Preguntas frecuentes sobre tatuajes

Above is a general idea of what to expect, although pain levels vary person to person.

YES — We often accepts walk-ins for tattoos, but availability can change and there may be a wait since it’s on a first-come, first-served basis.

Simple terms:

●Sometimes you can walk in without an appointment.
●It depends on how busy we are that day.
●If the artists are booked up for the day, you might need to book an appointment instead.

Best move: call ahead at 262-800-3007 before you go.

Price ranges from $125-$150

Call us 📞 262-800-3007
Stop in 📍900 State St. Racine, WI 53404

You can also message us on our Ink Era Tattoo social platforms
www.facebook.com/inkeratattoo
www.instagram.com/ink_era_tattoo/

Pick the style, then the artist. Not all artists do everything well. Figure out what you want first:
●Fine line / minimal
●Black & grey realism
●Color realism
●Traditional / neo-traditional
●Japanese
●Script / lettering
●Micro tattoos

Then find artists who specialize in that style. An amazing realism artist may be terrible at fine line, and vice versa.

✅ YES, we do cover-ups! — our experienced artists at the shop can design a piece to cover an existing tattoo with new art.

📞 To do a cover-up, you’ll usually call 262-800-3007 and often start with a consultation so the artist can plan the best design.

You need a tattoo consultation, so you and the artist are on the same page before any ink goes in your skin.

In simple terms:

●To confirm the design (size, details, changes)
●To pick the best placement on your body
●To talk about price and time
●To check your skin and healing
●To avoid mistakes you’d regret later

Bottom line:
A consultation helps make sure you get the tattoo you actually want, not surprises.

Wait at least 2–3 weeks before swimming.

Simple rules:

❌ No pools, oceans, lakes, hot tubs while it’s healing

✅ You can swim once it’s fully healed:

●No scabs
●No flaking
●Skin looks smooth

Why:
Water can cause infection, fading, or patchy ink.

Quick tip:
If it still feels itchy, shiny, or peeling — don’t swim yet.

Don’t panic — this is normal healing, not your tattoo “falling out.”

What’s happening

●Your tattoo will flake and peel like a sunburn.
●The flakes can look dark because they have extra ink + dead skin.
●The real ink is deeper in your skin and stays.

What to do (simple):

●Do NOT pick or peel the flakes.
●Wash gently 2–3× a day with mild, unscented soap.
●Moisturize lightly (thin layer, not greasy).
●Let flakes fall off on their own.

Avoid:

●Scratching
●Soaking (baths, pools)
●Tight clothing rubbing it
●Sun

When to worry:

●Thick yellow/green pus
●Spreading redness, heat, fever
●Severe pain getting worse

If none of that is happening, you’re good 👍

Keep it simple — here’s what to do before your tattoo:

●Sleep well the night before
●Eat a good meal (don’t go hungry)
●Drink water
●Shower and be clean
●Moisturize the area for a few days beforehand
●Wear comfortable, loose clothing
●Bring ID and payment

Avoid:

●Alcohol (24 hours before)
●Drugs
●Sunburn on the area
●Showing up sick

That’s it — doing these helps with pain, healing, and getting a better tattoo.

NO — in Wisconsin a 17-year-old legally cannot get a tattoo even with a parent’s consent.

YES — you can shower after getting a tattoo.

Simple rules:

●Wait 2–4 hours (or when your artist says).
●Use lukewarm water, not hot.
●Let water run over it — don’t scrub.
●Wash gently with unscented soap using your hands.
●No baths, pools, or soaking for 2–3 weeks.
●Pat dry with a clean paper towel, then apply a thin layer of aftercare.

Shower = OK.
Soaking = NOT OK.

YES — most people can get a tattoo while breastfeeding.

Simple version:

●Tattoo ink does not go into breast milk.
●Go to a clean, licensed shop to avoid infection.
●Avoid numbing creams unless approved by your doctor.
●Eat, hydrate, and don’t do a super long session.

Wait or be extra careful if:

●You’re sick or healing from birth
●You’ve had mastitis recently
●The tattoo is very large

It depends on the medication and why you’re taking it. Ask your doctor to be sure.

Short answer:

●2–3 weeks to heal on the outside
●4–6 weeks to fully heal underneath

What it looks like:

●Days 1–3: sore, red
●Days 4–10: scabbing, peeling, flaking
●Weeks 2–3: looks healed but still sensitive
●Weeks 4–6: fully healed

Tip:
Even if it looks healed, keep caring for it for the full month.

Very shallow.

Simple answer:
A tattoo needle goes about 1–2 millimeters deep into your skin. (Dermis)

What that means:

●It goes past the top layer (which sheds)
●It stays in the middle layer so the ink doesn’t fall out
●Not deep enough to hit muscle or anything serious

That’s why tattoos hurt but don’t cause major damage.

NO — If you’re on antibiotics, your body is already fighting an infection. Getting a tattoo adds controlled trauma to the skin, which can cause a few problems:

●Slower healing – your immune system is busy elsewhere
●Higher infection risk – fresh tattoos are open wounds
●Ink rejection or fading – the skin may not hold pigment properly
●More swelling, redness, pain or other symptoms

YES — Tattoo numbing cream can work, but with some important caveats. They can make the tattooing process less painful and more manageable, especially at the beginning, but they don’t completely eliminate pain and don’t work the same for everyone.

Most tattoos heal in 2–3 weeks on the surface, but full healing under the skin can take 4–6 weeks.

No. If you are sick, sunburned, or have irritated skin in the area, your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

Tips are appreciated but never required. Many clients tip 15–25%, similar to other service industries.

Many scars can be tattooed once fully healed.

Here is a list of a few styles we offer but not limited to:

●American Traditional
●Neo-Traditional
●Japanese
●Tribal
●Blackwork
●Black & Grey
●Realism
●Color Realism
●Fine Line
●Linework
●Geometric
●Dotwork
●Illustrative
●Watercolor
●New School
●Anime / Cartoon
●Chicano
●Biomechanical
●Trash Polka
●Ornamental