Question 1

Do I Need An Appointment?

Accepted Answer

We do accept walk-ins, but they are available on a first come first serve basis! However, if you’re interested in a larger tattoo, we suggest coming in and speaking with an artist ahead of time about your ideas. Appointments are suggested for anyone who wants a large or intricate design. Your artist will usually ask for a deposit before an appointment is set.

Question 2

Does It Hurt?

Accepted Answer

Yes it hurts. We are using needles to permanently insert pigments into your skin. The pain varies from person to person but is similar to a cat scratch or a hair pull.

Question 3

How Much Does A Tattoo Cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of your tattoo depends on a number of factors including size, placement, skin type, and color vs. black and gray. For smaller tattoos, we will generally quote you a price up-front. For larger tattoos, your artist may opt to quote you an hourly rate.

Question 4

Are Tattoos Safe?

Accepted Answer

We can’t speak for every tattoo studio, but here at Big Deluxe Tattoo, your health and safety is our highest priority. In addition to providing new needles for every client, we also adhere to strict procedures to avoid cross-contamination. You can expect to see disposable ink holders, disposable razors, and barriers on everything that must be touched during the tattoo process. We work closely with the Salt Lake County Department of Health to ensure that our methods comply with the most current guidelines. We use the same equipment (autoclave) that a hospital uses to sterilize our equipment. We also use disposable setups for each tattoo. Visit your tattoo artist to insure the instruments are individually wrapped and sterilized.

Question 5

Can I Bring In My Own Design?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can be anything you like, but it will need to be converted into a tattoo design. Some styles of artwork do not work well as a tattoo, but we use our years of experience to guide you with the selection of the artwork and style.

Question 6

How Much Does It Cost?

Accepted Answer

It is impossible to quote a price without seeing a design. Custom tattooing costs according to the time involved. Larger and complex tattoos can cost thousands of dollars, while smaller and simpler things cost less. The shop minimum is $100. Artists hourly ranges from $100 to $200 an hour.

Question 7

Will Hair Still Grow Through My Tattoo?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the skin will still be the same as before. If you have dark or long body hair it might obscure the tattoo, if the tattoo is too small.

Question 8

How Should I Prepare For My Tattoo Appointment?

Accepted Answer

Make sure you are well rested, hydrated, and had a recent meal. Also make sure to take a shower and that your mobile device is fully charged.

Question 9

What Should I Wear For My Tattoo Appointment?

Accepted Answer

It’s important that you wear what’s comfortable for you. Loose clothing is better than tight clothing. Depending on where you’re getting your tattoo, you’ll want to be able to cover up certain places that might show.

Question 10

When Should I Not Get A Tattoo?

Accepted Answer

You should not get a tattoo when you are:

Drunk

High

Pregnant

Lactating

Sunburned

Pre-surgery

Post-surgery

Unable to afford it

Being pressured into it

Being told by anyone that your idea is bad (not to be confused with a tattoo that won’t translate well on the skin!)

Question 11

What Is The Pain Level For A Tatoo Or Piercing?

Accepted Answer

In most cases it’ll feel like a 3/10. You can think of it as getting a scratch on a sunburn.

Question 12

How Long Does It Take To Heal After A Tatoo Or Piercing?

Accepted Answer

For a tattoo, the average it takes about four weeks (see more detailed description below!) Piercings, however, have different timelines based on the location of the piercing, which can be anywhere from 6 weeks to six months, depending on the piercing. Your piercer will make sure to discuss all of your options and healing times when you come in!

Question 13

Common Sense Tattoo After Care Instructions:

Accepted Answer

The first rule is to use common sense…

Do not touch or let others touch your new tattoo unless their hands are freshly washed thoroughly.

Keep your tattoo clean, and do not expose to hostile environments or chemicals…

Do not let unqualified people tell you what to do, if you have a question, refer to the care instructions that came with your tattoo, or contact your tattoo artist.

While most of our artists follow he same general aftercare instructions, some have specific points they would like you to follow in order to ensure the most ideal heal possible. So please leave the bandage on as long as your artist tells you to! Our aftercare instructions are designed to give you the best, fastest, and safest heal possible.

Wash thoroughly with soap and water using the pads of your fingers (no loofas, washcloths, or anything abrasive!) We suggest using something like liquid Dial Gold. This is an important step, make sure you remove all the grease and the residue. If you feel any slick spots, continue this process until it doesn’t feel slick anymore.

Blot dry, do not rub. Allow to dry well before covering with clothing. High bacteria locations, like feet, change your socks twice daily.

Do not compress the fresh tattoo with tight clothing or belts, etc.

With clean hands put a non-greasy, alcohol free lotion on your tattoo 3-5 times daily, rub in thoroughly. Do not leave a coating or residue. (Think of it like rubbing lotion into your legs after shaving! If you can see it, you have too much on!) We suggest using an unscented lotion like Aveeno for your aftercare.

Do not use bacitracin, polysporin, neosporin or any other topical antibiotics. Greasy lotions will cause you to loose color and prolong healing time.

Do not soak, swim, or sauna for at least two weeks.

Do not expose to sun for at least three weeks.

Do not pick at or otherwise traumatize your fresh tattoo. Scabbing is a normal part of the healing process. The best thing to do is let them fall off on their own. And don’t worry, even though it may look like you are losing ink in those colorful scabs, we promise you aren’t! But, if for any reason you feel like you need a touch up after your tattoo is fully healed, make sure you call the studio to set up a touch up within the first couple of months!

Your new tattoo will go through multiple stages of healing, but the entirety of the process should take about three to four weeks. Maybe less if you followed the instructions carefully.

Question 14

What You Can Expect:

Accepted Answer

Scabbing phase — 3-7 days

Dry flaky skin phase — 3-7 days

Leathery phase — 3-7 days

Frequently asked questions