FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What You Need to Know
WHAT TATTOO SHOULD I GET?
Ultimately, this is your decision. Remember that a tattoo is permanent and the decision of what to get should not be taken lightly. All of our artists have portfolios for you to look at and flash on the walls to help you get an idea of what you might want. Once you have an idea, you may collaborate with your artist to come up with a design that suits your vision and is as individual as you are.
WHO WILL TATTOO ME?
Again, this decision is ultimately yours. However, while our artists are proficient in all styles of tattooing, some specialize in certain styles and may be better able to meet your needs than others.
DOES GETTING A TATTOO HURT?
Pain is relative and all people have a different pain threshold. That being said, getting tattooed can sometimes be quite uncomfortable. Our artists are very understanding of this discomfort and do everything in their power to lessen it. While it may be necessary to endure a few hours of discomfort, at the end you will have a beautiful piece of art that will last a lifetime!
THIS IS MY FIRST TIME GETTING TATTOOED; WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
If this is your first time getting tattooed, please refer to our page called "Getting Your New Tattoo."
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW TATTOO?
After you get tattooed, your artist will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions. These instructions can also be found in the "aftercare" section of this site.
WHY IS MY NEW TATTOO FLAKY/PEELING?
Peeling and flaking of a new tattoo is perfectly normal. Before it actually begins to peel, the tattoo will look like it’s covered with a whitish, cracking film. Then you’ll see white or translucent flakes of old, dead skin start to peel off. Some of these flakes may even contain some ink. This is nothing to be concerned about and perfectly normal. It’s a lot like a snake shedding its skin. Just add a small amount of lotion to the tattoo to help keep it moist and encourage those flakes to come off. Do NOT scratch, pick, or peel the flakes; just like a scab, this will discourage healing and may cause scars. The peeling should be done in just a few days and your new tattoo will start to return to normal.
CAN I GET A TATTOO OVER MY SCAR, STRETCH MARKS, OR MOLE?
Moles cannot be tattooed over. Scars however can often be covered but this depends on the age and severity of the scar. Stretch marks can be tattooed over but tend to be unpredictable and it is possible that the ink may bleed. If this happens, it can be corrected with proper shading and color. Please consult your artist if you have a scar or stretch marks you wish to cover.
CAN I GET TATTOOED IF I AM DIABETIC?
In short, yes, it is definitely possible to get tattooed if you have diabetes. That being said, it is important to let your artist know if you are diabetic so they can take the proper precautions when tattooing you. People with diabetes are at an increased risk for infection because the healing process takes longer than it would for someone without it. It may be necessary to limit tattoo sessions to 30 or 45 minutes if you have diabetes and it is ALWAYS a good idea to talk to your doctor first to ensure that you are healthy enough to get a tattoo.
SHOULD I TIP MY ARTIST?
Of course! Tattooing is a service industry and tipping is appreciated!
CAN I BRING MY CHILD OR PET?
It is neither legal nor appropriate to bring children or animals into a tattoo shop. Animals, excluding service animals, are not legally allowed to be inside of a tattoo shop as it is not sanitary and can pose a significant health risk. If a service animal must accompany you, they cannot be inside of the procedure area. Children cannot be inside of a tattoo shop EVER. Just as a bar would be an inappropriate place for a child, so is a tattoo shop. If you have young children we suggest finding a babysitter prior to your appointment.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I COME TO MY APPOINTMENT?
If you plan on getting an area tattooed that is normally covered by clothes, the looser the better as tight-fitting clothes can rub against and irritate a fresh tattoo.
CAN I BRING MY FRIENDS?
It is always nice to have a buddy with you for some support while you get tattooed. However, because of the size of our procedure area, we cannot allow more than one guest of a client in at a time. If you bring more than one friend they can have a seat in our lobby or you can ask our staff to recommend any of local restaurants or pubs on Murphy Ave to kill time.
DOES THE VALE TATTOO ALSO OFFER PIERCING?
The Vale Tattoo does not offer piercing. However, if you give us a call we would be happy to recommend you to some very trusted piercers in the area.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GET TATTOOED?
While there is no bad time to get tattooed, the best time to get tattooed is normally in the fall or winter. New tattoos should be kept out of direct sunlight to avoid fading and should avoid salt water and chlorine. In the summer it can be difficult to resist the urge to tan or go swimming; getting tattooed in the winter is a good way to avoid these temptations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What You Need to Know
WHAT TATTOO SHOULD I GET?
Ultimately, this is your decision. Remember that a tattoo is permanent and the decision of what to get should not be taken lightly. All of our artists have portfolios for you to look at and flash on the walls to help you get an idea of what you might want. Once you have an idea, you may collaborate with your artist to come up with a design that suits your vision and is as individual as you are.
WHO WILL TATTOO ME?
Again, this decision is ultimately yours. However, while our artists are proficient in all styles of tattooing, some specialize in certain styles and may be better able to meet your needs than others.
DOES GETTING A TATTOO HURT?
Pain is relative and all people have a different pain threshold. That being said, getting tattooed can sometimes be quite uncomfortable. Our artists are very understanding of this discomfort and do everything in their power to lessen it. While it may be necessary to endure a few hours of discomfort, at the end you will have a beautiful piece of art that will last a lifetime!
THIS IS MY FIRST TIME GETTING TATTOOED; WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
If this is your first time getting tattooed, please refer to our page called "Getting Your New Tattoo."
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW TATTOO?
After you get tattooed, your artist will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions. These instructions can also be found in the "aftercare" section of this site.
WHY IS MY NEW TATTOO FLAKY/PEELING?
Peeling and flaking of a new tattoo is perfectly normal. Before it actually begins to peel, the tattoo will look like it’s covered with a whitish, cracking film. Then you’ll see white or translucent flakes of old, dead skin start to peel off. Some of these flakes may even contain some ink. This is nothing to be concerned about and perfectly normal. It’s a lot like a snake shedding its skin. Just add a small amount of lotion to the tattoo to help keep it moist and encourage those flakes to come off. Do NOT scratch, pick, or peel the flakes; just like a scab, this will discourage healing and may cause scars. The peeling should be done in just a few days and your new tattoo will start to return to normal.
CAN I GET A TATTOO OVER MY SCAR, STRETCH MARKS, OR MOLE?
Moles cannot be tattooed over. Scars however can often be covered but this depends on the age and severity of the scar. Stretch marks can be tattooed over but tend to be unpredictable and it is possible that the ink may bleed. If this happens, it can be corrected with proper shading and color. Please consult your artist if you have a scar or stretch marks you wish to cover.
CAN I GET TATTOOED IF I AM DIABETIC?
In short, yes, it is definitely possible to get tattooed if you have diabetes. That being said, it is important to let your artist know if you are diabetic so they can take the proper precautions when tattooing you. People with diabetes are at an increased risk for infection because the healing process takes longer than it would for someone without it. It may be necessary to limit tattoo sessions to 30 or 45 minutes if you have diabetes and it is ALWAYS a good idea to talk to your doctor first to ensure that you are healthy enough to get a tattoo.
SHOULD I TIP MY ARTIST?
Of course! Tattooing is a service industry and tipping is appreciated!
CAN I BRING MY CHILD OR PET?
It is neither legal nor appropriate to bring children or animals into a tattoo shop. Animals, excluding service animals, are not legally allowed to be inside of a tattoo shop as it is not sanitary and can pose a significant health risk. If a service animal must accompany you, they cannot be inside of the procedure area. Children cannot be inside of a tattoo shop EVER. Just as a bar would be an inappropriate place for a child, so is a tattoo shop. If you have young children we suggest finding a babysitter prior to your appointment.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I COME TO MY APPOINTMENT?
If you plan on getting an area tattooed that is normally covered by clothes, the looser the better as tight-fitting clothes can rub against and irritate a fresh tattoo.
CAN I BRING MY FRIENDS?
It is always nice to have a buddy with you for some support while you get tattooed. However, because of the size of our procedure area, we cannot allow more than one guest of a client in at a time. If you bring more than one friend they can have a seat in our lobby or you can ask our staff to recommend any of local restaurants or pubs on Murphy Ave to kill time.
DOES THE VALE TATTOO ALSO OFFER PIERCING?
The Vale Tattoo does not offer piercing. However, if you give us a call we would be happy to recommend you to some very trusted piercers in the area.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GET TATTOOED?
While there is no bad time to get tattooed, the best time to get tattooed is normally in the fall or winter. New tattoos should be kept out of direct sunlight to avoid fading and should avoid salt water and chlorine. In the summer it can be difficult to resist the urge to tan or go swimming; getting tattooed in the winter is a good way to avoid these temptations.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GET TATTOOED?
While there is no bad time to get tattooed, the best time to get tattooed is normally in the fall or winter. New tattoos should be kept out of direct sunlight to avoid fading and should avoid salt water and chlorine. In the summer it can be difficult to resist the urge to tan or go swimming; getting tattooed in the winter is a good way to avoid these temptations.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
The Vale accepts all major credit cards as well as cash. We also accept Apple and Android pay. Certain artists may accept Venmo. It is always a good idea to check with your artist to see what their individual preferred method of payment is.