FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
APPOINTMENTS AND CONSULTATIONS
Do I need an appointment?
We gladly accept walk-ins when we have the availability on a first-come, first-serve basis. Our artists are often already booked for the whole day, so we strongly recommend booking an appointment or calling the shop for availability the day of.
We generally do not do large pieces or cover-ups as walk-ins, as our artists need time to draw up your work. For this kind of work, please feel free to book a consultation with us, either through our consultation form online, or by emailing us at howl@allwolvesnosheep.com.
**UPDATE**
Due to Covid-19, we are currently operating on an appointment only basis. Please call, email, or fill out our online booking form to set up your appointment.
Can I come into the shop and talk with you about my tattoo ideas?
In person communication is always preferred.
When you're ready for your tattoo we suggest setting up a consultation with the artist you'd like to work with. During your consultation, you and your artist will discuss the tattoo design, placement, and any questions you might have. If you're ready, we'll take a deposit to hold your appointment spot for you, and your artist will start creating your custom piece.
What is a consultation?
A consultation is a time to meet with your tattoo artist and share your ideas for your tattoo. You and your artist will plan out your art, placement, and sizing. Your artist will give you an accurate price quote, you can place a deposit, and make the tattoo appointment.
When will you draw/create my design and show it to me?
After your consultation we begin the process of creating your design. We typically have designs done a few days before the appointment, but that varies on a case-by-case basis. We work closely with you to ensure you're getting the exact tattoo that you want.
How do I set up an appointment?
There are a few different ways you can go about setting up an appointment. You can call the shop Tuesday - Sunday 1:00pm - 7:00 pm at (929) 337-6944, email us at howl@allwolvesnosheep.com, send a message through the contact form on our home page, or come and talk to us in person during our business hours.
How much will my tattoo cost?
Our shop minimum is $100 and our hourly rate is $250/hr.
To receive an accurate price quote for your tattoo, please schedule a consultation with the artist you’d like to work with. When you're ready, we'll set up an appointment for you, and have you drop a deposit.
PRICING AND QUOTES
Why do you need a deposit?
We take a deposit to hold your appointment date. Not only is the artist setting aside time to work with you during your tattoo, but also they spend time before your tattoo session drawing and re-drawing your custom artwork. The deposit will be applied to your total tattoo price.
Can I get a price quote over the phone or e-mail?
The only way to get an accurate price quote is to schedule a consultation with your tattoo artist. To schedule a consultation, e-mail howl@allwolvesnosheep.com or call 929.337.6944 Tuesday - Sunday, 1-7 pm.
Should I tip my tattoo artist? Is it required?
Like in all service industries, tipping your artist is highly appreciated, but never required.
REFUNDS AND CANCELATIONS
What’s your refund/cancellation Policy?
Deposits on tattoos are non-refundable. Cancellations of appointments must be made 48 hours ahead of time, otherwise the deposit is forfeited. If cancellation is made on time, the deposit may be applied to a rescheduled session.
Of course, we take emergencies into consideration, just please let us know as soon as possible if you have a conflict or are running late for your appointment.
SERVICES
Do you do cover ups?
Yes we do! However, some designs can be more difficult to cover than others, especially ones that are heavy or dark. Consultations are required for cover ups, so we can get an idea of what you're hoping for, and let you know what's within the realm of possibility. The initial tattoo also must be fully healed before the artist goes over it with another design.
Can I get tattooed over a scar?
It depends on the scar; how deep the initial incision/wound was and how long it has had to heal. To be absolutely sure, we suggest you check with a dermatologist.
Do you do piercings?
No, at AWNS we focus solely on tattoos.
BEFORE YOUR TATTOO
How old do I have to be? What if my parents come with me?
In accordance with New York law, we only tattoo clients over the age of 18. Even with parental consent, we will not tattoo anyone under 18.
Are tattoos safe?
At AWNS, we take every precaution to ensure the safest possible experience for our clients. All resident artists are BBP (Blood Born Pathogen) Certified and follow the strict guidelines provided by the New York City Health Department. The most important part of reducing infection risk to keep your tattoo clean, moisturized, out of direct long exposure to sunlight, pools, oceans/lakes, hot tubs, and gyms for at least a month after your tattoo.
Does it hurt?
The short answer is yes, your tattoo will hurt. That being said, everyone experiences pain differently. A spot that may have been the most painful for one person's tattoo may feel like a mild annoyance for someone else. Our artists will do everything in their power to make sure you're as comfortable as possible throughout the whole process. Tell your artist at your consultation if you’re particularly sensitive to pain or are worried about the pain and we’ll discuss options with you including shorter tattoo times and numbing spray.
Can I take advil/aspirin before the tattoo? What about smoking or drinking?
Painkillers and alcohol are usually blood thinners, and they interfere with the healing process when ingested prior to a tattoo session and may cause increased bleeding. If you need a painkiller, consult with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to find one that is not a blood thinner. After the session is complete is it considered safe to drink in moderation or take low doses of painkillers.
If I have a blood-borne illness, blood related disease/disorder, or chronic illness can I get tattooed?
The first call you should make is to the doctor whose care you’re under. If they believe it is safe, please contact us via phone or e-mail to make sure we can make the appropriate accommodations for your safety.
Can I get a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding?
We do not tattoo those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can I donate blood if I have a tattoo?
To our knowledge, it is safe to donate blood as soon as six months after a tattoo. However, organizations that accept donations may have different guidelines, please check with your organization.
HEALING AND AFTERCARE
I just got a tattoo. How long will it take to heal and what should I do to keep it clean?
Tattoo healing time will vary from piece to piece. As a general rule, tattoos will take 3-5 weeks to heal. Your artist will inform you of proper aftercare techniques after your session. Basic tattoo care involves cleaning your tattoo three times a day with a non-scented anti-bacterial soap, moisturizing with a natural scent-free moisturizer, and keeping your tattoo free from long exposure to direct sunlight, pools, oceans/lakes, public gym equipment, and anywhere else bacteria is known to thrive. After 3-5 weeks you may begin to expose your tattoo to beaches, the gym, etc. For continued care always use sunscreen if you plan on being in the sun very long and generally keep your skin moisturized. For further reference, please see our AFTERCARE page.
How long should I wait before I expose my tattoo to sun/submerge it in water?
As a general rule, we recommend that clients keep their tattoos out of the sun and out of being submerged in water such as baths, pools, oceans, lakes, or steam rooms for at least a month. It’s best to wait until the tattoo is completely healed and be covered in sunscreen. To keep your tattoo from fading, we recommend always using sunscreen when planning on being outside for long periods.
Can I work out after my tattoo?
Please be careful when working out after a tattoo, especially on shared gym equipment. Your sweat and other people’s bacteria is a great way to get your tattoo infected. Keep the tattoo area covered, and be sure to clean with anti-bacterial soap immediately after working out.
Can I shave over a new tattoo?
We recommend that you wait until the tattoo is fully healed, generally about 3-5 weeks before you shave.
Will I ever have to get my tattoo touched up?
Tattoos, by nature, will fade over time. Depending on the design and the placement, some tattoos will fade quicker than others. We are happy to retouch tattoos that we have done without charge within 60 days of the initial appointment. We also are available to retouch/rework any tattoo you would like to enhance.
How can I tell if my tattoo is infected?
Some signs of infection are:
- redness after five days
- tenderness/pain in the immediate area of the tattoo after five days
- swelling
- discharge
If you are unsure, please call or come to the shop and speak to us immediately, or consult your healthcare provider.
Can I bring friends or my partner?
You are more than welcome to bring someone with you. It often is helpful to have a close friend, partner, or family member with you. Please consider that our space is limited and we cannot accommodate many people, and also that there will likely be others getting tattooed at the same time so please be conscious of your volume and energy levels as it affects both the artists and other clients.
**UPDATE**
Due to Covid-19, we ask that only the client receiving the tattoo come to the appointment in order to limit the number of people in the shop, for the health and safety of our artists and clients.
Can I bring my child under the age of 18?
We ask that you please leave your young children at home for the safety of your child, as well as the other clients and artists.
GUESTS
ACCESSIBILITY
Is your parlour handicap accessible?
We unfortunately are not ADA accessible. There is one 7 inch step into the store; and we will make every effort possible to make sure everyone has access to the parlour.