Are you considering getting inked or pierced? At Lucky 13 Tattoo, we pride ourselves on providing a safe, professional, and comfortable environment for all your body modification needs. We understand you might have questions, and we’re here to provide clear and comprehensive answers to guide you through the process. This guide will cover everything from booking your appointment to aftercare, ensuring you have a smooth and informed experience at Lucky 13 Tattoo.
Booking Your Tattoo or Piercing Appointment at Lucky 13 Tattoo
At Lucky 13 Tattoo, all services, both tattoo and piercing, are by appointment only. This ensures that our artists and piercers can dedicate their full attention to each client, providing personalized service and meticulous artistry.
For Tattoo Appointments:
To book a tattoo appointment, please email us at [email protected] with the subject line “Tattoo Appointment.” To help us understand your vision and prepare for your consultation, please include the following information in your email:
- Design Ideas: Attach reference pictures of designs or styles you like. Visual examples are incredibly helpful for our artists to grasp your aesthetic preferences.
- Size: Specify the desired size of your tattoo in inches using a ruler or tape measure. Terms like “not too big” or “medium size” are subjective and don’t provide the necessary precision.
- Placement: Clearly indicate where on your body you want the tattoo. Be specific, for example, “outside of left forearm” or “upper right thigh.”
- Color Preference: Let us know if you prefer a color tattoo or black and grey.
- Font (if applicable): If your design includes text, describe the font style you envision.
- Additional Details: Include any other important information about your design that you want the artist to consider.
Please compile all this information as plain text in the email body and attach your reference images. Consolidating your questions and details into a single, comprehensive email helps us streamline the booking process and respond to you efficiently.
Once we receive your email, one of our talented tattoo artists will review your request and respond within 1-4 business days with a price estimate and further instructions on how to finalize your booking. We appreciate your patience as our artists are dedicated to tattooing, creating custom designs, and responding to numerous inquiries.
For Piercing Appointments:
For all piercing services, including jewelry purchases and check-ups, please call us directly at (610) 683-6969 to schedule an appointment. While we often have same-day availability for piercings, calling ahead ensures we can accommodate you promptly. Walk-in piercing services are not available.
Safety and Hygiene at Lucky 13 Tattoo
Your safety is our paramount concern at Lucky 13 Tattoo. We adhere to the highest standards of hygiene and sterilization to ensure a safe and worry-free experience. We use brand-new, single-use needles for every tattoo and piercing procedure. These needles are meticulously disposed of in designated sharps containers immediately after use.
All of our tools and equipment undergo rigorous sterilization processes. Many items, including some jewelry, are pre-packaged, sealed, and sterilized before use. For jewelry that is not pre-packaged, we utilize a Statim autoclave, a state-of-the-art sterilizer, to ensure complete sterilization right before your piercing. To guarantee the ongoing effectiveness of our sterilization equipment, we conduct weekly spore tests on both autoclaves. We take immense pride in maintaining clean, safe, and comfortable spaces for both tattoo and piercing services.
Understanding Tattoo and Piercing Costs at Lucky 13 Tattoo
The cost of your tattoo is determined by several factors, including the size, intricacy, and placement of the design. Our shop minimum for tattoos is $75, and our standard hourly rate is $140. We provide price estimates after reviewing your design request and specifications.
Piercing prices vary depending on the jewelry you select for your initial piercing. The majority of piercings are priced at $65, which includes your choice of basic titanium jewelry. We offer a diverse selection of “basic” jewelry with various gems, stones, and colors within this price range. For those seeking premium options, we also have a curated collection of solid 14kt and 18kt gold jewelry, as well as more elaborate and ornate designs, available at an additional cost for initial piercings.
Age Requirements and Identification for Tattoos and Piercings
To get a tattoo at Lucky 13 Tattoo, you must be 18 years of age or older and possess valid government-issued photo identification. We strictly adhere to this age policy and do not tattoo anyone under 18, even with parental consent.
For piercings, we do offer services to clients under 18 (generally no younger than 12 for most piercings, and no younger than 6 for standard earlobe piercings) provided they have parental consent and proper documentation. This requires:
- Parental Presence: A parent or legal guardian must be present.
- Parent ID: The parent must present a valid photo ID.
- Minor ID: The minor must have photo identification (recent school ID, state-issued ID card, passport, or driver’s license) AND their original birth certificate (copies are not accepted).
- Notarized Affidavit: A signed and notarized affidavit is required (please email us for the printable form).
Acceptable forms of identification for adults (18+) include:
- Valid state-issued ID card
- Valid state-issued driver’s license (excluding out-of-country licenses)
- Valid passport
- Valid military ID
For minors with parental consent, all listed documents are mandatory, and they must be originals – we do not accept copies or pictures of IDs. Expired identification documents are not accepted. All required identification must be physically present at the appointment.
Policies at Lucky 13 Tattoo: Children and Payment
To maintain a focused and safe environment, children are not permitted in the tattoo shop area.
For payment, Lucky 13 Tattoo accepts all major credit cards and cash. While we appreciate unique forms of payment, we do not accept checks, trades, IOUs, or payment plans. Full payment is expected upon completion of services on the day of your appointment.
Tattoo and Piercing Aftercare Instructions
Proper aftercare is crucial for the healing and longevity of your new tattoo or piercing. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to all clients.
Tattoo Aftercare:
- Washing: Gently wash your new tattoo thoroughly with a mild, unscented, undyed antibacterial/antimicrobial soap and warm water.
- Drying: Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel.
- Ointment Application: Apply a very thin layer of healing ointment such as Redemption Tattoo Aftercare, Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare, A+D, or Neosporin. Remember, less is more – your skin needs to breathe to heal effectively.
- Reapplication: Reapply ointment as needed throughout the day to keep the tattoo moisturized and prevent it from drying out.
- Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your tattoo.
- Healing Time: The tattoo healing process typically takes 2-3 weeks, but individual healing times may vary. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your tattoo artist.
Piercing Aftercare:
- Cleaning Solution: Clean your new piercing twice daily (morning and night) using a sterile saline solution specifically formulated for wound care.
- Cleaning Process: Spray the sterile saline solution directly onto your piercing. Gently clean around the piercing and jewelry using a clean paper towel or sterile gauze. Pat the area dry with a clean, dry paper towel after cleaning.
- Products to Avoid: Do not use soaps, Bactine, alcohol, anti-bacterial sprays, contact lens solution, homemade saltwater solutions, hydrogen peroxide, “ear care” solutions, oils, aspirin, or Neosporin on a new piercing. These products are too harsh and can hinder healing. Sterile saline spray is the only recommended cleaning agent.
- Avoid Q-tips and Cotton Balls: Do not use Q-tips or cotton balls for cleaning as they can leave fibers behind.
- Minimize Touching: Avoid touching your piercing except when cleaning. Do not rotate or wiggle the jewelry, as unnecessary movement can disrupt the healing process and lead to complications.
- Jewelry Retention: Do not remove the jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.
- Cosmetics: Avoid applying makeup on or around a healing piercing.
- Healing Time: Piercing healing times vary significantly, ranging from 3 to 12 months or longer, depending on the piercing location and individual healing rates. Adhere to the specific aftercare instructions provided by your piercer and return for a check-up within the recommended timeframe to assess jewelry sizing and healing progress.
- Body’s Natural Healing: Remember, your body is adept at healing. Keeping the piercing clean and dry is paramount; your body will handle the rest.
Jewelry Materials at Lucky 13 Tattoo
Lucky 13 Tattoo exclusively uses high-quality, implant-grade materials for all initial piercings. We utilize implant-grade steel, titanium, and 14kt or 18kt gold jewelry. We also feature internally threaded or threadless jewelry from reputable manufacturers like Anatometal, NeoMetal, LeRoi, Tether, and Body Gems for both initial and healed piercings. Please inform your artist or piercer of any known metal or latex allergies so we can take appropriate precautions to ensure your safety and comfort.
Outside Jewelry Policy
For safety and sterilization reasons, Lucky 13 Tattoo can only use jewelry purchased directly from our studio for initial piercings. This ensures that the jewelry is of appropriate size, material, and sterility for a new piercing.
We hope this guide has addressed your questions about Lucky 13 Tattoo. We look forward to helping you with your next tattoo or piercing! Contact us today to book your appointment and experience the Lucky 13 Tattoo difference.
