Frequently Asked Questions
Let me start this page the way most customers do, with comparison shopping. You are not buying a pair of shoes or a watch. Tattoos are not the same at every shop. Just because they have the same picture does not mean the end result is the same. If you are “shopping” for a tattoo based on price you are probably going to make a permanent mistake. The best price does not always mean the best deal and the highest price does not always mean the best tattoo. I’ve seen lots of beginning artist charging the same price as experienced artist because they think that’s what they should charge as a tattoo artist. Any way what I am saying is the price is the last thing you should look at (I mean this only a lifelong purchase).
Start with the shop itself such as is it clean. Look at the artist portfolios. In the portfolios you should be judging the work not looking for tattoo designs. Look for clean consistent lines, solid colors and nice smooth fades. Any artist will say “sure I can do that” but look at the portfolios and decide for yourself if you think they can do that then ask how much it will cost. Now to the questions.
How much does it cost and does color cost more?
The price depends on many factors such as size and detail,
so we can not give you a price on the phone. As far as color, it usually will cost more to add color but it will not cost more to exchange one color for another for example, making a tribal tattoo red instead of black.
Does it hurt?
Depends on what you’re comparing it to.
What part of the body hurts more, ankle or lower back, hip or shoulder?
None of these and don’t worry about it. Put the tattoo where you really want it and worry about the pain later. The tattoo is permanent and the pain is only temporary.
Is there any way I should prepare for this?
Relax, get your ID and money, relax, and drive to the shop,
Relax, get out of your car and walk in, relax, talk to the artist, and get your relaxing tattoo.
How old do you have to be?
You must be 18 to receive a tattoo in the state of Texas.
(The dot at the end means PERIOD.)
Do I need my own design or can you draw my design?
We would love to design a tattoo for you. You don’t have to have any thing but an idea, if you do have a design, we can work from that. Remember we are artist working by hand and not laser copiers so if we suggest changes to your design its not because we don’t want you to be happy, its only because we want you to be happy.
Are you licensed?
Yes we are licensed by the Texas Department of health.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cash, credit (MC, Visa), checks
Do I need an appointment?
No, but if you don’t, it is first come, first serve and there may or may not be a wait.
Can I have a drink before I get tattooed?
No alcohol before or during the tattoo, therefore,
No you cannot bring your beer in with you.
I never suggest drugs regardless of getting the tattoo.
Oh, you meant tea or soda with dinner. Of course and I suggest having something to eat before hand even if it’s a snack or something.
Will the tattoo fade and need to be touched up?
It really shouldn’t, provided you take care of it during the healing process and use sun block afterwards for the life of the tattoo and yourself. If you are in the sun a lot and don’t protect it, it will fade.
Why do some look brighter than others?
There are several reasons. The inks have a part in it as well as the artist applying the tattoo. Assuming we are doing the tattoo,
Your skin tone is going to be the biggest factor. The more fare your skin is the brighter the tattoo will be, and of course the darker your skin, the less bright it will be. If you are really tan and start applying sun block, sometimes the tattoo will actually get brighter with as you lose the tan.
How do I take care of a new tattoo?
There are several successful ways to take care of a tattoo.
Some ways work better for different people. What we have here is the standard way to heal a tattoo. We may tell you something a little different if we tattoo you. One is not necessarily better across the board. I may suggest something different based on the skin condition and tattoo.
Regardless, listen to your artist and not your best friend, stranger or mother, I think we have seen a few more tattoos.
Aftercare Instructions
These instructions are meant as general aftercare instructions and what to expect in caring for a new tattoo. There are several ways to take care of a tattoo that work. Listen to what your artist tells you unless he is doing it out of his kitchen, in which case you’re screwed anyway.
Leave the bandage on for 4 to 6 hours. If it sticks when your removing it, run it under water and take it off.
Wash the tattoo immediately with antibacterial soap using your hands.
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment 3 or 4 times daily for the fist couple of days, after 2 or 3 days start using fragrance free hand lotion. Apply the hand lotion several times a day as the tattoo starts feeling dry.
The tattoo will get dry and flaky. As it does do not pick at it.
No soaking in water until completely healed. Take showers only, no Baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, oceans etc.
No direct sunlight or tanning until healed. After 2 weeks use a high spf sun block to protect the color.
Do not use alcohol, peroxide, or Vaseline on the tattoo during healing process.
Contact your artist with any questions or concerns.
Is it safe and sterile?
Yes. Tattoos (at Love and Hate) are as safe as any visit to a reputable doctor or dentist. We use sterile and disposable equipment and supplies. Most people ask if we use new needles. Pre sterilized new needles are readily available so even scratchers in there kitchen can get new needles. But, there is alot more equipment than just needles. You must autoclave equipment for it to be sterile.We have our autoclave spore tested every month which lets us know the autoclave is working properly and sterilizing.Preventing cross-contamination is something as important as new needles. This is where your buddy in his kitchen is dangerous, even with his “professional equipment”. He will not be able to properly sterilize his equipment, and most likely doesn’t understand cross-contamination.
Cross-contamination is simply the spreading of germs from one surface to another. To prevent this we wrap anything that will be touched with a barrier film and do not touch anything else while performing the tattoo. For instance if you are getting a tattoo the artist should never answer the phone or reach into a cabinet without changing gloves. The artist are actually at a greater risk than the client because we are in our station’s all day touching our counters and cabinets and etc. so if we contaminate a surface or item we will be at risk ourselves.
It’s impossible to guarantee that you will not get an infection. We practice safe tattooing but what you come into contact after you leave is something we cannot prevent. An infection ocurrs from an outside organism coming in contact with the tattoo or piercing and not from the sterile equipment that we use.
Getting a tattoo or piercing is as safe as going to the doctor or dentist as long as proper procedures are followed.Even a doctor can not make that guarantee when giving you a simple shot. However there is absolutely no risk of the spread of Hepatitis B,C, HIV or any other bloodborne virus’s or diseases as long as the proper sterile techniques and procedures are followed. This is a very simple answer for a very important subject. We take your health very seriously because this not only affects you, but ours as well, and the future of our own careers and of the art itself. If you have any questions about this please contact us.