FAQ – Enigma

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I set up an appointment?

For tattoos, please fill out the form on our booking page here!
Our piercings are walk-in only, so please visit us at the shop to make an
appointment!

How do I prepare for a tattoo appointment?

Recommendations before an appointment:

Eat a healthy meal at least 3 hours in advance.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure: dry or burnt/peeling skin. can seriously interfere with the tattooing process.
Moisturize your skin a few days in advance.
Do not take blood thinners, antibiotics, or steroids.
Do not consume alcohol or drugs.
Limit your caffeine intake (no more than one cup of coffee on the day of tattooing).
Shower before the appointment: dirty/dry skin can affect the tattooing process.

You cannot be tattooed if:

You are currently taking antibiotics or cortisone.
You are pregnant or have been recently.
You’ve received a vaccination in the past 48 hours.
You will be going on a vacation that involves prolonged exposure to direct sunlight/water.
You have atopic dermatitis at the location of the tattoo.
You are under the age of 18 – We are able to tattoo minors over 16 with a notarized parental consent form. Please download the consent form here.
You are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
You do not provide government-issued identification.

How much does a tattoo or piercing cost?

The pricing of a tattoo depends on the design’s size, location, and complexity. Our shop minimum is $100, although individual artists may charge a premium rate, offer hourly rates, or flat rates. Artists will estimate a general price range for your consideration. Unless there are significant changes to a design or unforeseen circumstances, you will not be billed more than the highest amount of the estimated range.

What is the minimum age requirement for receiving a tattoo or piercing?

Minors 16 and older may receive a tattoo or piercing with a notarized parental consent form. You can download the form here.

Can I bring friends/family?

You are welcome to bring moral support!

Potential Risks

Below are some important factors to consider before getting a tattoo, however unlikely:

Infection: Unsterile tattoo equipment and needles can transmit infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis, and skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) and other bacteria. Tattoos received at facilities not regulated by your state or at facilities that use unsterile equipment (or re-use ink) may prevent you from being accepted as a blood or plasma donor for twelve months. Infections also have resulted from contaminated tattoo inks, even when the tattoo artist has followed hygienic procedures. These infections can require prolonged treatment with antibiotics.

Laser Removal Complications: Despite advances in laser technology, removing a tattoo is a painstaking process, usually involving several treatments at a considerable expense. Complete removal without scarring may not be possible.

Allergic Reactions: Although uncommon, reports of allergic reactions to tattoo pigments have been known to occur. The reaction may be particularly troublesome when they occur because the pigments can be hard to remove. Occasionally, people may develop an allergic reaction to tattoos they have had for years. It’s strongly recommended to consult with a dermatologist before an appointment.

Granulomas: These are nodules that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as tattoo pigment particles. They can cause discomfort and irritation and may appear unsightly.

Keloids: If you are prone to developing keloids (potentially painful scars that grow beyond normal boundaries), you risk additional formation from the tattoo process. Micropigmentation: State of the Art, a book written by Charles Zwerling, M.D., Annette Walker, R.N., and Norman Goldstein, M.D., states that keloids occur more frequently as a consequence of tattoo removal

MRI Complications: There have been reports of people with tattoos or permanent makeup who have experienced swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This seems to occur rarely and without lasting effects. There have also been reports of tattoo pigments interfering with the quality of the MRI image. This seems to occur mainly when a person with permanent eyeliner undergoes an MRI of the eyes. However, the risks of avoiding an MRI when your doctor has recommended one are likely much greater than the risks of complications from an interaction between the MRI and tattoo or permanent makeup. Instead of avoiding an MRI, individuals with tattoos or permanent makeup should inform the radiologist or radiologic technologist.

Can pain medication or anaesthetic be used?

We don’t recommend the use of pain medication or anesthetic cream. Medication can thin your blood, causing increased bleeding alongside various side effects. An anesthetic cream can interfere with the stencil (used during the tattoo process) and affect the skin’s ability to receive ink, oversaturating the skin and blowing out pores. That aside, there’s no need to fret over pain – expect a mild irritation similar to a cat scratch.

Aftercare

At the end of your appointment, the artist will provide a detailed description of their preferred aftercare process. We offer complimentary one time touch ups. Afterward, a small fee (up to the artist’s discretion) will be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I set up an appointment?

How do I prepare for a tattoo appointment?

How much does a tattoo or piercing cost?

What is the minimum age requirement for receiving a tattoo or piercing?

Can I bring friends/family?

Potential Risks

Can pain medication or anaesthetic be used?

Aftercare

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