FAQ
Q: I'M NEW TO TATTOOING, WHERE DO I START?
Before booking an appointment, have a few concrete ideas in mind how you want your tattoo to look, and where you’d like it placed on your body.
Once you have some ideas in mind, we invite you to look through our artist’s work. Choose an artist whose work and presentation you like, and whose style is similar to what you envision.
Contact the artist directly. Each artist manages their booking independently. We recommend thoroughly reading their page, and confirming via email or social media to see if they are currently open for booking.
Q: ONCE I'VE DECIDED I WANT A TATTOO, HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?
Typically, artists will have a deposit to hold your appointment and draw a design for your tattoo. (Idexa will draw directly on you in collaboration with you on the day of the appointment.) Each artist has their own approach and instructions for the day of the appointment. Generally, please be clean, and don’t wear any fragrant products on the day of your appointment! For more information on the day of appointment, read here.
If you change your mind, be sure to contact your artist directly and give advance notice. Since many of us book weeks/month in advance, the sooner you are able to cancel your tattoo the better.
Deposits are non-refundable!
Q: HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
On the days leading up to the tattoo, make sure to hydrate as much as possible by drinking lots of water, lightly exfoliating the skin, taking baths, and keeping your skin moisturized. On the day you come in to be tattooed and the day before, it is important that you don’t consume alcohol or take any aspirin. Please be clear-headed, healthy, and have a full belly! These conditions will ensure the best possible start for your tattoo, and help make the experience positive. How well your tattoo heals has everything to do with how well you take care of it afterwards, so be prepared to follow the aftercare instructions your artist provides. Your artist will touch up your skin art after it is healed (some of them for free, check with them directly). We want you to be absolutely happy with your new tattoo.
Q: HOW SAFE IS TATTOOING?
Many people have concerns about the safety of being tattooed. At Black & Blue Tattoo, we are serious about our cleanliness and sterilization procedures. We use sterile one-time use tubes and needles. Our artists will be happy to discuss any concerns that you may have about tattoo safety. It is important to us that you are and feel safe in our shop.
Q: WHAT INKS DO YOU USE?
Eternal (Color), Intenze (Color), Dynamic (Black & Color) are our main ink brands. To read their MSDS, see their linked sites: Eternal, Intenze, Dynamic (Triple Black), Dynamic (Union Black), Dynamic (Teal).
Please note that some of our artists use other brands as well. Artists are independent contractors and responsible for their own supplies. Please communicate directly with your artist if you would like more information.
Q: WHAT ABOUT TIPPING?
It's common practice to tip your tattoo artist if you are happy with your tattoo, or felt you got extra attention. If you can afford it, a good tip is 20-25% just like a restaurant, but any token of appreciation is welcome.
Q: HOW SHOULD I CARE FOR MY NEW TATTOO?
Please take a look at our Tattoo Aftercare info page.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF TATTOOING?
Many people are worried about the possibility of getting an infection from being tattooed. It is very rare for a person in good health who takes good care of their tattoo to get an infection. However, some people do have a reaction to the inks, and sometimes to the ointment or lotion used during the healing process, which is why we recommend using the products we sell.
When this happens, the tattooed area may become itchy, or a pimply rash may develop. These reactions are not serious, but they can affect the way the tattoo looks when it heals, and they are sometimes uncomfortable. People most commonly react to red and white inks. When something unusual or alarming occurs, we recommend that you consult a doctor, and we always would like to be informed about concerns.
Q: CAN I BRING A FRIEND WITH ME FOR SUPPORT?
In order to ensure the safety and focus of the customer and artist, we do not allow anyone else besides the person who has the appointment in the shop.
Q: DOES IT HURT?
Yes, as a general rule, it hurts to get tattooed. However, people have varying tolerance to pain, and some places on the body hurt more than others. Most people find that the fear of being tattooed is far worse than the pain they actually experience. All kinds of people get tattooed, and almost everyone is able to tolerate the sensation. Some people even find that they really like being tattooed!
Q: DO CUSTOMERS EVER HAVE TO STOP PARTWAY THROUGH A TATTOO DUE TO PAIN?
Although tolerances for pain differs from person to person, we haven't yet had a client who asked us to stop due to excessive pain.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Please check our Artists’ pages for rates. You will find they are aligned with the going rate for reputable shops in the Bay Area. We recognize that tattooing is not cheap, but we are sure that your positive experience and your satisfaction with your permanent ink is worth the expense. The artist will give you an estimate, but how much your tattoo ends up costing depends on several factors, including the size and complexity of the design, how long it takes to place it on your body, and how well your particular skin takes the ink.
Q: HOW DO I PAY FOR THE TATTOO?
Your deposit to hold your appointment will go towards the cost of your tattoo, and at the end of the appointment you pay for the rest of the tattoo.
We accept Venmo, PayPal, Zelle and (preferably) cash.
NO CREDIT CARDS.
Q: Could I have An ALLERGIC reaction to saniderm/Second Skin Bandaging ?
Please read the Saniderm FAQ linked here.