Frequently Asked Questions
Pricing
We need to have a look at your project before we can quote you. We do all work at an hourly rate but it can differ as each project is unique. When we quote we take into account the time it will take to get done, the level of detail, the size and the placement on the body.
Preferred Booking Method
We prefer to take bookings over WhatsApp or email so that the whole conversation is in writing. Usually, depending on the design, we may ask you to come in for a free consultation with one of us to make sure the idea you have and what we have in mind are aligned and we can take measurements and make sure you have an opportunity to ask any and all questions you may have before committing to a booking. Once we have a good idea of what tattoo you would like to get, we take a 50% deposit to secure a date and time for you to have the tattoo done. This includes working on your design and allowing you to make one or two changes if necessary. Deposit is payable by Card or EFT. No cash.
How far in advance should I book my tattoo/piercing?
This will depend entirely on the artists’ availability. Sometimes we have quiet times and can fit you in easily (especially if you are able to come through on a working weekday). Weekends are usually busy, which may require a booking a bit more in advance. Please WhatsApp us with your vision of your tattoo or piercing request and we can see where we can fit you in. Keep in mind designing a quality tattoo may take some time. Don’t simplify your tattoo because you want it done sooner. Work with your chosen artist to bring your vision to life. We want to get you into the chair as soon as possible, but we also want you to get our best work.
Why do I need to pay a deposit?
The deposit is required to secure your time slot on the day of your tattoo/piercing. The deposit means that that spot is yours and the artist has kept that space specifically for your tattoo/piercing and attention. We require a 50% deposit to secure the date and time as well as to prep and finalise your design and order any necessary stock that is not readily available. We take the time to ensure you are getting our very best and it also lets us know that you are committed to getting the tattoo/piercing.
Can I walk in and expect to get tattooed/pierced on the same day?
Sometimes. We can typically fit in small tattoos on the same day, but it will depend on a few factors. If it is a Pinterest design or a photograph of someone else’s tattoo, we would typically like to book it in for another day because we want to customize the design. We do not want to copy someone else’s tattoo. Tattoos that are bigger and more detailed will need to be booked in for a later date to allow the artist time to work on the design. We also cannot start your tattoo at 30mins to closing time. Even if the tattoo takes 5 minutes, the setup and time taken to prep fills the rest of the time. We don’t want work to run into our personal time as we also have loved ones we would like to get home to. With regards to piercings, it will depend on availability and jewelry sizes available.
Can I drink alcohol the day before my tattoo appointment?
No. Stay sober the day before your tattoo because alcohol will thin your blood. While this isn’t a health risk – your blood will literally push the ink out while we are actively trying to put it into your skin. This can lead to patchy healing and will end up needing to be reworked in future. Touch ups are not free if you were drinking 24hrs before the tattoo. It is not worth it.
What should I do the day of my tattoo appointment?
1. Have a good meal before your tattoo.
2. Wear something comfortable and old if you are concerned about getting ink on your clothing. If you are not sure, feel free to WhatsApp to ask the artist if you are not sure what to wear to make it easy to access the placement of your tattoo.
3. You will be asked to fill in an indemnity form before we place a stencil on. We give the stencil about 10 to 15mins to dry before we begin the tattoo.
4. Bring snacks and water. It is important to stay hydrated while getting a tattoo.
5. Your session may take longer than anticipated, as we may need to allow for breaks in between long sessions. Best not to be in a rush to get to another appointment. If we are working under pressure to get your tattoo done before your next appointment for the day, the chances are that you will not get our best work. If you need to tap out before the tattoo session is done, we can absolutely book you in for a second session to complete the work. It will result in another setup cost and extra time depending on how far we are in the process.
What is the healing and aftercare process for tattoos?
What is the healing and aftercare process for tattoos? We all follow similar guidelines for healing. The best is to listen to what your artist suggests. This is a basic guide on healing your tattoo:
With second skin: If your artist places a second skin over your tattoo when it is complete they will give you an indication of when to remove it and how to remove it safely. Do not shower or submerge the second skin in water for 8 – 12 hours after it is applied. It needs time to settle on your skin. Typically, it is advised to leave the second skin on for a minimum of 5 days and a maximum of 7 days. While the second skin is on your tattoo you will notice that some blood, plasma and ink will build up underneath it. Do not panic. Your tattoo is not melting. What you are seeing would typically scab if you were dry healing. The primary function of the second skin is to keep dirt and other bacteria away from the fresh tattoo. Preferably only shower with the second skin on. Do not soak it in a bath/sink/swimming pool/lake/sea or other body of water. When the time comes to remove the second skin, do so in the shower with some warm running water and soap. Gently peel the second skin away from your skin. Do not rip it off quickly. Once it is removed, wash it with your hand and some good plain soap like Dove or Protex Gentle. Your tattoo will feel itchy during this process. Do not scratch your tattoo or pick at any flakes or scabs. Apply a small amount of cream to your tattoo as it will begin to dry. We recommend the balm we have in studio which is Fernweh tattoo balm. Alternatively, you can use plain Aqueous cream, E45 or Epimax. Apply 2 to 3 times a day as needed. Please do not use too much moisturizer as we want the skin to breathe as well. Stay out of the sun, as it will damage the tattoo. Sunblock should only be applied to a healed tattoo.
Without second skin aka dry healing: We will usually cover your tattoo with clingwrap to protect it after the tattoo is complete. Leave it on for around 3 hours and then give it a gentle wash with a gentle soap in the shower or sink under running water. Do not submerge your tattoo in the bath for extended periods of time. Do not submerge the tattoo in baths/swimming pools/lakes/seas or other body of water for 10 to 14 days after the tattoo. Do not exercise for 10 to 14 days after the tattoo. Exercise will lead to sweating, bacterial growth and breaking of the scabs which all damage to the tattoo. Keep the tattoo away from pets, dirty hands and dirty surfaces. Do not scratch or pick your tattoo if it itches. Allow the scabs to form and fall off naturally. Avoid bumping the tattoo as this will cause trauma to the area. Wash your new tattoo twice a day, morning and evening with your hand, soap and running water. Use a good plain soap like Dove or Protex Gentle. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel after washing it. Apply a small amount of cream to the tattoo. We recommend the balm we have in studio which is Fernweh tattoo balm. Alternatively, you can use plain Aqueous cream, E45 or Epimax. Apply 2 to 3 times a day as needed. Please do not use too much moisturizer as we want the skin to breathe as well. Stay out of the sun as it will damage the tattoo. Sunblock should only be used on healed tattoos.
Should I come for touch ups?
We do offer free touch ups within reason. If it is just a small section of the tattoo that had some “fallout” of ink. We only offer one free touch up in the space of one year of you having the tattoo. This is provided you did not consume alcohol or do anything before the tattoo appointment and during the healing process that would sabotage the tattoo. We are trained to put the ink into your skin properly. If the entire tattoo needs to be reworked, we will ask you what healing process you followed and rule out any mistakes during healing before offering a free touch up.
Can my parent/ guardian sign for me to get a tattoo if I am under 18?
No. You will need to wait until you are 18 to get a tattoo. We will also advise you against bad tattoo decisions when you are 18 and have not yet entered the work force but at the end of the day, we are not your mother.
What tattoo/piercing should I get?
That is entirely up to you. We can advise you on placement and design but ultimately it is your decision. We do not know you personally and so we cannot choose your tattoo for you. We won’t make you look bad, but what you like and what we like are two very different ideas. People get tattoos for a multitude of reasons including but not limited to: “I just like it” and “It holds special significance”. All reasons are valid.
Can I use numbing cream?
If you are getting a very small tattoo, it is not really necessary but that can also depend on the placement of the tattoo. Something to consider when getting a tattoo in a painful spot is the level of detail in the design. Numbing cream does begin to wear off after a certain amount of time and so you will begin to feel it either during the tattoo process or just as we finish the tattoo. When the feeling returns it is more sensitive than if we had not used the numbing cream. We do stock certain creams in studio that can be applied to the area before the tattoo. It will need to be discussed beforehand so that we are prepared to wait about one hour before to allow the cream to take effect. There is also an extra cost involved when using numbing cream.
Please Note: Fix8 Ink will not be held responsible for any adverse effects of the use of numbing cream of any brand. We do not use any form of numbing for piercings.
Can I still get tattooed/pierced if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Not under any circumstances. It is a health risk to the baby.
Can I still get tattooed/pierced if I have diabetes?
Yes, you can. You need to continue managing the condition as you would normally. You will also need to take extra care during the healing process as it may take you longer to fully heal. Your skin might also show signs of having “had enough” before your tattoo is complete. We may in that circumstance suggest that we let it heal and book another session to complete it once fully healed.
Can I get tattooed/pierced if I am on chronic medication?
This will depend entirely on the type of medication and what condition it is used to treat. Inform us during a consultation or via WhatsApp when enquiring about a tattoo and we will do our best to advise you correctly.
Please note: Fix8 Ink and its artists are not medical professionals and do not offer medical advice. If you have serious concerns, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
My child wants earlobe piercings. Do you offer that service?
Earlobe piercings for children are limited to those over the age of 12. Please also bear in mind that your child’s school may not allow certain piercings. Should your child be adamant about the issue, please book with Lisa. Parental consent will be needed for any ear piercing on a minor. At least one parent will need to be present when the piercing takes place.
My child wants a nose piercing. Do you offer that service?
No. Religious exemptions may be made for Hindu girls that have obtained parental consent. At least one parent needs to be present when the piercing takes place. Please book this piercing with Lisa.