, a rose or a skull. You can have our artists design something for you or you can bring in something you had designed. A few of the major styles of tattooing:
BIO-MECHANICAL: A style popularized by illustrator H.R. Giger, who designed the creature from the Alien movies. Bio-mechanical work usually involves an anatomical flesh intertwined with some technical drawings of machines. A close relative of this style involves just the biological look of flesh without the mechanical parts.
BLACK & GREY: Refers to the colors used, this style requires the artist to have advanced shading techniques for subtlety.
CELTIC: Beautiful, intricate knotwork of the Celts (a hard "k", NOT a soft "c" like the basketball team). These are much harder for artists to do, and is best done by someone who specializes in it. Also usually done in just black ink.
ORIENTAL: Big, bold pieces of Oriental images (carp, clouds, dragons, etc.) based on the Ukiyo-e woodblock prints of 18th Century Edo-period Japan. Note: It is fine to call this "Oriental" and not "Asian," because it references an object and not a person.
PORTRAIT: Images taken from photos, best done by someone who can render realistic photographic images. Usually done in black and grey ink. 
SAILOR JERRY: Traditional sailor tattoo style made famous by Jerry Collins in Honolulu.
TRIBAL: Usually bold simple lines, simple patterns. Almost always done with just black ink. With a good artist working for you, you can get practically any image you'd like. Accomplished artists can render portraits, wildlife, psychedelic and biomechanical styles with impressive results. Your main challenge is to find the artist who can best do the design YOU want.

Q.  When is it OK to go into the sun, tanning salon, or go swimming. 
      A. As far as tanning goes, sunlight does contribute to the fading of tattoos, we recommend staying out of the direct sunlight for a couple of weeks, and use a strong sunblock when necessary. As for swimming, we recommend avoiding chlorine pools the first week after a new tattoo. Here are some products we recommend for your new tattoo:
Banana Boat for Kids - SPF 50
Banana Boat's SPF 50, for Extra Sesitive Skin
 "Deep Cover" Super Sunblock, advertised in some tattoo magazines (distributed by Deep Cover in Long Beach, CA)
The Body Shop's Watermelon Sticko Bullfrog Moisturizing Formula - The Body Lotion (not the Gel Formula).
Neutrogena's Senisitive Skin SPF 17
Schering-Plough's "Shade Sunblock" in various SPFs.

Q.  How do I care for my new tattoo?
     A. The artist that does your tattoo will have something very definite to say about the care of your new tattoo, and it is probably a good idea to listen to him/her. Their are varying opinions on the care of new tattoos and differ from shop to shop. Regardless, there are three things to remember about caring for your new tattoo:
Moisturize it
Don't over moisturize it
And whatever you do, Don't pick your onion peel scabs!

ABOUT BODY PIERCING
Q. Does it hurt?
     A. This is the most often asked question. Unfortunately, this question has no definitive yes or no answer. Every person is different, and experiences pain differently. Here are a few things to note though....The actual piercing is very fast, usually 1 second or less. Different areas of the body have different sensitivity, and this also varies greatly. Many people compare the feeling to getting a shot or getting blood taken, usually a "quick pinch". from person to person. Most importantly, how your piercing feels is really up to you, and your frame of mind when you come into the shop.  Being a little nervous is of course normal, but being so frantic that you are nearly in tears is really not necessary. Instead of using the hours, days, or weeks before your appointment to get more and more nervous, try instead to prepare yourself mentally and psychically in whatever way possible.

Q. How long does it take?
     A. Usually, you will be in the shop for 15 to 20 minutes. When you come in, you will be asked to fill out a release form, and you will be given a detailed aftercare sheet. We will check your I.D. and have you pay, and can answer certain initial questions you may have.  The piercer will then take you back to the piercing room. The procedure itself can take from 10 to 25 minutes, but the actual piercing itself is 1 second or less. The rest of the time is taken up in prepping and marking the area to be pierced, setting up the instruments to be used, inserting and adjusting jewelry, and answering any questions you may have.

Q. How long does it take to heal?
     A. This varies widely from person to person, and from piercing to piercing. The following are some common initial healing periods. Please keep in mind though that everyone heals differently, and mostly, the time it takes for your piercing to heal depends on how well you take care of your piercing and yourself. Also, after the initial healing period, there is usually a period of time for the piercing to toughen up that is roughly equal to the initial healing period.  Typical Piercing Healing Times:

Q. Does it hurt a lot while it heals?
     A. If you take care of your new piercing properly, it shouldn't. Sensitivity and soreness are to be expected for the first month or so, but the only time you should really feel pain is if you neglect to take proper care of it, or if you get it bumped or caught on something. It is normal for the ear cartilage to be a little sore for the first month or two after being pierced, and a navel piercing can get very sore and irritated if tight or restrictive clothing is worn across it for the duration of the healing period.

Q. Can I go tanning?
     A. Regular sunlight is usually not a problem, as long as care is taken that no sunscreens or tanning lotions get into the piercing. Tanning beds can pose a problem however, because the concentrated light can heat up the metal of your jewelry very quickly, which can burn you. It is advised that you avoid tanning beds for at least a month after getting your piercing, and after that, that you cover it with a small piece of cotton, or other cloth, while in the tanning booth.

Q. Can I go swimming?
     A. You should avoid chlorine pools for at least the first month. After that, it is best to keep pool swims brief, since chlorine is a fairly harsh chemical, particularly given the high concentrations used in public pools. However, no matter how long your swim, you should always clean your piercing as soon as possible after you're done.  AVOID JACUZZIS AND HOT TUBS, at least for the first few months, unless its your own, and you are sure of it's cleanliness. They are almost always breeding grounds for many bacteria. Lakes and ponds are questionable, and it is usually recommended that you avoid these, again for the first few months, given that they can also contain bacteria. The ocean is usually your safest bet. The salt water helps to heal your piercing amazingly fast, but you must be sure that the area you're swimming in is reasonably clean, which, given the New Jersey area, can sometimes be tricky!

Q. Can I drink or smoke during the healing process?
     A. The only time this can be a problem is the first few weeks after getting an oral piercing. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to dehydration, which can prolong swelling. Smoking is fine as long as you follow your care instructions and rinse afterward with Listerine. Chewing tobacco is definitely NOT recommended.

Q. What should I do if it gets infected?
     A. First of all, an infected piercing is relatively rare. Most people mistake irritation for infection. Signs of irritation include redness, soreness, dryness, mild discoloration. Signs of infection include: swelling, rash, discolored discharge (greenish or blackish), and fever. It is best to contact your piercer if you think you have an infection. Remember that when you leave our studio after getting your piercing, it is not infected. Its up to you to keep it that way.

Q. How old do I have to be to get pierced?
     A. No one under 15 years old will be pierced. 15, 16, and 17 year olds will be pierced ONLY with parental consent. Photo ID will be required for ALL piercings.

Q. Can I drink before I come in?
     A. We will never pierce anyone under the influence of alcohol, or any drug. Besides different possible physical side effects, such as prolonged bleeding, it is very dangerous to get pierced even after one or two drinks. Alcohol and other drugs impair your judgement. It is also more likely that you might faint or pass out.

Q. When can I change the jewelry?
    A. Again, everyone is different, as is each particular piercing. Usually it is OK to change jewelry after 3 to 4 months (6 - 8 weeks for the tongue). Keep in mind that you will want to keep jewelry in your piercing all the time for at least 6 to 12 months if you want to keep the piercing. This is something you should feel free to discuss with your piercer, as situations vary, and he or she will have the best knowledge about your piercings.