Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make an appointment?
Come by the shop to make an appointment. We require a deposit to hold a spot in our schedule, this deposit goes towards the total price of your tattoo. We typically will have you come by one one time before the appointment to check out the drawing and to make sure nothing has to be changed. We like to have everything ready for the appointment so the client doesn't have to pay for drawing time and we can keep on pace with our schedule.
How old do I have to be to get a piercing or a tattoo?
To get a tattoo in the city of New Bedford you must be 18 with positive identification. For a piercing it is 18 with positive ID or 16 with parental consent. The birth certificate of the minor and identification of a parent must be presented at time of service.
But I already have a tattoo, can you fix it even though I'm not 18?
No, we can't now, but once you turn 18 we will be glad to help you out. Each state and even city, sets different guidelines for age restrictions on piercings and tattoos.
Once I have a Tattoo how do I take care of it?
Two hours after the tattoo was finished take the wrapping off and wash with antibacterial soap. (non scented is best) Making sure to remove any dried blood spots as this will help with color retention. Blot dry with a clean towel and apply a thin covering of A&D ointment. You will want to apply the ointment a few times over the course of a day (each person's skin absorbs the ointment differently so it may be 4 times for one person and 7 times for another the key is to make sure the tattoo never dries out) making sure that tattoo remains moist throughout the entire day. Repeat applying the ointment for one week (7 days). For the second week you will want to apply a non scented hand lotion (we recommend something like Lubriderm) to the tattoo. You will want to apply the lotion a few times a day making sure the tattoo never dries out. These steps will ensure your tattoo to heal quickly and with great color retention. If you have questions come by the shop and we will be glad to help you out.
I want a finger or foot tattoo?
Scab prevention is number 1 in tattoo healing. What this means is any where that rubs, is in water constantly (ie hand washing/glove wearing), or you can't apply ointment frequently will have a harder time healing. If you are not ok with a faded tattoo or having to pay to touch up these tattoos we do not recommend this location for you.
I heard getting a tattoo is extremely painful do you have anything that can help me with the pain?
We carry a product called Hush which is a topical lidocaine that is safe to use on the skin. You must apply hush to the skin at least 1 hour before the tattoo for it to work properly.
Once I have a Piercing how do I take care of it?
This is a little more involved and depends on which piercing you had done but here are some basic guidelines and as usual you can always come by, for more involved questions.
Are your needles safe?
All of the needles we use in tattooing or piercing are brand new out of the package for each and every client. We do not sterilize and reuse needles every needle is single use disposable . We also sterilize all the equipment that isn't one use in a steam type autoclave. Our autoclave undergoes monthly spore testing to ensure proper sterile autoclaving and is kept on file at the shop and the Board of Health New Bedford also gets a copy.
What kind of training does your artist have?
Our artist has had training in CPR, First Aid, OSHA blood-borne pathogens, and a skin course for tattooing. She's also recently attended some classes on advanced tattoo techniques where some of the teachers were Bob Tyrrell, Nikko Hurtado, and Jeff Gogue. For Piercing she had to undergo an anatomy class and an extensive training course to ensure proper piercing techniques. She is also the only place in the area to be licensed in Micro Dermal application.
What is the experience level of your artist?
Our artists have a combine experience of 26 years of tattooing with numerous years of art classes. Val was the pioneer of legal tattooing in New Bedford. She worked extensively with the City Council, the Zoning Department, and the Board of Health Department for several years until it was passed in 2007. The first shop to open in New Bedford was "The Tattoo Room" which was own and operated by her. We believe that the work speaks for itself and always encourage new clients to look through our portfolios before booking an appointment with us.
How much does this tattoo cost?
It is extremely hard to quote a tattoo just from a description or even a picture. We require hopeful clients to stop by the shop to size the tattoo to the clients body ensuring a best fit. Many factors are incorporated into a tattoos price but mainly are priced based on size. Our shop minimum is $75 for tattoos. All of our piercing prices are posted at the shop for all our clients to see.
Where are you located I can't find you?
We are located at 31 Union Street in New Bedford, MA. More specifically we are located at the old Pizans pizza across the street from Slainte (formerly Catwalk). If you're still having trouble, give us a call we can help you out (774 202-5554).
Come by the shop to make an appointment. We require a deposit to hold a spot in our schedule, this deposit goes towards the total price of your tattoo. We typically will have you come by one one time before the appointment to check out the drawing and to make sure nothing has to be changed. We like to have everything ready for the appointment so the client doesn't have to pay for drawing time and we can keep on pace with our schedule.
How old do I have to be to get a piercing or a tattoo?
To get a tattoo in the city of New Bedford you must be 18 with positive identification. For a piercing it is 18 with positive ID or 16 with parental consent. The birth certificate of the minor and identification of a parent must be presented at time of service.
But I already have a tattoo, can you fix it even though I'm not 18?
No, we can't now, but once you turn 18 we will be glad to help you out. Each state and even city, sets different guidelines for age restrictions on piercings and tattoos.
Once I have a Tattoo how do I take care of it?
Two hours after the tattoo was finished take the wrapping off and wash with antibacterial soap. (non scented is best) Making sure to remove any dried blood spots as this will help with color retention. Blot dry with a clean towel and apply a thin covering of A&D ointment. You will want to apply the ointment a few times over the course of a day (each person's skin absorbs the ointment differently so it may be 4 times for one person and 7 times for another the key is to make sure the tattoo never dries out) making sure that tattoo remains moist throughout the entire day. Repeat applying the ointment for one week (7 days). For the second week you will want to apply a non scented hand lotion (we recommend something like Lubriderm) to the tattoo. You will want to apply the lotion a few times a day making sure the tattoo never dries out. These steps will ensure your tattoo to heal quickly and with great color retention. If you have questions come by the shop and we will be glad to help you out.
I want a finger or foot tattoo?
Scab prevention is number 1 in tattoo healing. What this means is any where that rubs, is in water constantly (ie hand washing/glove wearing), or you can't apply ointment frequently will have a harder time healing. If you are not ok with a faded tattoo or having to pay to touch up these tattoos we do not recommend this location for you.
I heard getting a tattoo is extremely painful do you have anything that can help me with the pain?
We carry a product called Hush which is a topical lidocaine that is safe to use on the skin. You must apply hush to the skin at least 1 hour before the tattoo for it to work properly.
Once I have a Piercing how do I take care of it?
This is a little more involved and depends on which piercing you had done but here are some basic guidelines and as usual you can always come by, for more involved questions.
- For piercings around the mouth (part of the jewelry is in the mouth. Examples.. Labret, snake bites, tongue)
- For mostly every other piercing (special piercings like genital and micro dermal may have different aftercare see your piercer for more detailed instructions)
Are your needles safe?
All of the needles we use in tattooing or piercing are brand new out of the package for each and every client. We do not sterilize and reuse needles every needle is single use disposable . We also sterilize all the equipment that isn't one use in a steam type autoclave. Our autoclave undergoes monthly spore testing to ensure proper sterile autoclaving and is kept on file at the shop and the Board of Health New Bedford also gets a copy.
What kind of training does your artist have?
Our artist has had training in CPR, First Aid, OSHA blood-borne pathogens, and a skin course for tattooing. She's also recently attended some classes on advanced tattoo techniques where some of the teachers were Bob Tyrrell, Nikko Hurtado, and Jeff Gogue. For Piercing she had to undergo an anatomy class and an extensive training course to ensure proper piercing techniques. She is also the only place in the area to be licensed in Micro Dermal application.
What is the experience level of your artist?
Our artists have a combine experience of 26 years of tattooing with numerous years of art classes. Val was the pioneer of legal tattooing in New Bedford. She worked extensively with the City Council, the Zoning Department, and the Board of Health Department for several years until it was passed in 2007. The first shop to open in New Bedford was "The Tattoo Room" which was own and operated by her. We believe that the work speaks for itself and always encourage new clients to look through our portfolios before booking an appointment with us.
How much does this tattoo cost?
It is extremely hard to quote a tattoo just from a description or even a picture. We require hopeful clients to stop by the shop to size the tattoo to the clients body ensuring a best fit. Many factors are incorporated into a tattoos price but mainly are priced based on size. Our shop minimum is $75 for tattoos. All of our piercing prices are posted at the shop for all our clients to see.
Where are you located I can't find you?
We are located at 31 Union Street in New Bedford, MA. More specifically we are located at the old Pizans pizza across the street from Slainte (formerly Catwalk). If you're still having trouble, give us a call we can help you out (774 202-5554).