FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES A TATTOO FEEL LIKE?
That depends on your pain tolerance, location, and duration of the tattoo. Most people describe getting a tattoo as a hot scratching feeling. While it does hurt, it doesn't seem to hurt enough for many people to keep coming back for more. Ladies, please be advised that getting a tattoo just before or while on your menstrual cycle will likely increase the pain level of your tattoo.
HOW MUCH WILL MY TATTOO COST?
Blacksuit Tattoo and Andre have a $100 minimum for all tattoos. Beyond that, the cost will depend on the size, detail, and amount of work involved. As a general rule of thumb, know that good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good. You get what you pay for! With that being said, please refrain from commenting publicly asking for pricing, dates, etc. The details of your tattoo, including pricing, should be discussed one-on-one with Andre (or any other artist, for that matter).
CAN YOU COVER AN EXISTING TATTOO?
In most cases, yes. Bear in mind that the darkness, thickness, and amount of fade that your existing tattoo has will dictate whether it can be easily covered or not. Not sure? Get a free consult with Andre and he will give you an honest opinion of whether it can be covered or not.
CAN YOU TATTOO THIS DESIGN I FOUND ONLINE/IN A BOOK/IN A MOVIE/ON SOMEONE ELSE?
Yes, but why would you want something that isn't completely your own? If you have an idea, grab a few reference photos and let your artist create something unique just for you.
CAN I USE A NUMBING CREAM WHILE GETTING TATTOOED?
Hypothetically you can, but it is not recommended. Try taking some Advil or a comparable anti-inflammatory pain killer about 15 minutes before your tattoo session begins instead.
DO YOU DO PIERCINGS?
No, Andre does not do piercings.
DO YOU DO WHITE TATTOOS?
No, Andre does not do white tattoos. His goal is to give his clients tattoos that will look good for a lifetime, and white tattoos generally do not keep up well over time.
DO YOU DO SCARIFICATION OR OTHER TATTOOING METHODS?
No, Andre only focuses on the standard methods of modern tattooing.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY TATTOO AFTER IT IS FINISHED?
You can wear your bandage/plastic wrap for about 1-2 hours after getting tattooed. Do not take off the bandage until you are ready to wash the tattoo. Even though it may be tempting to peel the bandage back to show friends your fresh ink, just show them a picture or let them see it the next day. It is still a fresh wound and is vulnerable to airborne bacteria and other nasty stuff that can adversely affect the healing process.
Once you're ready to remove the bandage, it's time to clean your tattoo. Using your hand and a mild, fragrance and alcohol-free soap like Dial or Dove to gently wash off the excess ink and blood that may have built up while wearing the bandage. DO NOT use a wash cloth or loofah to scrub or pick at your new tattoo.
After washing, pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Lubricate with a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion like Lubriderm or Aveeno. You can also use an ointment like A&D or Aquaphor, but be sure to only use a very thin layer as these ointments don't absorb as easily into the skin. Continue to moisturize the tattoo two to three times daily for three to five days. Do not put anything else on your tattoo, like oils, glitters, etc. If you wouldn't put it on a burn or wound, do not put it on your fresh tattoo!
Avoid soaking in bath tubs, hot tubs, swimming pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, etc. for at least a couple of weeks when you have a new tattoo. There are all kinds of germs in these bodies of waters that can harm your tattoo.
When your tattoo is almost healed, it is common for it to be itchy, peeling, and in some cases scabbed. DO NOT scratch or pick at the skin! If you're itching really badly, slap it or take a shower and gently wash it.
Your tattoo will be fully healed in about two to three weeks. Once healed, be sure to put sunscreen with a high SPF on it when going in the sun or tanning. This will help preserve the quality and color of your tattoo.
Please note that this advice is based on years of experience and observation in the tattooing industry and is not to be taken as medical input. When you get tattooed, you are assuming all of the associated risks. If you suspect that you might have an infection or some adverse reaction, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
That depends on your pain tolerance, location, and duration of the tattoo. Most people describe getting a tattoo as a hot scratching feeling. While it does hurt, it doesn't seem to hurt enough for many people to keep coming back for more. Ladies, please be advised that getting a tattoo just before or while on your menstrual cycle will likely increase the pain level of your tattoo.
HOW MUCH WILL MY TATTOO COST?
Blacksuit Tattoo and Andre have a $100 minimum for all tattoos. Beyond that, the cost will depend on the size, detail, and amount of work involved. As a general rule of thumb, know that good tattoos aren't cheap and cheap tattoos aren't good. You get what you pay for! With that being said, please refrain from commenting publicly asking for pricing, dates, etc. The details of your tattoo, including pricing, should be discussed one-on-one with Andre (or any other artist, for that matter).
CAN YOU COVER AN EXISTING TATTOO?
In most cases, yes. Bear in mind that the darkness, thickness, and amount of fade that your existing tattoo has will dictate whether it can be easily covered or not. Not sure? Get a free consult with Andre and he will give you an honest opinion of whether it can be covered or not.
CAN YOU TATTOO THIS DESIGN I FOUND ONLINE/IN A BOOK/IN A MOVIE/ON SOMEONE ELSE?
Yes, but why would you want something that isn't completely your own? If you have an idea, grab a few reference photos and let your artist create something unique just for you.
CAN I USE A NUMBING CREAM WHILE GETTING TATTOOED?
Hypothetically you can, but it is not recommended. Try taking some Advil or a comparable anti-inflammatory pain killer about 15 minutes before your tattoo session begins instead.
DO YOU DO PIERCINGS?
No, Andre does not do piercings.
DO YOU DO WHITE TATTOOS?
No, Andre does not do white tattoos. His goal is to give his clients tattoos that will look good for a lifetime, and white tattoos generally do not keep up well over time.
DO YOU DO SCARIFICATION OR OTHER TATTOOING METHODS?
No, Andre only focuses on the standard methods of modern tattooing.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY TATTOO AFTER IT IS FINISHED?
You can wear your bandage/plastic wrap for about 1-2 hours after getting tattooed. Do not take off the bandage until you are ready to wash the tattoo. Even though it may be tempting to peel the bandage back to show friends your fresh ink, just show them a picture or let them see it the next day. It is still a fresh wound and is vulnerable to airborne bacteria and other nasty stuff that can adversely affect the healing process.
Once you're ready to remove the bandage, it's time to clean your tattoo. Using your hand and a mild, fragrance and alcohol-free soap like Dial or Dove to gently wash off the excess ink and blood that may have built up while wearing the bandage. DO NOT use a wash cloth or loofah to scrub or pick at your new tattoo.
After washing, pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Lubricate with a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion like Lubriderm or Aveeno. You can also use an ointment like A&D or Aquaphor, but be sure to only use a very thin layer as these ointments don't absorb as easily into the skin. Continue to moisturize the tattoo two to three times daily for three to five days. Do not put anything else on your tattoo, like oils, glitters, etc. If you wouldn't put it on a burn or wound, do not put it on your fresh tattoo!
Avoid soaking in bath tubs, hot tubs, swimming pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, etc. for at least a couple of weeks when you have a new tattoo. There are all kinds of germs in these bodies of waters that can harm your tattoo.
When your tattoo is almost healed, it is common for it to be itchy, peeling, and in some cases scabbed. DO NOT scratch or pick at the skin! If you're itching really badly, slap it or take a shower and gently wash it.
Your tattoo will be fully healed in about two to three weeks. Once healed, be sure to put sunscreen with a high SPF on it when going in the sun or tanning. This will help preserve the quality and color of your tattoo.
Please note that this advice is based on years of experience and observation in the tattooing industry and is not to be taken as medical input. When you get tattooed, you are assuming all of the associated risks. If you suspect that you might have an infection or some adverse reaction, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.
GOT MORE QUESTIONS?
