
Tattoo Shop Policies
Tattoo Pricing
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Deposits
We require a minimum, NON-REFUNDABLE $100 deposit per design that will go towards the total cost of your tattoo before we can begin drawing your piece. Any design larger than a quarter-sleeve and smaller than a full sleeve requires a $200 deposit, any thigh wraps or full sleeves require a $300 deposit, and any back pieces, leg sleeves, or larger requires a $500 deposit. It will remain in your account until the last session if more than one is required, but will go towards the total cost of the tattoo. Deposits will be taken if an appointment is missed without at least 48 hours notice prior to the appointment. In the event of a late-cancellation or no-show, another deposit will be required to reschedule. Cash, e-transfer, debit, and credit are accepted.
*No deposit, no appointment. No refunds, no exceptions.
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Tattoos
The shops hourly rate is $180/h + tax. The minimum charge is $150 + tax for any piece that takes 45 minutes or less to tattoo. The larger a piece gets, the more difficult it is to estimate a total time. Things that affect the overall time a tattoo can take are:
- Design. Size, style, and placement all affect duration.
- How long each session is. The longer every session is, the shorter the overall time becomes so we can get as much done as possible in a single sit.
- Time between sessions. The longer you wait between sessions, the more the Artist has to touch-up due to natural aging of the skin and therefore the tattoo. In order to achieve even results, the Artist may touch-up older work before proceeding into newer work. This is especially important to consider when planning full sleeves, leg wraps, or back pieces.
- How often breaks are taken. We take breaks every hour or so for 5 minutes, but any extra breaks or duration add to the overall timeline.
- How much you move while getting tattooed. The more movement, the more we need to slow down to ensure quality.
Sometimes the above factors are out of our control as clients and Artists. We will take your health into consideration above all else, and sometimes that means cutting a session short, or extending breaks. We will accommodate your needs as best we can while still giving you the best quality tattoo.
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Touch-ups
We always recommend touch-ups regardless of how the tattoo heals. We want your tattoo to look its best for as long as possible, and touch-ups are a great way to ensure quality and overall longevity. We offer touch-ups for a full year after your last session for only a supply fee of $20 + tax.
*Touch-ups do not apply to high-wear zones such as hands, fingers, feet, toes, and any face tattoos. Any touch-ups on these areas will be the hourly rate.
Tattoo Process
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Consultations
All consultations are free. The purpose of a consultation with your Artist is to go over any details about the design, size, style, and placement of your tattoo. It is always a good idea to come prepared with reference photos of elements you’d like to see in the design. Unless you are getting matching tattoos, we recommend coming to your consultation appointment alone. This helps the Artist focus on what you’re wanting your tattoo to look like and provide the best one-on-one experience possible. After the consult, there are two options. You can always choose to walk out without putting down a deposit if you still need to think about the tattoo, or if you are not jiving with the Artist. Tattoos are very personal and permanent, therefore your comfort is our top priority even if that means going elsewhere. If you think that your Artist is right for you, then you can leave a deposit when the consultation is over to begin the drawing process. Artist’s will not begin drawing until this is received. The deposit is also used to hold your appointment date when you or your Artist are ready to book.
*We do not copy other tattoos that someone else is wearing. We are custom Artist’s and want to give you a unique design so that you will be proud to wear it for the rest of your life.
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Preparing For Your Tattoo
After the consultation, your Artist will let you know what they need in order to begin the drawing of your discussed design. Once an appointment is booked, please ensure that you give your Artist at least 48 hours notice to reschedule if you can’t make it for whatever reason. Otherwise, do not drink alcohol at least 48 hours prior to your appointment. Alcohol thins the blood and may result in a session being cut short, and/or the ink not taking to your skin properly. It is also a good idea to drink lots of water the day before your tattoo appointment, and get lots of sleep the night before. Dehydration affects the texture of the skin, and lack of sleep may result in more pain during the tattoo itself. Always try to reduce physical and mental stress leading up to your appointment, for this may also impact the way your body handles the pain. If it is Summer, be careful not to burn the area that you would like to be tattooed, or have any mosquito bites, for these cannot be tattooed over. The day of your appointment, have a large breakfast if you can help it, as long as you have something in your stomach before getting started. Bring snacks with you if you plan on sitting for a few hours, and also a sugary beverage if you choose. If you are using Dr. Numb, follow the instructions for best results. Wear something comfortable, especially if you’re sitting for more than two hours. Make sure to expose the area getting tattooed, or wear something that you do not mind getting ink on (it does not come out!). The Artist is not responsible for any clothing that may be damaged as a result of the tattoo process. Do not bring more than one person with you to your tattoo appointment. There is a finite amount of space in the tattoo studio, and there are other Artist’s and clients to be mindful of.
*Please be respectful of your Artist’s time and let them know if you will be running late. If you will be more than 15 minutes late without notice, the Artist may charge a late fee.
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Dr. Numb
Dr. Numb is sold in store at Heart & Dagger Tattoo or Online. For best results, please follow the application method described below:
- After washing the targeted area, apply a thick layer of Dr. Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream and rub it into the skin evenly.
- Apply another thick layer on top of the first one and let it sit on the surface of the skin, do not rub it in to absorption.
- Cover and wrap the area with a plastic film to facilitate better absorption. The natural body heat sealed inside the film will open up the pores for the cream to take effect.
- Allow the anesthesia to absorb into the skin with the plastic on for at least 45-60 minutes. Wait time may vary and could be extended to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
- Leave the plastic on until your Artist is ready to tattoo, and let them remove it for you.
*Dr. Numb affects everyone differently, and may also vary by location on the body. The skin may not be 100% numb. The pain will be decreased and extend the overall time a session can be, though it is likely to wear off during longer sessions. Areas recommended for numbing include but are not limited to the hands, feet, ribs, and knees. Sensitive locations vary by individual and it is also recommended to get tattooed first WITHOUT numbing to see how it feels. If you feel that is extremely uncomfortable to get tattooed where you are unable to sit still, DO NOT be a hero and numb that shit out! Everyone will be happier because of it.
*Dr. Numb includes 5% lidocaine, which is the highest FDA approved amount. Anything with a higher dose requires a prescription from your doctor. Dr. Numb is the most recommended by our clients and has been proven time and time again to make the tattoo experience more comfortable. Let us know if you have any further questions about Dr. Numb and it’s intended uses and application!
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Walk-ins
Walk-ins are accepted, though it depends on Artist availability, time of day, and design as to whether or not you will be tattooed. Appointments are always recommended to ensure that your Artist is not rushing a design that may need adjustments, or to guarantee a time slot that works for you and the Artist.
*You will not be tattooed if you are drunk, high, rude or smell of marijuana.
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Aftercare
Bandages: If using a clear plastic bandage, leave it on for 4-7 days. The longer it is left on, the better. Take it off sooner if:
- You notice any air bubbles or large pooling of liquid.
- The area around the bandage becomes red, itchy and/or irritated.
- The tattoo becomes exposed.
It is NORMAL if the tattoo itself is red and/or swollen for the first few days. It is NORMAL for the ink to spread out underneath the bandage. It is NORMAL for the edges of the bandage to peel up. You can shower with the bandage on, but DO NOT soak it or submerge it. That means no baths, hot tubs, saunas, swimming, or anything of that sort. When you do take off the bandage, remove it at the END of your shower under the running water. The bandage will loosen and cause less irritation and/or residue. Once the bandage is off, scroll down for the rest of the aftercare instructions.
If using the black meat-soaker bandage, leave it on for 1-4 hours, or overnight if you prefer to keep it protected while you sleep. It will not stick to your skin and will be easy to remove without any water.
After removing the bandage, gently wash the tattoo with unscented, liquid body wash. The more natural and less alcohol content, the better. Public Goods bodywash is preferred by our Artists for its gentleness on skin, delightful natural citrus aroma, and sustainable packaging. It is sold in-store at Heart & Dagger Tattoo and online. DO NOT use hand soap or anti-bacterial soap. DO NOT use a loofa or cloth. Pat it dry with a fresh piece of paper towel. DO NOT use a bath/house towel or scrubbing motion. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion on overtop. The less alcohol and water content, the better. We recommend Hustle Butter if you do not have a nut allergy because it reduces redness, itchiness, flaking, and therefore ink-loss. DO NOT use Vaseline, Polysporin, or any similar products. Vaseline will clog the pores and suffocate the tattoo, whereas Polysporin will force a heal. Both will result in ink-loss. Repeat the wash, dry, and lotion steps about 3 times a day. If it feels tight, dry, or itchy, you may want to wash, dry, lotion more often, especially in the Winter. If you are sweating excessively, wash, dry, lotion right after.
DO NOT soak or submerge your tattoo for at least a month, at least until it is completely finished flaking. That means NO swimming, baths, hot tubs, saunas, or anything of that sort. When showering, DO NOT subject your new tattoo to direct water for long periods at a time. Just long enough to wash it is best.
NO slapping it, scratching it, licking it, or abusing it in any way, shape, or form. DO NOT expose it to direct sunlight, especially in the Summer. DO NOT apply sunscreen until it is completely healed, about 4-6 weeks. Always wear sunscreen over healed tattoos when in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Burning your tattoo will result in quicker fading over time. If you cannot keep it clean for whatever reason, keep it covered. DO NOT wear super tight clothing over the tattoo until it is finished healing. Allow your skin to breathe as much as possible. DO NOT wear tight fabrics that do not allow air through, such as spandex, leather, latex, polyester, or any imitation fabrics of these variations.
Your new tattoo will feel like a sunburn for the first few days. Then, your tattoo will get itchy. This is an indication that it has begun to heal. To avoid scratching it and over-moisturizing, apply heat to the tattoo to reduce itchiness. Apply a hot wash cloth to the tattooed area with a plastic barrier between the cloth and the tattoo. Your tattoo will eventually flake. DO NOT peel these flakes off, but let them come off naturally when you wash. Once it is finished flaking, the skin will feel thin and appear shiny. It will be finished healing when the skin becomes duller and the same texture as the rest of the skin in that area.
For any questions or concerns as it heals, feel free to contact your Artist. Touch-ups are ALWAYS recommended, and are only a supply fee for the first year after your last appointment.
Enjoy your new tattoo!
Shop Policies
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Drawings
Drawing is a large part of the tattoo process. A $100, $200, $300, or $500 deposit is required to start any drawing. The amount is dependent on the size of the tattoo. Changes can be made after a drawing is considered finished, and it is recommended to look at it in person before the actual appointment. Photos of drawings will not be sent until the tattoo is complete. This is to ensure that the design is not tattooed or finished elsewhere.
We try our best to customize designs to suit your personal aesthetic, while also maintaining quality of work that will last a lifetime. Tattoos are a collaboration between Artist and client, though micro-managing a design may negatively impact the end result. If drastic changes are made to a design, or if you would like something different altogether, another deposit will be required for the redraw. Artist’s do not draw for free.
If you feel as though your Artist may not be the right fit, that is perfectly okay, too. We do not, however, provide any refunds.
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Appointments
Walk-ins are always welcome, though never guaranteed. Feel free to stop by any time during our shop hours to chat about a tattoo, ask questions, or to book an appointment.
To book an appointment for a tattoo, we typically start off by scheduling a consultation to discuss design, size, style, placement, etc. Then, we will collect a non-refundable deposit to begin drawing your tattoo, and to book the first session. Deposits will go towards the total cost of the tattoo after tax, and are carried over to the last session if more than one are required to complete the tattoo. Your deposit will be forfeit if you do not provide at least 48 hours notice prior to cancelling or rescheduling your appointment. Another deposit will be required in order to rebook.
We do not tattoo under 18, and a valid government issued photo ID is required before touching needle to skin.
If you are drunk or hungover, you will not be tattooed. Alcohol impairs judgement and thins the blood. You will have No Regerts if you wait until your body is free from alcoholic influence before getting your next tattoo.
If you are high or smell like marijuana, you will not be tattooed. Drugs can also impair judgement and even heighten the pain experienced while getting tattooed. If you smell like weed, even if you are not stoned, it will permeate the space where Artist’s and/or clients may have sensitivities.
It is always a good idea to be clean before coming in for your tattoo appointment to make the experience more comfortable for the Artist as well as other clients in the shop. We are in close proximity to one another during the tattoo process, and good hygiene will benefit everyone.
If you are rude, yelling, or swearing at your Artist, you will be asked to leave the premises. If you are unhappy with your experience in any way, we will try our best to ensure satisfaction. However, disorderly conduct will not be tolerated.
If you are sick or have been in close contact with anyone that has tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 48 hours, please reschedule your appointment. We appreciate your consideration to our Artist’s health and look forward to seeing you when you are healthy.
Tattoos can be a great experience to share with others, though we ask that you bring no more than one person with you to your tattoo appointment. A group of people can be distracting to the Artist and limit the amount of space in the shop. We like to maintain a comfortable, relaxing environment for our clients.
Do not bring children under 12 years of age to your tattoo appointment. We highly recommend leaving the children with a relative or babysitter while you get your tattoo. Children cannot be properly watched while both Artist and client are focusing on the tattoo. The tattooing area is also considered sterile and may not be a safe place for children to roam unattended due to the potential biohazards and blood-borne pathogens. For everyone’s safety and comfort, please refrain from bringing the little ones.
Our Artist’s are friendly, flexible, and look forward to working with you!
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Contacting Your Artist
Our shop hours are 11am - 6pm, Tuesday - Saturday. These hours may vary depending on individual Artist’s schedules and vacation time.
Email or text is the best and fastest way to reach your Artist, though if messaging outside of shop hours, expect a 24-48 hour response time.
Social media can also be a great way to communicate, though messages are not always seen immediately. Ultimately, whatever method you would prefer to contact your Artist, they will try their best to accommodate and respond in a timely manner.
Any abusive, threatening, or demanding messages will not be tolerated and may result in the Artist’s refusal to continue working with you. Please respect your Artist’s time, especially during the evenings and weekends. Refunds will not be given for any deposits or services completed.
For further questions, visit our FAQ’s page, or contact Bree directly!