FAQ

Are walk-ins welcome?

• No, Lakeside Tattoos is a appointment only studio.

What is your email?

• lakesidetattoos.ca@gmail.com​

Is there a shop minimum?

• The shop minimum is $100, tattoos are subject to HST.

• Prices range depending on size and time it takes to complete a session/tattoo

• Receipt available upon request.

How old do I have to be to get tattooed?

• You must be the minimum of 18 years of age to get tattooed on your own without parental consent.

• You must be minimum 16 years of age to get tattooed with parental consent. Your legal guardian/parent must present valid photo identification and sign on your behalf.

  How can I know if I am allergic to anything tattoo related?

• Lakeside Tattoos cannot guarantee not having an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink and/or materials used during your tattoo.

• Checking with your doctor before coming in would be suggested if you are known to having allergic reactions.

• Some clients show allergic reactions to coloured ink and/or black ink; asking for the brands of inks being used to check ingredients before coming in would also be suggested.

Is Lakeside Tattoos wheelchair accessible?

• Yes

Do tattoos hurt?

• Yes tattoos hurt. Although pain is relative and everyone has a different tolerance. The process of receiving a tattoo can cause minor discomfort; it has been compared to a hot scratching feeling.

What to do before your tattoo appointment.

• We suggest doing the following to help you stay comfortable during your tattoo process:

  • Get a good night’s sleep before the day of your appointment.

  • Eat a healthy breakfast or lunch before coming in for your appointment.

  • Do not drink caffeine the day of your tattoo.

  • Try avoiding intoxication the day before and the day of your tattoo.

  • Bring some snacks and drinks to stay hydrated.

  • Wear something comfortable that will allow your artist easy access to the area being tattooed as well as comfortable for you during your sitting.

  • Trust your artist and try not to be too nervous.

  • Relax as much as you can; listen to some music, read a book, watch your favorite show or just close your eyes and let your artist work with minor distractions.

What tattoo design should I get and where should I place it?

• Design and placement of your tattoo is a matter of personal taste. Lakeside Tattoos will give you options and opinions on aesthetic in regards to both placement and design; ultimately what you want and where you want to put it is up to you.

• Some things to consider before getting a tattoo:

  • Is the design appropriate?

  • Will it leave a negative impact on your job/work/family life?

  • Will it hinder future prospective employment opportunities?

• Keep in mind that although the coffee shop down the street doesn’t mind if you have visible tattoos, the office job/career you had in mind may frown upon your visible ink. However unfair, these are the truths to consider. Think before you ink.

  How big does my tattoo have to be?

• The size depends on the complexity of your image/text and the area of the body where the tattoo is being placed.

• We will gladly consult with you to determine the best way to meet your needs and get a tattoo that will age well.

Is my tattoo permanent? Do you offer tattoo removal?

• Yes all tattoos done are permanent. You cannot rub or wash them off. If you would like your tattoo removed, you will need to find a laser removal clinic.

Do you offer payment plans?

• No.

• Multi-session tattoos will be priced by the sitting.

Is there anything you will not tattoo?

• Lakeside Tattoos reserve the right to refuse work on anything they deem blatantly hateful, racist, obscene.

• Lakeside Tattoos also reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, for any reason including poor attitude, dis-respectfulness and/or any inappropriate behavior.

Do you offer cover-ups/ reworks of old tattoos?

• Yes, Lakeside Tattoos offer cover-ups.

• A cover-up will always have to be significantly larger than the original tattoo; so keep that in mind when picking out references.

• Not all images are able to be covered and may need to be designed going in another direction than what you originally had in mind. Being flexible always works best when it comes to cover-ups.

• Some cover-ups may require multiple sessions to fully cover the original tattoo.

Can I get tattooed if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

• We do not recommend getting tattooed if breastfeeding and do not tattoo pregnant persons. If you have any further questions we recommend speaking to your doctor prior to booking an appointment.

  What do I need to do if I am looking to cancel an appointment?

• In order to cancel or reschedule an appointment you must call or email the shop/artist and ensure at least 48 hours notice before your scheduled appointment time.

• All deposits are non-refundable.

  Is it ok to get tattooed if I am feeling under the weather?

• Getting a tattoo when you’re immune system is not functioning at 100% is not the best of ideas. You’re going to need strength and optimum health to heal your tattoo, something your body will not be able to do if it is already battling against a virus.

• It is also not suggested to risk passing the germ onto other clients or artists. If you are feeling sick please feel free to reschedule for when you are feeling better.

Do you offer white tattoos?

• All white tattoos are accepted on a case-by-case basis. The reason for this being that all white tattoos do not necessarily heal white.

• White tattoos run the risk of not showing up at all and/or yellowing overtime. Some white tattoos end up looking like scarification.

• White tattoos will be accepted at the discretion of the artist.

  Do you offer face tattoos?

• Face tattoos can be life altering.

• Some cases are however accepted; for example if you are already heavily tattooed (I.e face and hands).

• Face tattoos are done at the artists’ discretion.

Will hair grow back over my tattoo once it has healed?

• Yes, your skin will go back the same state as before the tattoo once it has fully healed. If you tattoo an area that has lots of body hair make sure the design is not too small as it may obscure the tattoo image.

Can I get a discount if I bring friends to get tattooed with me?

• Each client will be charged separately as a single customer.

• Each tattoo requires a separate set up and a new set of materials used and will be charged accordingly.

Is there tax on my tattoo.

• No.

Should I shave before coming in for my tattoo?

• You can shave the area that will be getting tattooed; however Lakeside Tattoos provides razors and your artist will prepare the area before working on it for you.

• Please be very careful well buzzing or shaving before a tattoo appointment.

Will my tattoo fade/ age/ lighten?

• All tattoos fade and lighten over time. Proper long term after care aids in prolonging the freshness of your piece.

  Do people pass out/ Faint during their tattoo?

• Yes, it is more common than you may think. People tend to pass out because of nerves, not having eaten, low blood sugar, or heat.

• Lakeside Tattoos does its best to assure your comfort.

• Most clients who faint end up finishing their tattoo. However, you are not pressured to do so if you do not feel comfortable continuing, we can reschedule or cancel your appointment. It will be left at your discretion unless the artist feels you should not continue.

When is it not a good idea to get tattooed?

• You should not get tattooed when you are:

  • When you can’t afford it

  • Must be over 18

  • Drunk

  • High

  • Pregnant

  • Pre-Surgery

  • Post-Surgery

  • Caffeine

  • When you don’t know what you want

  • When you’re sunburned

  • When you haven’t showered

  • When you have your kids with you

  • If you don’t have an ID

  • Being pressured into it

  Do I have to tip?

• You are not required to tip but it is always appreciated. If you are happy with your artists’ work and your new tattoo a tip is always welcomed.

What happens if I am late or no-show to my appointment?

• Life happens, if you are running late please send a message (Email) in regards to when you will arrive. If you are too late it may result in the rescheduling of your tattoo.

Can I use numbing cream for my tattoo?

• Most numbing creams that are available to the general public result in short term numbing and/or are topical creams that are not meant to be applied to open skin, cuts or abrasions. However if numbing cream makes you feel more comfortable before getting a tattoo make sure to follow the directions properly to avoid misuse.

Can I bring a friend to accompany me during my appointment?

• No, Lakeside Tattoos is a private studio and only has room for the client and the artist.

What should I do to heal my tattoo?

• Tattoos take between 7 to 15 days to go through the initial healing process. It can take up to two full months for your skin and hair to grow back to normal.

• Aftercare instructions

  • Keep bandage (Second Skin) on for 4 days.

  • Do not submerge in water, take showers only with the bandage.

  • On the 4th day remove bandage in the shower and hold under warm water for a few minutes to help soften the adhesion of the bandage.

  • Turn away from the water and with a gentle soap create lots of suds above the bandage this will help you remove it .

  • Start to pull the bandage off slowly it can be quite sticky so take your time . Use the soapy suds to help release the adhesion of the bandage.

  • Once the bandage has been removed this is a good time to remove any fluid residue that can be stuck to the tattoo that accumulates under the bandage.

  • Using only your hands and the soap scrub off as much as the adhesion from the bandage and any residue stuck to the tattoo .

  • After showering let the tattoo air dry and after a couple hours of it being dry apply a thin layer of Aquaphore around the entire area of the tattoo and surrounding skin .

  • Apply Aquaphore three times a day for three weeks.

• Scabbing, flaking, peeling, dryness or itching are all part of the healing process. Severe scabs that are deep and thick may indicate a need to change your aftercare routine and should be addressed with your tattoo artist. Feel free to ask any questions during your appointment, via telephone or email after your appointment if there is any confusion on how to care for your tattoo.

  Do you do free touch ups?

• Lakeside Tattoos offer one free complementary touch up on work within 6 months of receiving their tattoo.

• Tattoos exempted from a free touch up include; hands, feet, fingers, necks and any case involving individuals who had a blatant disregard for the aftercare given to them.

• Exemption of a free touch up will also include anyone who no-shows a scheduled touch up appointment, disregarding the importance of the artist’s time.

Am I allowed to tan?

• Tanning can damage/fade your tattoo.

• It is not suggested to tan before or after your tattoo appointment.

• Once a tattoo is fully healed it is suggested to use SPF 50+ sunscreen.

• Keeping your tattoo out of the sun is important part of the healing process.

• If you are planning a vacation before or after your tattoo appointment; make sure the allotted time is respected to assure the best results for your tattoo.

  Can I shave/wax the area of my new tattoo?

• It is best to wait until your tattoo has fully healed before shaving/waxing the area.

• Shaving/waxing over scabbing, flaking, peeling and or dry skin can be dangerous and detrimental to the healing of your tattoo.

  Can I go to the gym after I get a new tattoo?

• Yes you can go to the gym. But make sure there is not too much friction or contact with your new tattoo and the gym equipment.

• Make sure that after your gym session you keep the tattoo area clean and dry for it to heal at its best ability.

Can I use the sauna or steam room after getting a new tattoo?

• We do not suggest steaming or going in a sauna after receiving a new tattoo. Try to abstain until your piece has fully healed.

Can I get a massage after getting a new tattoo?

• It is not suggested to have anyone rub or touch the tattooed area. Please abstain until your tattoo has fully healed.

  Can I go swimming after getting a new tattoo?

• You should not be swimming or sitting in any body of water. Make sure your tattoo is not submerged under water until it has fully healed.

Can I take a shower after getting a new tattoo?

• Taking a shower is totally fine; however try not to get the area covered in soap or submerge it underwater for long periods of time. Baths are not suggested.

  How will I know if my tattoo has fully healed?

• Your tattoo will no longer be dry, itchy, shiny or peeling. Your tattoo will feel as one with your skin and you will instinctively know that you have undergone the entire healing process.

• If you are looking to go swimming, visit a steam room Etc. please feel free to send in a photo of your tattoo or walk in for an artist to give you the go ahead that your piece has fully healed if you feel unsure.

What happens if I am late or no-show to my appointment?

• Please ensure that you do not no-show for an appointment; give the artist the proper notice if you need to cancel.

• If you know you are going to be late please notify your artist to ensure they will still be able to get you in as there may be appointments scheduled after you. If you are more than 20 minutes late; the artist reserves the right to reschedule your appointment.

What if my tattoo is infected?

• More often than not, what you perceive as an infection is actually an irritation.

• Allergic reactions or infections are extremely rare.

• If you think there is an issue, speak with your artist.