FAQ
DO I NEED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
Not necessarily. We do accept walk-ins for smaller designs and if a tattoo artist is available.
However, for larger tattoos we do suggest you come in for an art consultation to discuss your ideas with an artist and to set-up an appointment. Custom tattoo work is generally done by appointment only and a deposit is required.
All tattoo services at Main Street Tattoo require a *non-refundable deposit in order for an appointment to be scheduled and for our artists to begin drawing and/or preparing any artwork.
*All Services Require a Non-refundable deposit. No Exceptions.
I'M 17, CAN I GET A TATTOO IF MY PARENTS SIGN FOR ME?
No. The South Carolina state law prohibits any person under the age of 18 years old from being tattooed under any circumstance.
According to South Carolina’s Code of Laws SECTION 44-34-100, every person who tattoos or offers to tattoo a person under the age of 18 years is guilty of a misdemeanor.
As used in this section, to “tattoo” means to insert pigment under the surface of the skin of a human being, by pricking with a needle or otherwise, so as to produce an indelible mark or figure visible through the skin. This section is not intended to apply to any act of a licensed practitioner of the healing arts performed in the course of his practice.
HOW MUCH DO TATTOOS COST?
The cost of your tattoo depends on several variables like: tattoo size, artwork detail, tattoo placement, skin type, and color work versus black-and-gray work. For smaller tattoos, we will normally quote you a set price. For larger tattoos, your artist might quote you an hourly rate. Stop by the studio to discuss the details of your tattoo idea so we can quote you accurately. We don’t generally give quotes over the phone or by email.
Read ‘The Long Answer‘ for details about your safety, pricing, deposits and appointments.
The Long Answer:
There are many factors that play a part in the pricing of a tattoo, such as:
• Artwork/Tattoo size, style and detail: Tattoo size, artwork style, detail and artwork preparation are major factors in tattoo pricing.
• Tattoo Placement: Where on your body are you getting this tattoo exactly?
Yes this is a major variable in tattooing, as some body parts are easier to work on—where other areas are more difficult and require more time and skill.
• Geographic Location: Depending on what part of the world the tattoo studio is located will generally effect the price of a tattoo. For example, a tattoo done in New York or Los Angeles is probably going to be more expensive than one in a state where the cost of living is less. This holds true for all products and services.
• Cover-ups/Fix-ups: Is this tattoo trying to cover-up an old one or fix-up an existing one or an unfinished one?
This requires great skill and planning to execute properly.
That being said. Each and every one of these variables is considered when properly pricing a tattoo from a professional tattoo artist/studio. One could use the analogy of a hair salon perhaps:
eg. Some hair salons charge $9.99 to cut and style hair, while others charge well over $150.
Here at Main Street Tattoo we have established a reputation as an upscale custom tattoo studio. We feel our pricing is fair and reasonable considering we are altering your body for life, which in our opinion is a major responsibility and we should be compensated accordingly.
Once again, the old adage holds true, “You get what you pay for”. Especially with tattoos.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING WITH ME TO MY APPOINTMENT?
- A Valid State Photo ID – is required, we attach a copy of this to your release form.
- Cash or Credit Card. Be sure to ask your artist which they prefer prior to your appointment.
- Be sure to wear loose fitting clothing so that the area being tattooed is easily accessible.
DO TATTOOS HURT?
Yes. It is true that tattoos are generally painful. Afterall, we are using needles to permanently insert pigments into the skin. Although, the level of pain does vary from person to person, and depending on the placement of the tattoo, certain areas of the body tend to be more sensitive than others.
The pain of a tattoo is often described as more irritating than painful. Some describe it from anywhere to a light burning sensation to an intense stinging feeling. But most people will say that it’s quite tolerable.
“Short is the pain. Long is the beautiful.”
The fact that you are asking this question tells us that you probably don’t have any tattoos. In our experience as professional tattooists, and tattoo collectors ourselves, we can assure you that 99% of the time the pain is less than what was expected. In fact, many first time tattoo clients are surprised by the feeling, claiming it to be much less painful than they anticipated.
At Main Street Tattoo, we do everything possible to reduce the pain and anxieties that come along with getting tattooed. Aside from the relaxing environment of our studio, our artists are calm and relaxed and have years of experience in approaching the tattoo process to create the minimum amount of pain possible. We pay very close attention to your pain tolerance and comfort of positioning. We do the best we can to help you maintain a proper state of mind while getting a tattoo and helping you with this rite of passage.
There are a few things you can do that will help aid you in having a more positive experience during your tattoo session. We suggest the following tips:
• Get plenty of rest before your tattoo appointment, a full nights rest can really reduce pain and anxiety.
• Being well hydrated by drinking lots of water for a couple of days prior to getting tattooed.
• Eat a good healthy meal before arriving to your appointment.
• Be sober. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking any drugs/substances before your tattoo appointment. Getting tattooed with a hangover is a drag. This is highly NOT recommended.
*NOTE: No persons that are (or appear to be) inoxicated will be tattooed at Main Street Tattoo.
WHAT DO I DO AFTER GETTING MY TATTOO?
Saniderm eliminates the tedious process that accompanies tradional aftercare and prmotes the body’s natural healing agents. With Saniderm there in no need for lotions, ointments or maintenance 3-5 times a day. Not only is it extremely simple and convenient, but it protects your tattoo from dirt and germs, expedites the healing process, reduces scabbinb, and enhances color quality, all while overcoming the following ocmplaints associated with other aftercare products. Do not use Saniderm if you have allergies to adhesives.Saniderm stays on skin even when immersed in water…so you’re able to bathe, shower and swim as normal. It is waterproof, however excessive exposure to water should be avoided because it could weaken the adhesion. Sanidem does not contain any kind of sun protection, so you should avoid prolonged sun or UV ray exposure. We do not recommend expsoing your new tattoo to UV rays, eer – with or without Saniderm. Even after your tattoo is fully healed, continue to use sun protection to maintain the integrity of your tattoo colors.Removing your Saniderm Bandage:
• Remove Saniderm in the shower using warm water and soap
• After removal, clean and dry your new tattoo
• Apply unscented lotion once a day until tattoo is copmletely healed
Bandages:
• Remove bandage in 2 hours and NEVER bandage.
• Wash tattoo IMMEDIATELY with soap and warm water then pat dry with a CLEAN, SOFT towel.
• After washing, let air-dry and beging applying A&D OINTMENT/AQUAPHOR with clean hands, 3 times daily. After 3 days, begin applying QUALITY UNSCENTED LOTION
• Showers are fine but no over saturation of water or submission. MOISTURE IS YOUR ENEMY!!!
• No tanning or over exposure to sunlight the first 2 weeks.
• Scabbing may or may not ocur. Light scabbing is a normal process of healing. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH!!!!
• To keep your tattoos looking great, remember to use sun screen (SPF 30+) when you are in the sun after it is healed.
• Wear only loose, comfortable clothing over the tattoo until it is completely healed.
• There is no such thing as a stupid question! Contact us immediately if you have any questions about the healing process!