TATTOO FAQ

Before the tattoo session

 

How to make an appointment with your tattoo artist?

You can directly contact the tattoo artists who are present year-round at the shop via their contact and/or social networks found here.

We also host many guest artists throughout the year with different tattoo styles from our residents, whose contact information and work you can find here.

If you don't know who to start your tattoo project with, you can also stop by the shop without an appointment to discuss your idea in person, or contact us remotely via our quote request form.

 

How soon can I get a tattoo appointment?

The wait time can be very short for a small tattoo; we might have availability the same day or within a week at most, for example. The wait time can extend to a few weeks for a more elaborate tattoo project; this will depend in part on the chosen artist's schedule and its compatibility with yours. 

For small tattoos, we update availability in our story on our Kawaii Street Instagram.

 

Is a deposit required to book a tattoo slot?

To confirm your tattoo appointment, a deposit is systematically required. This deposit can range from 50 to 200 euros depending on the size of the project and the estimated price.

Please note, no appointment date will be set on our end without this deposit.

These deposits are requested due to too many last-minute cancellations: they guarantee your commitment and allow us to securely reserve the tattoo artist's time.

 

What payment methods are accepted for tattooing?

Each tattoo artist accepts cash or Paypal payments, as well as credit card for some of them.

The choice of payment method differs depending on the artist, feel free to ask them directly when making the appointment.

 

How much does a tattoo cost?

The price of a tattoo depends on several factors such as dimensions, placement, technical difficulty of execution, number of colors, etc. For more information, you can consult the article we wrote on the subject right here.

You can also get an online quote right here.

 

What is the minimum age to get a tattoo?

18 years old only, we do not accept minors even with parental consent. This decision is based on over ten years of experience: we have observed that tattooing requires real maturity and well-developed personal reflection, both on the choice of the design and on its long-term commitment.

 

How to prepare for my tattoo session and how to properly prepare my skin before a tattoo?

It is important to arrive as rested and relaxed as possible on the day of your appointment, even if it's easier said than done for a first tattoo!

Alcohol, drugs, and certain blood-thinning medications should be avoided at least the day before the tattoo. If you are on anticoagulant treatment, you must get your doctor's approval before considering a tattoo.

It is important that your skin is healthy: for example, if you have a sunburn, we will not be able to tattoo you. You can moisturize your skin regularly in the weeks leading up to your appointment, but do not apply anything to your skin on the day of the appointment.

 

Do I need to shave or is it done on site?

No need to shave the tattooed area before the appointment, we will take care of it on site! If you opt for hair removal, you can do it but at least 48 hours before the appointment date.

 

Should I eat before a session?

Ideally, yes! Whether quick or long, a tattoo session always goes better when you have a full stomach and are in good shape.

You can bring a sugary drink or a snack with you in case of a small energy dip during a long session.

 

How to choose the size, style, and placement of my tattoo?

If you need help with your choices, the best thing to do is to come directly to the shop (38 rue des postes in Lille) without an appointment so we can discuss your project in person. Our professionals will be able to advise and guide you best :)

 

During the session

 

Does a tattoo hurt? What level of pain depending on the area?

Joints (elbows, knees), the stomach, and the ribs are considered more painful than other areas of the body, but rest assured, it is largely bearable. This is not at all true for everyone; some feel nothing on their ribs, others hurt more on their wrist, it depends on each individual because pain perception is completely personal. The pain of a tattoo is often compared to that of an electric epilator or a cat scratch if you want a rough idea.

 

What is the most painful area to get tattooed?

Again, the pain of a tattoo is a personal feeling unique to everyone. That being said, the areas reputed to be the most painful are the ribs, stomach, knees and elbows, and hands.

 

Is the pain comparable to that of a piercing?

Not at all! The pain caused by a piercing is much sharper but also much quicker (barely a second), whereas the pain of a tattoo is less sharp and duller, but lasts longer (over the duration of the session).

 

How long does a session last?

A tattoo session can last a few minutes or up to 8 hours, depending on the design, the speed of the chosen artist, and also the endurance of the tattooed person.

 

Are companions allowed in the tattoo room?

For hygiene reasons and the layout of the tattoo room, companions are not allowed in the tattoo room.

We understand that it's important for you to have a loved one accompany you during this particular experience, whether for a tattoo or a piercing, but this is not compatible with hygiene standards, and we do not want to make concessions or compromises on this point. The presence of a companion can also disrupt the tattoo artist's concentration and hinder the smooth running of the session.

It is possible for the companion to wait at the reception (during opening hours only), our armchairs are comfortable and we can offer you a coffee while you wait.

 

After the session

 

What care should I provide for proper healing of my new tattoo? Why is my tattoo peeling or itching? Do I need to apply cream several times a day?

The aftercare instructions will be explained by your tattoo artist on the day of the appointment, after which they will give you an aftercare sheet summarizing the instructions in case you forget something. If you have lost your aftercare sheet, you can request it from us via Tattookawaii@gmail.com.

Almost every artist recommends different aftercare depending on their work and experience, so it's difficult to explain them here, except that you will need a pH-neutral soap in all cases. The recommended cream or balm will vary depending on the chosen artist.

If your tattoo itches, it's normal; it's the healing process beginning. If your tattoo starts to peel: don't panic, it's also the healing process continuing! Do not pull off the small scabs that will appear, as this risks severely and permanently damaging your tattoo; they will fall off on their own in the shower.

As for how many times a day to apply cream/balm: this depends on the tattoo design, its size, and especially your skin type; there is no universal truth on this matter.

If you have a question or the slightest doubt regarding your tattoo's healing, please don't hesitate to visit the shop without an appointment or contact us via email or phone.

 

What is forbidden after my tattoo session?

Your tattoo is and should be considered a wound, so several important prohibitions must be respected:

No spa, swimming pool, hammam, sauna for a period of one month.

You should avoid intense physical activity for 1 week after the tattoo.

Also, be careful with hair and contact with your pets; these should be avoided around the tattoo during the first few weeks.

It is absolutely forbidden to pick or scratch the scabs on your tattoo; this is a very important point to respect (if you're wondering: yes, we will easily be able to tell if our aftercare instructions haven't been followed and if the tattoo has been scratched).

 

When can I resume sports / swimming pool / sea?

Submerged swimming, whether in the sea or a pool, can resume after one month of healing. 

You can resume sports approximately 1 week after your appointment; however, the delay may depend on the design and placement of the tattoo as well as the type of sport. Do not hesitate to ask us for advice if you have any doubts :)

Do colors fade quickly?

Yes... and no! Current color inks are as durable as black inks: if you take good care of your tattoo, the colors will not fade.

Whether your tattoo is in color or black and grey, its longevity mainly depends on a few essential points such as proper skin care, avoiding UV and sun exposure, regularly moisturizing the skin, and of course the quality of the inks used and the tattoo artist's technique.

 

Which area ages best over time?

Tattoos age best on areas less exposed to sun and friction.

Tattoos on areas that undergo less stretching and skin variation also age better over time.

 

Special cases

 

Can I get tattooed if I am sick / pregnant / on medication?

We absolutely do not tattoo pregnant individuals. You can learn more about this topic by reading this article on our blog.

If you are sick, it is wiser to postpone your tattoo appointment. On the one hand, to avoid the risk of contaminating the entire team, and on the other hand, because tattooing requires you to be in good shape to fully experience your session.

As for medical treatment, it depends on the specific treatment. Ideally, you should get the green light from your doctor before making an appointment, especially if it involves anticoagulants, for example.

 

Can you get a tattoo over a scar?

Yes... and no! It is entirely possible to get tattooed over a scar if it is more than 3 years old. If the scar is raised, the feasibility of tattooing over this type of scar will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

 

Your question is not listed above? Don't hesitate to ask us directly via Tattookawaii@gmail.com and we will be happy to answer you!

 

Kawaii Place Tattoo & Piercing

 38 rue des postes

59000 Lille

Tel: 06 59 00 24 36