TATTOOS:
Does it hurt?
How old do I have to be to get tattooed?
What forms of ID are acceptable?
Do I have to make an appointment?
Can I donate blood after getting tattooed?
Can you draw up a custom tattoo for me if I have an idea?
If I have a medical condition (diabetes/ pregnancy) is it safe to get a tattoo?
Can you tell me your sterilization/disinfection procedures?

PIERCINGS:
Does it hurt?
How old do I have to be to get a piercing?
What forms of ID are acceptable?
Can I be pierced with a barbell?
I have an ugly hard red bump on my piercing - is it infected? What is it?
How do I know if my piercing is infected? What should I do if I have an infection?
I heard that sometimes piercings "reject." Is this true and what should I do if this starts
to happen?
Can you tell me your sterilization/disinfection procedures?

TATTOOS:
Does it hurt?
Ahh, without a doubt the most frequently asked question! However, because there are so
many variables to consider, there is no simple answer! What we have found is that getting
a tattoo is never as bad as people expect it to be. The most uncomfortable part for most
people is the outline - which is fortunately also the quickest part! Most people liken the
outline to a cat scratch. The shading and coloring are usually much less uncomfortable.
We’ve had reactions varying from “wow, I don’t feel this at all!” to “well, it’s kind of annoying,
but not too bad.”

How old do I have to be to get tattooed?
According to New York State Law you must be 18 years or older to get tattooed - no
exceptions, including with parental consent.

What forms of ID are acceptable?
We can only accept official state or federally issued picture ID such as drivers licenses.
If this is not available we can also accept an original birth certificate along with some sort
of picture ID.

Do I have to make an appointment?
Our artists can sometimes get booked up, so appointments are recommended, but walk-ins
are always welcome! Even if we are not able to tattoo you that day, we can certainly help
you with anything you need.

Can I donate blood after getting tattooed?
The policy of the blood banks seems to be that you must wait 1 year after being tattooed
before you can donate blood.

Can you draw up a custom tattoo for me if I have an idea?
Absolutely, that’s why we’re here, and we’d be happy to!

If I have a medical condition (diabetes/ pregnancy) is it safe to get a tattoo?
Getting a tattoo is not recommended if you are pregnant, have clotting problems, or are on
prescription blood thinners such as Kumadin. In some cases it may be dangerous for some
diabetics to get tattooed. The safest thing you can do is ask your doctor if you are unsure.

Can you tell me your sterilization/disinfection procedures?
The difference between sterilization and disinfection is that disinfection kills most living
things except viral spores whereas sterilization kills everything. Disinfection is used on our
work surfaces, chairs, and everything that we touch (bottles, etc). Sterilization is used on
all instruments that will come into contact (but not penetrate) your body which are only the
grips we use on our tattoo machines. Any instruments - such as needles - that actually
penetrate your skin are single service use only and are disposed of in a puncture proof
“Sharps” container.

PIERCINGS
Does it hurt?
As with tattoos, there is no simple answer to this question. It depends on your pain
tolerance and the location of the piercing, however, generally piercings are very quick and
feel like a little pinch at worst.

How old do I have to be to get a piercing?
Unlike tattoos there are no age limits on piercing, however in Suffolk County we are required
to keep a notarized letter of permission from a parent or guardian on file from anyone under
the age of 18 whether a parent is present or not.

What forms of ID are acceptable?
We can only accept official state or federally issued picture ID such as drivers licenses. If
this is not available we can also accept an original birth certificate along with some sort of
picture ID. If you are under 18 a notarized letter is necessary but ID is not.

Can I be pierced with a barbell?
The following is a list of the only piercings we will pierce with something other than a captive
bead ring or a circular barbell (horseshoe) - Tongues, Labrets, Lips, Monroes, Cheeks, Earls,
Surface piercings, and nostrils.

I have an ugly hard red bump on my piercing - is it infected? What is it?
This is known as a keloid. All a keloid is is the piercing channel’s scar tissue pushed
outwards - it is not an infection. Keloids usually occur when the piercing has been irritated
(turned when dry, pulled, friction from clothing, etc.), and most often occur in cartilage
piercings (ears, nose, etc.). Some people however are genetically prone to getting keloids
when they heal. The good news is that they are not permanent and can usually be taken
care of by applying aspirin paste (crushed up pure aspirin in a small amount of water)
directly to the bump (do not turn inside the piercing). Apply the aspirin paste as many
times a day as possible allowing it to sit for 20 minutes until the keloid is gone.

How do I know if my piercing is infected? What should I do if I have an infection?
Signs of infection include: redness, swelling/hardness, pain or burning at the piercing area,
thick discharge, usually dark yellow or green. If you develop an infection please do not use
antibiotic ointment - this will only worsen the infection. Instead, continue (or restart) using
the sea salt solution. If the infection worsens or if it is in mucous membrane tissue such as
the mouth, nose, or genitals, please call us and consult your doctor.

I heard that sometimes piercings "reject." If this is true why -
and what should I do if this starts to happen?
There are many reasons piercings reject. It can be the fault of the piercer (which is why it
matters that your piercer is knowledgeable) if not enough skin is taken or if the jewelry is
too thin, too heavy, or too small in diameter. It can also (and most often is) your
overzealous immune system! Signs of rejection include enlarged piercing holes, redness,
and thinning skin over the piercing. If your piercing starts to reject, the best thing that you
can do is take it out. Your piercing will heal and you can try again in a few months.
What you don’t want to do is wait for it to fully reject and wind up with an ugly scar.
Surface piercings have the highest rates of rejection.

Can you tell me your sterilization/disinfection procedures?
The difference between sterilization and disinfection is that disinfection kills most living
things except viral spores whereas sterilization kills everything. Disinfection is used on our
work surfaces, chairs, and everything that we touch (opening/closing pliers, etc.).
Sterilization is used on all instruments that will come into contact (but not penetrate) your
body including the clamps that we use to hold your skin and the jewelry we insert in the
piercing. Any instrument - such as needles - that actually penetrate your skin are single
service use only and are disposed of in a puncture proof “Sharps” container.