Tattoo FAQ

Yes, walk-ins are welcome but on a first come, first served basis. If we can't get you in that day we will book you an appointment.

Consultations are free. We are happy to take a few moments and consult with you about your design. Please just call the shop at (403) 474-6660 to make sure the artist is there, then swing by to chat. It also helps if you send ideas, sketches or photos. Helps keep things organized.

Our minimum shop charge for 15 min or less with one needle is $120 plus tax.

Our minimum shop charge for 15 to 45 min is $150 plus tax.

Anything beyond 45 min is charged at the individual hourly rate of each artist plus a $40 shop fee, and then tax applied.

We book our appointments with a cash deposit. $100 for 1 to 3 hrs. $300 for 4 hrs and up, per day (ie you book 3 sittings, 5 hr days each, that's $300 per day for deposit).

We appreciate notice if you're going to be late, and will accommodate if we can, however some days there are more than one appointment, so we cannot guarantee you will still get tattooed that day.

We are happy to reschedule your appointment with at least 3 days notice. Less notice than this will be considered a cancellation. Cancellations result in the loss of the deposit for that day. Clients later than one hour will automatically be considered a cancellation.

We do not refund deposits.

Of course we welcome any gratitude if you feel we provided our best here at Calgary Tattoo Company. We do also realize you are paying a respectable price for your piece, so tips are always appreciated, but never expected.

A good night's sleep, eating a solid meal, and having a shower are awesome steps to prepare for your tattoo. Lotioning for a week or two prior, but NOT the day of, is recommended.

Something that is comfortable for you to sit in for the duration of the tattoo, and also something that makes it easy to expose the area being tattooed.

Typically yes, however we prefer if you keep it to one person, as there isn't tons of space for extra people in the waiting area.

We are happy to come up with a vision for your idea, but we need a theme, or general concept or word to go off of.

Composition, size, colour or black and grey, are all good things to think about. Our artists will always give you their best advice from experience.

We invite you to look through the portfolios and pick the artist whose style and work speaks to you. We expect the best from our artists in terms of professionalism, customer service, and most importantly, sanitization and health safety.

Always. Yes. The difference is how much.

In general, spots with thin skin or close to the bone hurt more, such as the ribs, spine, hands, feet, wrists and neck. Fleshier spots, such as the outer thigh, forearm and upper arm, tend to hurt less. The size of the piece, the length of the session and your own pain tolerance matter too. Our artists will always give you their best advice on placement, and consultations are free.

Most people describe a scratching or stinging feeling, sharper along the outlines and more of a dull ache during shading. It usually gets easier to sit through once you settle in. A good night's sleep and a solid meal beforehand help.

Absolutely yes, but with any surgical style procedure, there are always risks involved.

Unless you remove it with a laser or a butter knife, yes.

No. Calgary Tattoo Company does not do tattoo removal, but we can refer you. Call the shop at (403) 474-6660. If you want to cover an old tattoo instead, we do cover-ups.

A tattoo machine moves fine needles up and down to place ink into the dermis, the layer of skin under the surface. The surface heals over the ink, which is why a tattoo is permanent. At Calgary Tattoo Company, only the wash bottles and the tattoo machine are reused, and those are wiped down with Cavicide after each use. All other components are single use, pre sterilized equipment.

Yes, but there can be limitations in the design, or composition.

We use a selection of brands, such as Solid Ink, Dermaglo, Eternal, Intense Inks and Fusion.

If you are taking medication for a condition, you should always consult with your doctor before booking your tattoo appointment.

It's highly recommended you do not get tattooed if the area of skin is irritated, has a rash or sunburn, or has fresh cuts, or the individual is sick.

Talk to your doctor first. Many doctors advise waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding, because any tattoo carries a small risk of infection. If you are taking medication for a condition, you should also consult with your doctor before booking your tattoo appointment. Any questions, call the shop at (403) 474-6660.

We make sure you are properly taught aftercare so your new body art looks and stays the best it can be. Tattoo aftercare steps

Any questions or concerns please contact your artist directly or call the shop at (403) 474-6660, we are always happy to help.

It is fine to shower with the tattoo. ABSOLUTELY DO NOT bathe with your tattoo. NO hot tubs, baths, pools, swimming in the salty sea.

Yes, as long as you protect your tattoo. Your tattoo should not get sun exposure for at least 2 weeks as the skin heals. You can get sun but your tattoo should stay covered by a shirt or pants. Always use sunscreen (but not within 2 weeks of a fresh tattoo).

That really depends on the tattoo and where you got it. Check with your artist to be sure.

We do offer most regular piercings, from nose, ear, lip, belly button. We do NOT offer dermals. Piercing details

We do wipe downs with Cavicide, a regularly used hospital disinfectant. We have a commercial sized air filtration HEPA system that sterilizes the air, and filters the full air volume of our shop over 11 times a day, killing any and all vapour bacteria and viruses.

Each station after every single tattoo is finished.

Only the wash bottles and the tattoo machine are reused and those are wiped down with Cavicide after each use. All other components are single use, pre sterilized equipment.