Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a tattoo/piercing if I am under 18? What if I bring a parent?

You must be 18 years of age with valid government issued photo identification to be tattooed even if a parent or guardian is present.

If you are over the age of 16 then you may receive a piercing if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The child’s birth certificate and valid identification for both the child and parent/guardian must be provided and must prove the relationship of the child to the parent/guardian.

Valid identification must include a photo and date of birth. We cannot tattoo anyone under the age of 18. We cannot pierce anyone under the age of 16. There are no exceptions.

Do I need an appointment?

Appointments are usually recommended, but walk-ins are always welcome and will be accommodated if time allows. A minimum $20 deposit will be required to book an appointment; this deposit may increase based on the length of the appointment and the complexity of the piece. Our artists are serious about their work and appreciate the same level of dedication from their customers.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash only. There are several ATM machines located near the shop and we are happy to direct you to them.

Should I tip my tattoo or piercing artist?

Tipping is always appreciated, but it is certainly not required. If you feel that your artist did an especially remarkable job on your tattoo/piercing please feel free to show your gratitude, but we will never pressure you to do so.

Can I drink before getting tattooed or pierced?

No. You will be refused service if you are noticeably intoxicated. This goes for any form of intoxication, and the decision to refuse service is a right reserved by all staff members. Trust us, it really is for your own good!

Can I donate blood after receiving a tattoo or piercing?

A general time frame for donation of blood after a tattoo or piercing is 12 months (1 year). Discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation for more information.

Are tattoos safe?

Yes, as long as the work is performed by a reputable artist that is following all recommended safety precautions. All artists at Arboreal Ink are certified in Bloodborne Pathogens, CPR, and First Aid through the local branch of the Red Cross and are knowledgeable in the areas of cross-contamination and sterilization. All needles are used only once and disposed of in approved biohazard containers. A medical grade autoclave is used to sterilize any other contaminated equipment after every use.

Does getting a tattoo hurt?

Getting tattooed or pierced is a very personal experience. Whether it hurts or not depends mostly on the individual’s pain threshold and the location on the body. The general consensus is that it feels like a ‘hot scratch’ on the skin. Feel free to discuss this with your artist, they will be happy to advise you! The end result always outweighs any pain felt during the process, so stay positive and enjoy your new ink!

How much do tattoos cost?

Tattoo work starts at $50 for the most simplistic and basic designs. This covers basic ‘set-up’ costs for your appointment which includes sterilization/sanitation products, needles, and ink usage. It is not possible for an artist to give you an accurate price quote over the phone, or without seeing a design first. The artist will always be willing to discuss pricing with you based on factors such as size, detail, and placement until a fair price is agreed upon. Keep in mind that the work in question is permanent, and it is always a better idea to pay a fair price for quality work rather than trying to save money on unsatisfactory work. Our artists will always give you a reasonable price for your desired tattoo, and group rates are available. Discounts are also given for students, military, seniors, and birthdays!

What is your policy on touching up tattoo work I received from your shop?

Touch ups are always free within six months of the original tattoo application. If you care for your tattoo according to the provided aftercare instructions this will generally not be an issue.

Can I get my old tattoo covered?

Not every tattoo can be covered, however it is possible in many cases. Some of the major deciding factors are the level of fading of the existing work and the state of the skin in the cover-up area (such as the presence of scar tissue from previous tattoo work). Your artist will be happy to discuss the possibilities with you!

What is the best time of year to get a tattoo?

Although you can get a tattoo any time of the year, your skin receives a lot more abuse during the summer with swimming, tanning and just being exposed to the elements. Fall and winter are really the best seasons to get a tattoo. By that by the time the tattoo is exposed to sun and water during warmer weather it will be fully healed and risk of complications will be much lower.

Does getting a Piercing hurt?

A professional piercer will work smoothly and quickly so that the process is nearly pain free. The pain felt will last for only a moment before it subsides.

Do you use an ear piercing gun?

No. A piercing done with a gun can cause serious damage and trauma to your ear and the procedure hurts more than a piercing needle. Ear piercing guns can be very dangerous because they cannot be properly sterilized.

Do piercings usually grow out or reject?

No. Most piercings that are placed properly and have proper size jewelry don’t grow out but it always is a possibility with any piercing. Eyebrows have a slightly higher rate of rejection because the brow bone puts pressure on the piercing from underneath. Certain individuals have a natural tendency to reject piercings.

Will I have a scar if I take my piercing out?

Yes, but in most cases it is just a tiny dot that will look like a large pore.

Why do I have to start with stainless steel, titanium, or gold jewelry?

These materials work best to help prevent adverse reactions to the new object in your body.

When can I take the jewelry out without the hole closing?

Every time a body piercing is left without jewelry there is a risk of closing or shrinking. There are two stages of healing: The initial stage seals the piercing and reduces the chance of infection. The second stage is the time it takes for the piercing to reinforce itself. During and after the 2nd stage jewelry can usually be removed for brief lengths of time.

How long should I wait before stretching my piercing?

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to wait at least 3 times as long as the healing period before attempting to stretch. This period can vary depending on the individual. It’s always a good idea to discuss this with your piercer and to let the piercer do the stretching when the time is right.

How do you ensure that all equipment is sterile?

Each tattoo is done with a brand new, single use needle; which is blister packed to prevent tampering or resealing. The needle is EO gas sterilized at the factory and after use is placed in an approved biohazard container. Tubes are autoclaved on site by a monthly spore tested medical grade autoclave and indicator strips are included in every cycle to ensure proper functionality and sterilization. Tattoo and piercing stations are disinfected and sterilized after every client.

Is it normal for my tattoo to be peeling or flaking during the healing process?

Peeling and flaking of a new tattoo is perfectly normal. This is the top layer of dead skin, which also contains some ink, flaking from the surface of the tattoo. It is perfectly normal and there is no need to panic. Do NOT scratch, pick or peel a healing tattoo. At this point in the healing process it is advised to apply an unscented skin moisturizing lotion until peeling subsides and your tattoo will return to its original level of brightness.

Can I tan or sunbathe after receiving my tattoo?

While a tattoo is healing you should avoid this. Even after a tattoo is fully healed it is recommended that you use a high SPF sunscreen when exposed to the sun and any subsequent tanning or burning can potentially damage the quality of a tattoo.

Why can’t I use regular soaps to clean my piercing or tattoo?

Bar soap should never be used as it collects germs sitting in the open air and non- antibacterial soaps will not kill germs. The soap must be unscented liquid antibacterial (from a pump) to get the proper results.

How long will my piercing take to heal?

Each area of the body has its own unique healing period and process. Oral and oral/facial piercings tend to heal fastest, while others tend to heal a bit slower. Every person heals and reacts to piercings in an individualized manner. Here are some guidelines:

Cheek: 6 months – 1 year
Cartilage: 6 months – 1 year
Earlobe: 6 – 8 weeks
Eyebrow: 6 – 8 weeks
Genitals: 4 weeks – 6 months
Lip/Labret: 2 – 4 months
Nose: 2 – 4 months
Navel: 6 months – over 1 year
Nipple: 6 months – 1 year
Nostril: 2 months – 1 year
Septum: 2 – 6 months
Tongue: 4 – 6 weeks

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Didn’t find your answer? Contact us at info@arborealink.com!