Before getting a tattoo, piercing, or permanent makeup, make sure that you know what kind of sterilization methods are used (i.e. autoclave, ultrasonic).Try to find out if the tattoo, piercing or permanent makeup establishment is drug free. Drug free tattoo studios environments tend to be more consistent with services as well as sterilization. If you have any conditions that effect healing consult your physician. Also, be sure to eat at least one hour before hand.

Please consult with your doctor before you get a piercing. Eat about an hour before your appointment, and, by all means, NO alcohol or mind-altering drugs. Some people like to make an occasion of their piercing so feel free to bring a friend, to witness the event. Yes, but for less than a second, significantly less than most people anticipate. We are often told "that didn't hurt nearly as much as I thought it would.

Getting a body modification can be a very exciting experience and being prepared for what to expect can keep it fun. You should be free of drugs and alcohol, well rested and well fed. If you are tired or your blood sugar is low, you may experience a higher level of discomfort. The best thing to do is just relax and try to accept the discomfort. Fighting or tensing will only increase the pain. If you start to feel faint or queasy tell your artist/piercer right away.

We love cash, but we also accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Sorry, we do not accept American Express or checks!!!

Oregon law requires one to be 18 years or older for tattooing. However, you may be younger for piercing if accompanied by a legal guardian. A photo ID with birth date must be present at the time of service. Confidentiality is guaranteed.

You should feel comfortable with all aspects of the shop you choose. The facilities should be clean and well lit. The staff should be friendly and knowledgeable about all aspects of tattooing or piercing, and be willing to answer any questions you may have concerning tattooing or piercing.

No. When under the influence of alcohol or drugs it will be harder to concentrate, leading to a more uncomfortable experience. And possibly a higher amount of blood loss, leading to nausea.

Salt water i.e. the Gulf of Mexico, isn't so bad for a new tattoo or piercing. Heavily chlorinated water, such as pools and hot tubs, carry high bacterial rates and need to be avoided at all costs. Keep in mind you should never soak a new tattoo or piercing.

If you’ve gotten a piercing in a licensed facility where sterile or single-use equipment was used, you CAN donate. There is no waiting/deferral period. If you have gotten a tattoo, we ask that you wait one year to donate from the date of your tattoo.

Eat well and drink plenty of water before your appointment. Do not drink any alcohol or take any drugs 24 hours prior. No one under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be tattooed. Alcohol also thins the blood, which is not good for your tattoo. For this reason, try to avoid aspirin as well.

A risk of HIV transmission does exist if instruments contaminated with blood are either not sterilized or disinfected or are used inappropriately between clients. CDC recommends that instruments that are intended to penetrate the skin be used once, then disposed of or thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.

There is very high risk of when getting HIV when having a tattoo, if new set of tools are not used on each person. Since there will always be a tendency of blood stain when a tattoo is being impressed on someone, HIV can easily pass from the blood of an infected tattoo client to an uninfected person, if the same materials are being used for their services.

A risk of HIV transmission does exist if instruments contaminated with blood are either not sterilized or disinfected or are used inappropriately between clients. Instruments that are intended to penetrate the skin should be used once, then disposed of or thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.

According to the American Red Cross website, for body or ear piercing you do not have to wait, so long as the equipment used was sterile and one time use. For tattoos they recommend waiting at least 12 months if it was done in a shop that is not state-regulated. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Donating blood is acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile technique.

Care will vary depending on the exact procedure but for a general guide please refer to our aftercare page here.

For a tattoo the bottom of the foot is the most sensitive followed closely by the Gluteus Maximus (buttocks). There are a lot of nerve clusters located in the foot and "butt" which accounts for the sensitivity of these areas. Likewise areas close to the bone are sensitive for the same reason.