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We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.
Welcome to our FAQ page! Designed to provide you with all the essential information you need to know before stepping into our studio. Whether you're considering your first tattoo or piercing, or you're a seasoned collector looking for guidance, our FAQ section aims to address common inquiries regarding our services, safety protocols, aftercare instructions, and more. We understand that getting a tattoo or piercing can be a significant decision, and our goal is to ensure that you feel informed and confident throughout the process. If you have any additional questions not covered here, don't hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team.
Can I get a tattoo or piercing if I have allergies or sensitive skin?
What safety measures do you take during the piercing process?
What should I do if I experience any issues with my tattoo or piercing after leaving the studio?
Are there any restrictions on getting a tattoo or piercing while pregnant or breastfeeding?
What care instructions do you recommend for maintaining jewelry?
Can I view your jewelry collection online before visiting the store?
Q: Do tattoos and piercings hurt?
A: Pain is subjective, and though some areas of the body tend to be more painful than others for both tattoos and piercings, ultimately everyone is different and will therefore respond to pain differently. Tattoos are often described as discomfort rather than intense pain, while piercings are quick but can be sharp. But the way we see it, any pain you experience during the procedure is short-lived and well worth the payoff of a lifelong Tattoo or Piercing that you love!
Q: Are tattoos and piercings safe?
A: So long as you are visiting a reputable shop, then yes tattoos and piercings are absolutely safe. At Perfect Image, you can rest assured that your artist has been thoroughly trained to take all necessary precautions to protect you as well as themselves. For more info, see our Tattoos or our Piercings pages.
Q: How much will my tattoo or piercing cost?
A: The price of your tattoo will depend on size, detail, location on the body, etc. Sometimes you will be charged by the piece and sometimes you will be charged by the hour, it all depends on what you’re getting. We offer free consultations with any of our artists, so you can sit down with them to discuss ideas and get a better idea of price. The price of your piercing will depend on the location of the piercing and the jewelry that you choose, and can range quite a bit. You’re welcome to stop by the shop at any time to take a look at our selection and inquire about specific pricing!
Q: How do I take care of my new tattoo?
A: Each Perfect Image location provides an aftercare package that contains everything you need for a successful healing, with products that we know work. Along with daily care for your tattoo there are some things that should be avoided:
Q: How do I take care of my new piercing?
A: Each Perfect Image location provides an aftercare package that contains everything you need for a successful healing with products that we know work. Along with daily care for your piercing there are some things that should be avoided:
Q: Do you offer consultations for tattoo ideas?
A: Yes, we provide free consultations for tattoo ideas, typically lasting about 15 minutes, ensuring personalized guidance and clarity for your desired design. Get in touch!
Q: Can I bring my own design to an artist to get tattooed?
A: Absolutely! Our tattoo artists welcome clients' original ideas. Bring references, sketches, or images to your consultation to collaborate on a design that suits your vision.
Q: Can I bring a friend with me to hold my hand?
A: Usually! We recommend checking with the artist you'll be working with directly as they may have different preferences, space restrictions, etc. But more often than not it's totally fine!
Q: What's the best way to prepare for my appointment?
A: Whether you're getting a new tattoo or piercing, you'll want to prepare for your appointment the same way. Make sure you're well-rested, hydrated and have eaten a meal within 2 hours prior to your appointment. Refrain from consuming alcohol for 24 hours prior to your appointment as it thins your blood and can affect the process. In the case of tattoos, make sure you're wearing something that allows for easy access to the area you're getting tattooed. As for piercings, make sure if you're getting a body piercing that any clothing that will be in contact with the piercing afterward is clean and comfortable.
Q: Can I schedule an appointment online?
A: Piercings are walk-in only, and while tattoo appointments cannot be booked online, you can initiate the process by reaching out to us via our contact form or email to schedule a consultation and start the tattooing process.
A: Yes, tattoos can fade over time due to sun exposure, aging, and the body's natural healing process. Proper care and sunscreen can help preserve tattoo color.
Q: Can I get a tattoo or piercing if I have allergies or sensitive skin?
A: If you have allergies or sensitive skin and are concerned about getting a tattoo or piercing, you can always consult with one of our tattoo or piercing artists and discuss potential risks and allergens in tattoo ink and jewelry. We do offer plenty of hypoallergenic materials, including inks and jewelry.
Q: Can I get a tattoo over a scar or existing tattoo?
A: It's possible to tattoo over scars or existing tattoos, but the results may vary. Feel free to consult with one of our tattoo artists who can assess the feasibility and provide recommendations!
Q: What type of jewelry do you offer?
A: We offer a wide range of jewelry crafted from high-quality materials such as implant-grade titanium, 14k, 18k and 24k gold, niobium, and more, ensuring durability and elegance for every piece. Our selection includes various styles, from minimalist designs to intricate statement pieces, catering to diverse preferences and occasions.
Q: What safety measures do you take during the piercing process?
A: We strictly adhere to industry-standard hygiene protocols, including on-site sterilization of equipment using medical-grade solutions and single-use disposable needles to prevent cross-contamination. Our experienced professionals prioritize safety by maintaining a clean and sanitized environment, ensuring a comfortable and risk-free experience for our clients. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any specific questions you may have regarding materials used!
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: In store we accept cash, debit, credit and gift cards! On our online store, we also accept Sezzle as a form of payment so that you can Buy Now, Pay Later!
Q: How do I purchase a gift card? And where can it be used?
A: We have 3 different kinds of gift cards, so be sure you're purchasing the right one for what you're looking for!
1. We have gift cards that can be purchased in store and can ONLY be used at the location it was purchased at.
2. We have gift cards that can be purchased online and can be used at ANY location but cannot be used online.
3. We have gift cards that can be purchased online and can ONLY be used on our online store.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: We require a non-refundable deposit for all tattoo bookings (not including consultations) that holds your spot and is deducted from the total cost of your tattoo. The deposit amount can vary depending on what you're getting, but is usually $100+tax. We require 48 hours notice to reschedule your tattoo appointment in order to keep your deposit on file. If you provide less than 48 hours notice, your deposit will be forfeited.
Q: How long does a typical tattoo session last?
A: The duration of a typical tattoo session varies depending on factors such as the size, complexity, and placement of the tattoo, ranging from a few minutes for small designs to multiple sessions spanning several hours each for larger or intricate pieces. During your consultation your artist can give you a better idea of how long your tattoo will take to complete.
Q: Can I see examples of your previous work?
A: Of course! Each of our artist pages has several photos from their portfolio of work, so you can find your perfect match based on what you're looking to get.
Q: Do you offer touch-up services for tattoos?
A: We do! Each artist's touch-up policy will vary based on several factors, so please get in touch with the shop you visited for more specific information.
Q: Do you offer cover-up services for existing tattoos?
A: Yes! We recommend reaching out to book a free consultation with one of our experienced artists, who will work closely with clients to design and execute effective cover-up solutions tailored to their preferences and needs.
Q: What age do I need to be to get a tattoo or piercing?
A: Because there are no laws in Canada specific to age restrictions for tattoos or piercings, this decision is at each artist/shop's discretion. Generally, 16 is the minimum age at our shops to sign for yourself for piercings (with a few exceptions), and 18 for tattoos. We will sometimes pierce those under the age of 16 or tattoo those under the age of 18, but this will depend on the piercing/placement of the tattoo, etc. Please reach out to the shop you're hoping to visit directly so we can give you more specific information, including what's required to bring with you.
Q: What is the healing time for different types of piercings?
A: It can vary quite a bit as everyone's body and healing journey is different, but here are some general timeframes for some of our most common piercings:
Lobes: 8-12 weeks
Helix: 4-6 months
Daith: 6-8 months
Nipples: 8-12 months
Navel: 6-8 months
Septum: 3-4 months
Nostril: 4-6 months
Q: Do you offer numbing options for tattoo sessions?
A: At select locations we carry Zensa Numbing Cream, which challenges the notion that discomfort is an inevitable part of certain aesthetic procedures. With it's effective formulation, fast-acting relief, and commitment to quality, Zensa stands as a beacon for those seeking a more comfortable and enjoyable journey throughout their tattoo experiences. Please check with your artist about the use of numbing cream prior to your appointment for more specific information.
Q: Are your tattoo inks vegan-friendly or cruelty-free?
A: Yes! However as different artists within the company may use different brands of ink, please contact them directly to inquire about which ones they use.
Q: What should I do if I experience any issues with my tattoo or piercing after leaving the studio?
A: If you experience any issues with your tattoo or piercing after leaving the studio, contact us immediately for guidance. Our experienced staff will provide advice on how to manage your concerns and recommend appropriate aftercare measures to ensure proper healing.
Q: Are there any restrictions on getting a tattoo or piercing while pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: Yes, it is generally advised to avoid getting a tattoo or piercing while pregnant or breastfeeding due to potential risks of infection and the potential impact of the procedure on the developing fetus or nursing infant. For that reason, a part of our tattoo/piercing waiver is an agreement that you are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding. It's best to wait until after pregnancy or breastfeeding, and consult with a healthcare professional before proceeding with either.
Q: What care instructions do you recommend for maintaining jewelry?
A: To maintain your body jewelry, we recommend cleaning it regularly with a gentle, non-abrasive solution such as warm water and Cetaphil, followed by rinsing thoroughly and drying with a soft cloth. Avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals, such as chlorine and perfume, and store it in a dry, clean place when not in use. For solid gold jewelry, we recommend regular polishing with a gold jewelry cloth.
Q: Do you offer consultations for selecting jewelry pieces?
A: While we don't book appointments for piercings/piercing services (it's walk-in only), you are welcome to stop by the shop any time to browse our jewelry selection and chat with our staff about your options!
Q: Can I view your jewelry collection online before visiting the store?
A: While our online store doesn't have ALL of the jewelry we have in store, it's well stocked with tons of options for your next piercing or jewelry change. We offer shipping to anywhere in Canada and the US, or we also offer free in-store pickup (out of our Waterloo location ONLY).
Q: Can I make a custom jewelry order?
A: Yes! If you have a piece of jewelry in mind from one of the companies we carry but we don't currently have it in stock, you are welcome to visit us to leave a deposit (half the cost of the jewelry) and we will order it in for you! Please contact the location you're hoping to visit directly for more information.
Q: What is your jewelry return or exchange policy?
A: Due to health and safety concerns, once jewelry is sold to a customer it cannot be resold to another customer. For that reason, we do not offer exchange or return of any jewelry - all sales are final. That being said, some of the jewelry companies that we carry offer warranties for broken jewelry, missing gems, etc. Please contact us for more information!
If you have any questions or concerns not mentioned on this page, please do not hesitate to contact your local Perfect Image location or just stop by any time, and we'll be sure to help you out!