Frequently Asked Questions – Tattoos and Piercings
Deposit & Procedure
To finalize your appointment, we require a 50% deposit of the total amount, with a minimum of €50.00 for small and medium-sized tattoos.
For longer sessions or large projects, a deposit of 50% of the total cost applies (whichever is higher).
Your appointment is only confirmed once the deposit has been paid. You will always receive confirmation of this.
The deposit covers, among other things:
- Reserving time in our agenda
- Preparation and design work
- Material costs
Rescheduling your appointment
Would you like to reschedule your appointment? You can do so according to the following rules:
- Free rescheduling up to 48 hours before the appointment
Your deposit will be transferred automatically.
- Reschedule within 48 hours or do not show up
The deposit will be forfeited completely because the reserved time can no longer be filled.
Cancelling your appointment
Do you want to cancel your appointment completely? Sometimes this can happen due to unforeseen circumstances. In that case, you will receive a voucher equal to your deposit.
This voucher is valid for one year and can be used for any tattoo or piercing service. You can also resell it if you wish.
Important to know
We ask that you schedule an appointment at a time you're certain you can attend. This way, we avoid disappointment for both parties and reserve space for customers who would like to be seated.
Rates
We'll review the design with you to determine the rate. We don't work with an hourly rate.
You can request a quote once your design has been reviewed and accepted. You'll receive the final price once the design is fully developed.
Deposit
When your appointment is scheduled, a deposit is required.
The deposit can easily be paid via Tikkie.
We do not work with cash.
Starting rate
The starting rate for all our artists is €50.
How do I prepare for my tattoo?
Good preparation ensures a pleasant session and the best end result. Below are our most important tips:
Come fit and rested
Make sure you've slept well, eaten enough, and are well-hydrated. A rested body can handle the pain better and recover faster.
No alcohol or drugs
Don't drink alcohol the night before your appointment, and don't use drugs. Alcohol thins the blood and can even make the ink less effective.
Avoid blood thinners
Don't use medications like aspirin or ibuprofen on the day itself. If you're in pain, paracetamol is a safe alternative.
Wear comfortable and practical clothing
Choose clothing that makes the tattoo area easily accessible. Keep in mind that ink or Vaseline may get on your clothing.
Take care of your skin beforehand
Moisturize your skin in the days leading up to your appointment. Healthy skin absorbs ink better. However, don't apply lotion on the day of your appointment.
Avoid heavy workouts
Don't do any intense exercise the day before your appointment. This can make your body more sensitive and tired.
Don't drink energy drinks
Energy drinks increase your heart rate and can make you more sensitive to pain. Water is the best choice.
Come clean and fresh
Shower before your appointment. This is pleasant for both you and the artist, especially during longer sessions.
Neem snacks mee
Your blood sugar levels can drop, especially during longer sessions. A snack will help you stay energized.
Leave the shaving to us
Do not shave the area yourself unless we specifically ask you to. Improper shaving can cause cuts, making it impossible to tattoo.
Bring something to relax with
Earphones, music or a hoodie can help you get through the session relaxed.
Arrive on time
We aim to work calmly and carefully. Being late may shorten or reschedule your session.
How do I care for my tattoo?
Good aftercare is essential for the best possible result. Follow the guidelines below to ensure your tattoo heals optimally.
General healing rules
- No alcohol for the first 24 hours.
- You may resume exercising carefully after 2 days.
- You can swim again after 20 days.
- You can go to the sauna again after 25 days.
- After 1 month, your tattoo may be exposed to the sun again (to a limited extent).
- After 2 months you can use the sunbed again.
If you do have to go out in the sun, always use a high SPF and apply plenty of sunscreen to your tattoo.
Important care tips
- Do not wear tight or woolen clothing over the tattooed area while it heals. This prevents irritation and chafing.
Keep dirt and bacteria away from your new tattoo. Touch it as little as possible.
- Leave the applied film in place for 2 to 4 hours before removing it.
- Apply lotion to your tattoo several times a day, for example with Bepanthen or another suitable aftercare ointment.
Always use a thin layer — too much ointment will clog the skin.
Extra Tips for the Aftercare of your Tattoo
1. Showering is allowed, but no baths or prolonged wetness
You can just shower, but:
- no long, hot showers
- do not soak in the bath
- no jacuzzi
Water softens the skin and can cause ink leakage.
2. Do not scratch or pick
During healing, the tattoo will itch and flakes may form.
Do not scratch, pick, or pull the skin. This can cause spots and scars.
3. Do not use perfumed products
Avoid body lotion, perfume, shower gel, scrub or oil containing perfume on or around the tattoo.
This may cause irritation.
4. Let your tattoo breathe
Wear light clothing and avoid materials that stick or chafe.
Cotton is ideal. Avoid wool, nylon, and tight clothing.
5. Protect your tattoo from pets
Hair, dust, sand and bacteria can disrupt the healing process.
Don't let anyone lick your tattoo and make sure your bedding is clean.
6. Be careful with sports and machines
Avoid sports where:
- you sweat a lot
- friction occurs on the tattooed area
- you hold machines that may be dirty (gym)
7. Sleep clean
Change your bed linen the first night(s).
Do you have a large tattoo? Consider using an old T-shirt or towel to absorb any leaks.
8. Always use thin layers of ointment
Applying too much can suffocate or inflame the tattoo.
A thin layer 2–3× per day is sufficient.
9. Be careful with work
Do you work in a dusty, dirty or damp environment?
Protect your tattoo well and clean it regularly.
10. Expect small ink output
It is normal for the tattoo to:
- loses some ink
- secretes moisture
- what is red
As long as it is not extreme, this is part of the healing process.
How do I care for my new piercing?
Clean your piercing twice a day—morning and evening—with a saline solution. Spray the piercing and the wound area thoroughly on all sides and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Then rinse the saline solution thoroughly with water and gently pat the piercing dry with a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel.
Basic rules for piercings
- Do not swim, go to the sea, use saunas or steam baths for 6–8 weeks.
(This prevents infections and irritation.)
- Do not apply makeup, concealer or other beauty products on or around the piercing.
- Avoid pressure and impact, especially with cartilage piercings. Think of headphones, motorcycle helmets, tight hats, or holding a phone against your ear.
- Avoid sleeping on the side where your piercing is as much as possible to avoid too much pressure.
- Avoid hairspray, dye and other chemical hair products near the piercing.
Protect the area while styling your hair.
Extra Tips for Piercing Aftercare
1. Touch your piercing as little as possible
Touching with unwashed hands is one of the biggest causes of infections.
Touch only while cleaning.
2. Do NOT rotate your jewelry
Contrary to previous belief, twisting actually hinders the healing process and irritates the wound canal.
3. Expect swelling in the first week
Some swelling, warmth, or tenderness is normal.
Cooling with a clean compress may help (not too cold, no ice directly on the skin).
4. Do not use alcohol, sterilon or tea tree in the first phase
These agents dry out the skin, delay healing or cause irritation.
5. Sleep clean
Change your pillowcase regularly and, if you have ear or nose piercings, use a travel pillow so you don't roll onto the piercing.
6. Be careful with hair and clothing
Hair, scarves, hats and clothes with edges can get caught.
With ear piercings this can damage the canal.
7. No mouth contact or bodily fluids with new piercings
Especially important for ear, nipple, navel and body piercings.
8. Expect scabs: this is normal
Leave scabs on — they are part of the healing process.
Do not pick or scrape.
9. Be careful with sports
Avoid sports where there is a lot of friction, sweat or contact.
If necessary, use a plaster or bandage during intensive activities (only temporarily).
10. Never replace your jewelry too early
Always wait until the piercing is completely healed.
Healing times depend on the area — ranging from 6 weeks to 12 months.
11. Be careful with perfume and sprays
Always spray perfume away from your piercing.
Deodorant, dry shampoo and sunscreen can also cause irritation.
12. Keeping jewelry clean
Keep your jewelry clean, but never remove it during healing.
This can cause the hole to close or cause infection.
Aftercare Oral Piercings
Good oral hygiene is essential for caring for an oral piercing. Rinse with a suitable mouthwash morning and evening to reduce bacteria. Always do this after brushing your teeth.
Preferably use an alcohol-free mouthwash, as alcohol can irritate the wound and delay healing.
During the healing period, avoid:
- Spicy food
(May cause burning, irritation and increase swelling.)
- Citrus fruits and acidic drinks
(Such as lemon, orange, soda; these can sting and irritate the wound.)
- Smoking
(Delays healing and increases the risk of infections.)
- Smoking
(Irritates the mouth and dries out the mucous membranes.)
- Oral sex
(Due to bacteria and high risks of infection.)
Extra tips about Oral Piercings
1. Expect swelling in the first few days
Tongue and lip piercings in particular swell.
Suck on ice cubes (preferably ice water) to reduce swelling.
Caution: Do not chew hard ice cubes.
2. Drink plenty of water
This keeps your mouth clean, reduces swelling and promotes healing.
3. Speak more calmly and eat more slowly
Especially with a new tongue piercing, you may find yourself lisping or catching on the jewelry at first.
Eating quietly prevents biting of the jewelry.
4. Avoid dairy in the first few hours
Dairy products can cause mucus formation, which can cause irritation.
After a few hours this is no longer a problem.
5. No alcoholic mouthwashes
Alcohol stings, irritates and slows the healing process.
6. Brush gently and carefully
Use a soft toothbrush and be gentle around the jewelry.
7. Pay attention to heat
Coffee, tea, and hot soup can worsen swelling. Let hot drinks cool down for a while.
8. Keep your jewelry clean
After eating, rinse briefly with water to ensure that no food residue remains around the jewelry.
9. Sleep with your head slightly elevated
This helps to reduce swelling during the first night(s).
10. Never replace the jewelry too early
An oral piercing often appears to heal faster than it actually does.
Always have your jewelry replaced by a professional and not before the recommended healing time.
Risks of Tattooing
Tattooing always carries certain risks. A tattoo is essentially a small wound. Therefore, it's important to know what to expect and when extra caution is needed.
During and after tattooing, you may experience pain, redness, and swelling. This is normal.
Do these symptoms worsen during healing (such as severe redness, pus, fever or extreme pain)?
In that case, contact your GP immediately.
Do you have health problems, allergies or are you unsure about something?
Please always inform us of this before making an appointment.
Do not get a tattoo if:
- you are pregnant
- you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- you use antibiotics
Situations with an increased risk:
- skin infections
- damaged skin
- skin diseases or chronic skin problems
- skin that has recently undergone plastic surgery
- a previously tattooed area that has not yet completely healed
- hemophilia or other clotting disorders
- epilepsy
- cardiovascular diseases
- diabetes
- autoimmune diseases
- allergy to ink or other materials
- immune disorders
Additional Tips to Reduce Risks
✔ Always report allergies
For example for latex, plasters or disinfectants.
✔ Report medication use
Not only antibiotics, but also blood thinners, immunosuppressants or hormone treatments.
✔ Come with healthy, clean skin
Avoid sunscreen, self-tanner and body lotion on the day itself.
✔ Reschedule your appointment if you are ill
Fever, flu or infections can worsen healing.
✔ No alcohol, energy drinks or aspirin
Avoid at least 24 hours in advance due to blood thinning.
✔ No tattooing on burnt or irritated skin
Wait until the skin has completely recovered.
✔ Unsure? Ask for advice
We are happy to answer all your questions before you make an appointment.
More information
More detailed and official information about safe tattooing and hygiene can be found at:
www.veiligtatoeerenenpiercen.nl
Want to know more about our studio, appointments, or working methods? Contact us.
Risks of Piercing
Piercing is safe when performed carefully and hygienically. However, there are situations where it's unwise or even unsafe to get a piercing. Below are the most important guidelines.
Do not get a piercing if:
- you have undergone surgery or radiation at the affected site in the past year
- the area was pierced less than 3 months ago
- the skin is irritated, damaged or swollen
- the spot over a mole is
- you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- you are pregnant
- you use antibiotics
Situations with an increased risk:
- diabetes
- hemophilia or other blood clotting disorders
- chronic skin diseases
- allergies to piercing materials (e.g. nickel)
- skin disorders
- immune disorders
Do you have any of these conditions, or are you unsure if it is safe for you to get a piercing?
Please contact your GP or look at:
www.veiligtatoeerenenpiercen.nl
Additional Tips Regarding Risks of Piercing
1. Always report allergies in advance
Not only nickel allergies, but also allergies to latex, plasters, gloves or cleaning agents are important to report.
2. Do not use blood thinners before your appointment
Avoid alcohol, drugs, aspirin, and energy drinks for at least 24 hours beforehand — these increase the risk of bleeding.
3. Come with clean and calm skin
Avoid body lotion, self-tanner, perfume or makeup on or around the area you want to get pierced.
4. Do not plan a piercing on irritated or burned skin
Mild irritation, sunburn or scratches also increase the risk of problems.
5. Postpone your appointment if you are ill
Fever, flu or infections weaken your resistance and increase the risk of complications.
6. Pay attention to skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis
An active flare-up makes piercing impossible. During calmer phases, it's sometimes possible, but always consult with your doctor beforehand.
7. Pregnancy? Wait until after delivery
Not only because of the risk of infection, but also because the immune system works differently and healing becomes more difficult.
8. Choose a place where your body is ready
Piercings in areas that are subject to a lot of movement, chafing, or pressure (e.g., nipple, navel, ear rim) may have a higher risk and longer healing time.
9. Take your work, sports and hobbies into account
Occupations involving a lot of dust, dirt or physical contact (e.g. healthcare, catering, sports) entail greater risks during healing.
10. Are you unsure about your medical situation? Ask for advice
A quick check can save you money. Your health always comes first.