Frequently Asked Questions

Whether this is your first tattoo experience or you’re a repeat client, you may have any number of questions or concerns about the tattooing process. I hope to clear up some of those questions here. If you’re seeking an answer and can’t find it below, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email or instagram and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

General FAQs

  • I offer consultations free of charge. If you’re considering a tattoo, feel free to visit my Contact page and get in touch!

  • The state of California has some of the strictest regulations in the nation with respect to tattoos. Unlike in some other states where minors can be tattooed with parent consent, tattooing a client under the age of 18 is always illegal in California. For liability reasons, my policy is that nobody under the age of 18 is permitted in my studio at any time, even with supervision. Please arrange care for your children before scheduling an appointment with me.

  • Bring your photo ID if you haven’t sent me a picture of it ahead of time. You should also wear comfortable clothing. Water and snacks are provided for your comfort, but if you have any dietary restrictions please feel free to bring refreshments.

  • You may absolutely ask for a break any time you need one. There are restrooms and seating areas available for your comfort and convenience.

  • Each client’s pain tolerance is different, and pain levels vary based on the site of the tattoo. Most of my clients experience little to no pain, and if you become uncomfortable we can always take a break.

  • I have medical grade topical numbing cream available, and I use them for all cosmetic tattoos unless a client objects. Body art tattoos can react more strongly to the topical agents in certain cases, but my clients’ comfort is my number one priority.

Cosmetic Tattoos

  • Cosmetic tattooing is actually very different from body art tattooing. The skin on your face differs from the rest of your body. The depth required to implant pigment is less in cosmetic tattooing than in body art, which means that cosmetic tattoos tend to be much less painful and heal more quickly.

    The ink used in cosmetic tattoos is also different. It is translucent and meant to fade over time, giving a more natural appearance. This is why cosmetic tattoos are sometimes called “semi-permanent makeup”. The tattoos can be touched up and perfected over the years to prolong their life.

  • The healing time varies by procedure, but the initial healing process tends to last 1-2 weeks. After the initial stage, the tattoo then needs to bloom for an additional 3-4 weeks to be ready for a perfection session or considered fully healed.

  • This also varies by procedure, but most cosmetic tattoos will appear more opaque, dark, and highly saturated immediately following the procedure. By the end of the healing process, lip blushing and brow enhancement tattoos will have faded to approximately 20-40% of their post-procedure saturation. Do not be alarmed if the color of your tattoo seems brighter or darker than you anticipated—I ask that you trust the healing process.

  • Yes, you absolutely can. Lip blushing and lip filler complement one another very nicely. Please schedule any lip filler appointments no less than 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after your lip blushing session.

Body Art Tattoos

  • I charge an hourly rate for body art tattoos. I also offer occasional flash sales on per-piece tattoos of a certain size (typically 3x3 inches or smaller)—I recommend following my body art instagram to stay up-to-date on special offers!

  • I can tattoo any part of your body whatsoever! Some areas are more compatible with certain designs than others—we can discuss all of these details during your free consultation.

  • Typically I like to limit sessions to 4 hours. This is the point at which most peoples’ pain tolerance begins to decline. If a piece can be finished by extending the appointment slightly, I will happily do so as long as you are comfortable.

  • The timeline varies person to person, tattoo to tattoo, and body area to body area. The biggest factors in the speed of healing are rigorous adherence to your aftercare regimen, and maintaining a lifestyle that protects the skin while it heals.