Tattoo FAQ

What is an Autoclave?
An Autoclave is the only acceptable means of equipment sterilization in a tattoo shop. An Autoclave uses a combination of heat, steam, and pressure to kill all pathogenic microorganisms known to man. Bonnie Blue follows regulation by keeping a log of autoclave use and performing an autoclave spore test monthly.
 

 

 

 

 

 

What does it feel like?

 

 

 

 

What are the age requirements?

In the State of Texas you must be 18 years old to get tattooed unless you are covering an existing tattoo. If someone disregards State law, you may want to ask yourself what else they may be disregarding, such as sterility.
 

 

 

 

 

 

How much will it cost?

Tattooing is a trade in which you should see examples of the artist work, cleanliness of the shop, and question their knowledge and expertise. If you feel the need,  shop around for “the best price.” But the rule of thumb is Cheap tattoos are not good and good tattoos are not cheap. We do offer a lot of specials and discounts to help offset the cost. We think everyone should be able to afford a beautiful piece of art they can be proud of!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What should I expect?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can I get a tattoo if I've been

drinking alcohol?

 

 

 

 

Can I get a quote over the phone?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you guarantee your tattoos?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do I take care of my tattoo?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is there anything I shouldn't do

after getting my tattoo?

 

 

 

 

 

When can I shave again?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you reuse needles?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! We use new needles on everyone. Everything used in the tattoo and piercing process is opened in front of you in sterilization pouches. The needle is used one time and then disposed of in a sharps biohazzard container.
 

 

 

Do not shave the area where your tattoo is until it is completely healed (if you do, you might as well take a weed whacker to it.) The best way to know if it is okay to shave is to come into the shop and let the artist take a look at it. You can also close your eyes and run your finger over the area where your tattoo is. If you can tell you have a tattoo there, do not shave it. To be safe, plan on not shaving the area for about 4 weeks.
 

 

 

Do not go swimming for at least 2 weeks. Do not scratch or pick your tattoo. Do not shave your tattoo, go to the tanning bed, or sunbathe until your tattoo is healed. It takes 30 days for your tattoo to completely heal.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* While all of this information is based on research and years of experience, it is NOT medical advice. Please keep in mind that typically, Doctors are not educated in body piercings.

 

 

 

                 

 

 

 

 

Leave the bandage on for two hours

When you take the bandage off, wash your tattoo with soap and warm water then pat dry with a paper towel

Wash and dry your tattoo twice a day for two weeks

After washing, apply a think layer of A&D ointment, Bacitracin, or we sell Tattoo Goo. DO NOT USE VASOLINE OR NEOSPORIN!

Blot or wipe off excess ointment so you only have a thin layer on your tattoo, more is not better

Apply ointment as described two or three times a day until it is healed. Healing takes about two weeks

 

 

Yes, with the exception of tattoos on the hands or feet. Hands and feet take more abuse from normal everyday life, which makes maintaining the quality of tattoo very difficult. All other tattoos are guaranteed with a free touch up as long as you have followed the aftercare instructions. We  give  free touch ups even if the artist that tattooed you is no longer here. We stand behind our work! Remember that the way your tattoo heals depends on how well you take care of it.
 

 

 

No. This would be like calling an automotive garage, telling them your car is broken and asking how much it would be to fix it. An artist needs to look at the design for detail, size and location before quoting you a price. If you do not have time to go into the shop and get a price on your tattoo you should not be getting a tattoo. IF you want a quote over the phone because you are price shopping, we suggest you ask yourself, Can I tell if the shop is clean over the phone? Can I see the artist work? Do I want to take a shot in the dark with something as permanent as a tattoo?
 

 

 

No! Not only is it against the law to tattoo someone that is drunk, but it will cause you to become dehydrated as well as bleed more, negatively effecting your tattoo.
 

 

 

Getting a tattoo is a very exciting experience and being prepared for what to expect can keep the experience fun. First, you should be well rested and well fed. If you are tired or your blood sugar level is low, you may experience a higher level of discomfort than you would normally. The amount of blood varies dependent on the person, but it is normally similar to a scrapped knee or rug burn. If you begin to feel light headed, tell your artist immediately instead of trying to tough it out. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a break. Your artist will understand, is prepared for this sort of event, and knows how to handle it (we would rather you take a break, then to have to pick you up off the floor.) If you need to change positions, stretch, sneeze, wiggle, or go to the restroom let your artist know before you do it. After all, how your tattoo turns out depends on how still you are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some people describe the feeling as annoying, while others compare it to a cat scratch or even a stress reliever. The majority of individuals tattooed for the first time will say that the feeling was not nearly as bad as they had feared. Keep in mind that everyone has a different threshold for pain. What one individual finds excruciating another may find not painful at all.