FAQs

TATTOO FAQ

This is my first tattoo, what can I expect?

Great! We love new comers! As a newbie, there are a couple things you are going to want to know before getting a tattoo:

  • You must be 18+ to get a tattoo.
  • You must not be under the influence.
  • We won’t tattoo anything insulting or offensive.
  • You must be sure you are ready for the commitment.
  • Set your tattoo goals and envision how you see yourself with tattoos.
  • Be kind. Respect the process. Have fun.


The tattoo industry can be a lot of fun, however - we take what we do very seriously. We love having our clients come back with cool ideas and we love helping you bring those ideas to life.


Our staff is here to help you through these four stages:


1. Conceptual stage

- Ideas , research, styles, themes, tones, references.


2. Placement Stage

- Real estate, size, flow, dry fitting.


3. Stencil Stage

- Stencil creation, sterilization, application, confirmation.


4. Tattoo Stage

- Session begins.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Our prices range depending on artist and experience. If you have an artist in mind give us a shout here!

I have an idea, can one of your artists help me?

Absolutely! If you’ve already got an idea you’re way ahead of the game. Let’s book you in for a Free Consultation and brainstorm some ideas together! Bring in some references, preferably on your phone or iPad, makes it easier to transfer over to us during consultation.

Do tattoos hurt?

In short, yes. But go read our article titled ‘No Pain No Ink’ and you’ll see it from a new perspective and view pain differently.


All tattoos hurt, but the level of pain you feel is all based on your own tolerance. Some areas that hurt certain people may not hurt quite the same for others. Which means: pain is subjective.


You may have heard about the heaviness of a person's hand and how it can affect the pain level of the tattoo. This is true, needles going too deep past the dermis creates extra trauma to the skin.

Can I use numbing creams?

No. unfortunately. We won’t operate on skin that has been applied with numbing cream.


Reasons:


A. It can compromise the skin and make it harder for the artist to do their job.


B. The cream can compromise the ink.


C. If upon arrival, there is already numbing cream on, we will have to reschedule or wait till it passes. You will be charged for the artist's time.

What happens if i change my mind?

We understand! It happens, tattoos are permanent. Unfortunately, if the deposit has been made and a design has been drafted, the deposit will not be returned.


If changes need to be made to the design, without changing the subject but rather parts of the design, we will (at no cost) continue to do this until the design is finalized and confirmed.

My tattoo faded out, can you guys help?

If your tattoo was done here, we do offer one Complimentary Touch Up that will be honored up until 6 months. Avoid sun exposure during this time.


A setup fee of 20$ will be applied for supplies.


If the tattoo is faded and was NOT done at North York Ink, we will need to charge the session as though it was your first time, like a new tattoo and from there we will either go with the studio minimum pricing, or by the hour.

I want to cover up a tattoo!

If the tattoo is old and faded, that's great.


Be open to ideas as your options aren’t as open anymore!


Be open to going darker! Contrast is your friend.


Be open to going bigger! So we can camouflage it.


Color can be of great usefulness when trying to cover something up.


Research an artists previous works, so you can gauge their ability to cover up your tattoo.


No one likes a double or even worse… a triple cover up!


Laser is a great option, but keep in mind that a laser is burning your skin and it will require up to 6 weeks minimum to fully heal.


The tattoo may not need to be fully removed. Confirm with your artist during the process to ensure that the tattoo has been adequately removed.


Be patient if you are removing a tattoo by means of laser in hopes of getting another tattoo, there’s no rush.

I want to get a large piece done, what do i do?

We’re glad you’re ready for the commitment. Make sure you are absolutely sure of whatever you decide. A sleeve, for example, is a large tattoo and consists of a variety of different flowing elements. It is always good to plan out your sleeve to the full extent and to work your way gradually towards it’s completion.


Some clients choose to take the route of collecting a variety of small and medium sized tattoos that over time create a ‘sleeve’.


So, what’s better? To each their own really. Both are great as long as we get to do some dope tattoos.

I’m not 18 yet can i still get a tattoo?

With parental consent, ages 16 and above can get a tattoo as long as they display a certain level of decisiveness and good reasoning for the tattoo. If the artist does not feel comfortable tattooing, they have the right to refuse service.

I donate blood. Can I still get a tattoo or a piercing?

Yes and No.


No, unfortunately you cannot donate blood right away, and some institutes have suggested waiting up to 3 months to a year following a microblading, tattooing, piercing and any non medical body modifications. It is important to be clear and transparent with your doctor/nurse about your procedures if you are thinking about donating blood.

Can I get a tattoo if I'm pregnant?

No, you really shouldn’t get tattooed when you’re pregnant. There are too many complications that you are putting yourself at or experiencing, and to be honest it’s just not a risk we are willing to take. But come back once the baby is born, we’ll be here to help, an added plus is that we get to see how cute the baby is!

How long will my tattoo last?

We do REAL permanent tattoos at North York Ink. So if all goes well and the tattoo is taken care of properly, meaning :

  • The healing process was done accordingly.
  • You wore SPF 30+ sunscreen if you were out for long.
  • Didn’t use too many chemical products.
  • Didn’t swim too often.

Them really… they should last forever!

How do I take care of my tattoo?

We have a full page dedicated to teaching you how to care for your new tattoo. Click here!

Will I need a touch up?

There are a number of different reasons that a tattoo could fade. Normally, it’s due to:

  • Sun exposure
  • Abrasion
  • Scratching
  • Poor healing
  • Poor application


If the tattoo was done at North York Ink, we will honor a Free Service Touch up, but there will be a 20$ set up fee for materials and supplies. If however, the artist feels as though you did not listen to the instructions given by the artist, and you did not responsibly take care of the tattoo, the tattoo may be charged again.

If the tattoo was not done by one of us, we will charge you as though it were a new tattoo, which means - charging you our minimum or charging you per hour.

Do you take walk-ins?

Usually, we take walk-in tattoos, however, during Covid-19 we will NOT be accepting walk-ins and we will be APPOINTMENT ONLY for the foreseeable future.

What’s the best way to prepare for a consultation?

Preparation! Yes! We love readiness, but if you need help making up your mind here are some tips:

  • Social media is great for inspiration, but we are not in the business of copying another artist’s tattoos. That's a no-no. Instead, see what ideas appeal to you. For example;, full sleeves, half sleeves, minimalist forearm, only torsos etc. On certain social media platforms you can join groups that showcase designs all around the world.
  • To find specific elements to your design, look to Pinterest or Google Images. Look more broadly, not only limiting yourself to looking at tattoos. These days anything can be a tattoo.
  • If you have a story or an idea to describe, it is best to write it down for your artist so there is something to refer to.
  • List all of the things you don’t want in your tattoo design so your artist knows how much free range they have.
  • Artists LOVE having free range for creativity. If you have any specific requests, make sure to voice them to avoid any misunderstandings.
  • More is not always better. Doing your homework and doing the research is great and appreciated, but narrow them down to the best few. Artists have a lot of references to review between multiple clients.

FAQs

Here are some of our most asked questions. If you don’t see your question email us at info@northyorkink.com !

This is my first tattoo, what can I expect?

Great! We love new comers! As a newbie, there are a couple things you are going to want to know before getting a tattoo:

  • You must be 18+ to get a tattoo.
  • You must not be under the influence.
  • We won’t tattoo anything insulting or offensive.
  • You must be sure you are ready for the commitment.
  • Set your tattoo goals and envision how you see yourself with tattoos.
  • Be kind. Respect the process. Have fun.


The tattoo industry can be a lot of fun, however - we take what we do very seriously. We love having our clients come back with cool ideas and we love helping you bring those ideas to life.


Our staff is here to help you through these four stages:


1. Conceptual stage

- Ideas , research, styles, themes, tones, references.


2. Placement Stage

- Real estate, size, flow, dry fitting.


3. Stencil Stage

- Stencil creation, sterilization, application, confirmation.


4. Tattoo Stage

- Session begins.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Our prices range depending on artist and experience. If you have an artist in mind give us a shout here!

I have an idea, can one of your artists help me?

Absolutely! If you’ve already got an idea you’re way ahead of the game. Let’s book you in for a Free Consultation and brainstorm some ideas together! Bring in some references, preferably on your phone or iPad, makes it easier to transfer over to us during consultation.

Do tattoos hurt?

In short, yes. But go read our article titled ‘No Pain No Ink’ and you’ll see it from a new perspective and view pain differently.


All tattoos hurt, but the level of pain you feel is all based on your own tolerance. Some areas that hurt certain people may not hurt quite the same for others. Which means: pain is subjective.


You may have heard about the heaviness of a person's hand and how it can affect the pain level of the tattoo. This is true, needles going too deep past the dermis creates extra trauma to the skin.

Can I use numbing creams?

No. unfortunately. We won’t operate on skin that has been applied with numbing cream.


Reasons:


A. It can compromise the skin and make it harder for the artist to do their job.


B. The cream can compromise the ink.


C. If upon arrival, there is already numbing cream on, we will have to reschedule or wait till it passes. You will be charged for the artist's time.

What happens if i change my mind?

We understand! It happens, tattoos are permanent. Unfortunately, if the deposit has been made and a design has been drafted, the deposit will not be returned.


If changes need to be made to the design, without changing the subject but rather parts of the design, we will (at no cost) continue to do this until the design is finalized and confirmed.

My tattoo faded out, can you guys help?

If your tattoo was done here, we do offer one Complimentary Touch Up that will be honored up until 6 months. Avoid sun exposure during this time.


A setup fee of 20$ will be applied for supplies.


If the tattoo is faded and was NOT done at North York Ink, we will need to charge the session as though it was your first time, like a new tattoo and from there we will either go with the studio minimum pricing, or by the hour.

I want to cover up a tattoo!

If the tattoo is old and faded, that's great.


Be open to ideas as your options aren’t as open anymore!


Be open to going darker! Contrast is your friend.


Be open to going bigger! So we can camouflage it.


Color can be of great usefulness when trying to cover something up.


Research an artists previous works, so you can gauge their ability to cover up your tattoo.


No one likes a double or even worse… a triple cover up!


Laser is a great option, but keep in mind that a laser is burning your skin and it will require up to 6 weeks minimum to fully heal.


The tattoo may not need to be fully removed. Confirm with your artist during the process to ensure that the tattoo has been adequately removed.


Be patient if you are removing a tattoo by means of laser in hopes of getting another tattoo, there’s no rush.

I want to get a large piece done, what do i do?

We’re glad you’re ready for the commitment. Make sure you are absolutely sure of whatever you decide. A sleeve, for example, is a large tattoo and consists of a variety of different flowing elements. It is always good to plan out your sleeve to the full extent and to work your way gradually towards it’s completion.


Some clients choose to take the route of collecting a variety of small and medium sized tattoos that over time create a ‘sleeve’.


So, what’s better? To each their own really. Both are great as long as we get to do some dope tattoos.

I’m not 18 yet can i still get a tattoo?

With parental consent, ages 16 and above can get a tattoo as long as they display a certain level of decisiveness and good reasoning for the tattoo. If the artist does not feel comfortable tattooing, they have the right to refuse service.

I donate blood. Can I still get a tattoo or a piercing?

Yes and No.


No, unfortunately you cannot donate blood right away, and some institutes have suggested waiting up to 3 months to a year following a microblading, tattooing, piercing and any non medical body modifications. It is important to be clear and transparent with your doctor/nurse about your procedures if you are thinking about donating blood.

Can I get a tattoo if I'm pregnant?

No, you really shouldn’t get tattooed when you’re pregnant. There are too many complications that you are putting yourself at or experiencing, and to be honest it’s just not a risk we are willing to take. But come back once the baby is born, we’ll be here to help, an added plus is that we get to see how cute the baby is!

How long will my tattoo last?

We do REAL permanent tattoos at North York Ink. So if all goes well and the tattoo is taken care of properly, meaning :

  • The healing process was done accordingly.
  • You wore SPF 30+ sunscreen if you were out for long.
  • Didn’t use too many chemical products.
  • Didn’t swim too often.

Them really… they should last forever!

How do I take care of my tattoo?

We have a full page dedicated to teaching you how to care for your new tattoo. Click here!

Will I need a touch up?

There are a number of different reasons that a tattoo could fade. Normally, it’s due to:

  • Sun exposure
  • Abrasion
  • Scratching
  • Poor healing
  • Poor application


If the tattoo was done at North York Ink, we will honor a Free Service Touch up, but there will be a 20$ set up fee for materials and supplies. If however, the artist feels as though you did not listen to the instructions given by the artist, and you did not responsibly take care of the tattoo, the tattoo may be charged again.

If the tattoo was not done by one of us, we will charge you as though it were a new tattoo, which means - charging you our minimum or charging you per hour.

Do you take walk-ins?

Usually, we take walk-in tattoos, however, during Covid-19 we will NOT be accepting walk-ins and we will be APPOINTMENT ONLY for the foreseeable future.

What’s the best way to prepare for a consultation?

Preparation! Yes! We love readiness, but if you need help making up your mind here are some tips:

  • Social media is great for inspiration, but we are not in the business of copying another artist’s tattoos. That's a no-no. Instead, see what ideas appeal to you. For example;, full sleeves, half sleeves, minimalist forearm, only torsos etc. On certain social media platforms you can join groups that showcase designs all around the world.
  • To find specific elements to your design, look to Pinterest or Google Images. Look more broadly, not only limiting yourself to looking at tattoos. These days anything can be a tattoo.
  • If you have a story or an idea to describe, it is best to write it down for your artist so there is something to refer to.
  • List all of the things you don’t want in your tattoo design so your artist knows how much free range they have.
  • Artists LOVE having free range for creativity. If you have any specific requests, make sure to voice them to avoid any misunderstandings.
  • More is not always better. Doing your homework and doing the research is great and appreciated, but narrow them down to the best few. Artists have a lot of references to review between multiple clients.

How old do I need to be to get pierced?

You need to be at least 18 years old to get a piercing without parental consent. If you are under 18, you will need your parent/ legal guardian consent & proof of a government issued ID.

Is titanium safe for piercings?

Titanium is the preferred material for initial piercings because it’s an elemental metal – it doesn’t contain nickel. Titanium is as strong as steel, but as light as aluminum.

 

It does not corrode, does not tarnish, It does not react to sunlight, salt-water, or any body chemistry. It is totally non-allergenic. It is the perfect solution for sensitive bodies that have problems healing piercings.

What do I need to do to prepare for my piercing?

Make sure you are hydrated and have eaten at least one meal. Low blood sugar could cause you to feel faint. Do not drink alcohol, take elicit substances or consume caffeine (coffee, energy drinks).

 

Our piercer is here to help you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your experience. Our experienced staff will help you choose the jewellery best suited for you from our collection.

 

We will work together to determine the placement of of your piercing to ensure that you’re happy with its final destination.

How do I take care of my piercing?

It's easy:

 

1) WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.

 

2) SALINE soak for five to ten minute 3 times PER day.

3) RINSE thoroughly after contact with water or soaps, to remove all traces of from the piercing. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry through the piercing.

 

4) DRY by gently patting with clean, disposable paper.

 

For more information check out (insert link)

Are Oral Piercings Safe?

Short answer - yes, Oral piercings are safe. There are many factors that can cause an oral piercing to become infected leading to complications during the healing process. Like any piercing you need to make sure you follow our piercing aftercare instructions to a T which you can check out here - (insert link to page).

 

Properly fitted jewelry is also crucial to reduce risk of damage to oral structures like teeth and gums. Once the initial swelling has subsided, we encourage you to return to our studio to downsize your jewelry (get smaller jewelry).

 

Make sure you find a safe, clean studio who’s piercers use appropriate sterile, disposable instruments, ALWAYS.

Can I get pierced if I’m pregnant?

We recommend you don’t. With all of the changes happening to your body, your immune system is all out of sorts during your pregnancy. Which means, longer healing times, higher risk of infection, which (though very rare) puts your unborn at risk.

 

Bottom line, if you are pregnant and itching for a piercing, wait. It’s not worth the risk, and we won’t take the appointment, nor will any other self respecting studio.

What do I do if I get a Keloid

Believe it or not, Keloids are more common than you’d expect. Though they are primarily found in people of Black, Asian and Hispanic descent – that does not mean that they are exclusive to those races.

 

Keloids are a type of fibrous scar tissue that forms after an injury (like poking a hole through your skin) that unfortunately do not go away on their own. Keloids require treatment.

 

We recommend soaking your keloid in our Saline Solution (insert link) three times a day. If that does not work, remove your piercing and let it heal. And if THAT doesn’t work seek medical attention.

 

You can learn more about keloids here - (blog post about keloids)

Is it better to use a needle or a gun?

Needle, no competition. Needles are cleaner, more accurate, and far less painful than guns. Their sharp hollow point creates a clean hole that allows the jewelry to rest, giving room for the wound to drain and to heal.

 

One of the biggest disadvantages of piercing with a gun is that; guns are reusable almost impossible to properly sanitize. They're made out of plastic, which means they can’t go in the autoclave (the machine we use to sterilize all of our tools) or it will ultimately melt to goop.

 

Once you are pierced with a needle it immediately gets disposed of, you will always be the first and last person to make skin to metal contact with that needle.

 

Check out more on this here - (insert link)

What do I do if my piercing is infected?

Call us. Oftentimes there is a simple cause and solution to an infection. Follow the instructions given to you in our aftercare to avoid getting an infection. For more information check this out - (insert link) .

 

If your infection is minor, try following these steps:

 
  1. Wash your hands before touching or cleaning your piercing.

  2. Clean around the piercing with our Saline Solution (link to our store) three times a day.

  3. DO NOT use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointments, or contact lens solution. These can further irritate the skin and slow the healing process.

  4. Don’t remove or twist the piercing. This can cause the hole to close up and trap the infection.

  5. Clean the piercing on both sides of your earlobe. Pat the area dry with a clean dry paper product. Do not use material that can leave behind fibres.

How many piercings can I get at once?

A rule of thumb around here is to not get more than 3-4 piercings (depending on if they are located at different parts of your body).

 

Getting multiple piercings can cause excess swelling during healing which will result in longer healing time.

 

There is no rush, we aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

Tattoo FAQs
This is my first tattoo, what can I expect?

Great! We love new comers! As a newbie, there are a couple things you are going to want to know before getting a tattoo:

  • You must be 18+ to get a tattoo.
  • You must not be under the influence.
  • We won’t tattoo anything insulting or offensive.
  • You must be sure you are ready for the commitment.
  • Set your tattoo goals and envision how you see yourself with tattoos.
  • Be kind. Respect the process. Have fun.


The tattoo industry can be a lot of fun, however - we take what we do very seriously. We love having our clients come back with cool ideas and we love helping you bring those ideas to life.


Our staff is here to help you through these four stages:


1. Conceptual stage

- Ideas , research, styles, themes, tones, references.


2. Placement Stage

- Real estate, size, flow, dry fitting.


3. Stencil Stage

- Stencil creation, sterilization, application, confirmation.


4. Tattoo Stage

- Session begins.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Our prices range depending on artist and experience. If you have an artist in mind give us a shout here!

I have an idea, can one of your artists help me?

Absolutely! If you’ve already got an idea you’re way ahead of the game. Let’s book you in for a Free Consultation and brainstorm some ideas together! Bring in some references, preferably on your phone or iPad, makes it easier to transfer over to us during consultation.

Do tattoos hurt?

In short, yes. But go read our article titled ‘No Pain No Ink’ and you’ll see it from a new perspective and view pain differently.


All tattoos hurt, but the level of pain you feel is all based on your own tolerance. Some areas that hurt certain people may not hurt quite the same for others. Which means: pain is subjective.


You may have heard about the heaviness of a person's hand and how it can affect the pain level of the tattoo. This is true, needles going too deep past the dermis creates extra trauma to the skin.

Can I use numbing creams?

No. unfortunately. We won’t operate on skin that has been applied with numbing cream.


Reasons:


A. It can compromise the skin and make it harder for the artist to do their job.


B. The cream can compromise the ink.


C. If upon arrival, there is already numbing cream on, we will have to reschedule or wait till it passes. You will be charged for the artist's time.

What happens if i change my mind?

We understand! It happens, tattoos are permanent. Unfortunately, if the deposit has been made and a design has been drafted, the deposit will not be returned.


If changes need to be made to the design, without changing the subject but rather parts of the design, we will (at no cost) continue to do this until the design is finalized and confirmed.

My tattoo faded out, can you guys help?

If your tattoo was done here, we do offer one Complimentary Touch Up that will be honored up until 6 months. Avoid sun exposure during this time.


A setup fee of 20$ will be applied for supplies.


If the tattoo is faded and was NOT done at North York Ink, we will need to charge the session as though it was your first time, like a new tattoo and from there we will either go with the studio minimum pricing, or by the hour.

I want to cover up a tattoo!

If the tattoo is old and faded, that's great.


Be open to ideas as your options aren’t as open anymore!


Be open to going darker! Contrast is your friend.


Be open to going bigger! So we can camouflage it.


Color can be of great usefulness when trying to cover something up.


Research an artists previous works, so you can gauge their ability to cover up your tattoo.


No one likes a double or even worse… a triple cover up!


Laser is a great option, but keep in mind that a laser is burning your skin and it will require up to 6 weeks minimum to fully heal.


The tattoo may not need to be fully removed. Confirm with your artist during the process to ensure that the tattoo has been adequately removed.


Be patient if you are removing a tattoo by means of laser in hopes of getting another tattoo, there’s no rush.

I want to get a large piece done, what do i do?

We’re glad you’re ready for the commitment. Make sure you are absolutely sure of whatever you decide. A sleeve, for example, is a large tattoo and consists of a variety of different flowing elements. It is always good to plan out your sleeve to the full extent and to work your way gradually towards it’s completion.


Some clients choose to take the route of collecting a variety of small and medium sized tattoos that over time create a ‘sleeve’.


So, what’s better? To each their own really. Both are great as long as we get to do some dope tattoos.

I’m not 18 yet can i still get a tattoo?

With parental consent, ages 16 and above can get a tattoo as long as they display a certain level of decisiveness and good reasoning for the tattoo. If the artist does not feel comfortable tattooing, they have the right to refuse service.

I donate blood. Can I still get a tattoo or a piercing?

Yes and No.


No, unfortunately you cannot donate blood right away, and some institutes have suggested waiting up to 3 months to a year following a microblading, tattooing, piercing and any non medical body modifications. It is important to be clear and transparent with your doctor/nurse about your procedures if you are thinking about donating blood.

Can I get a tattoo if I'm pregnant?

No, you really shouldn’t get tattooed when you’re pregnant. There are too many complications that you are putting yourself at or experiencing, and to be honest it’s just not a risk we are willing to take. But come back once the baby is born, we’ll be here to help, an added plus is that we get to see how cute the baby is!

How long will my tattoo last?

We do REAL permanent tattoos at North York Ink. So if all goes well and the tattoo is taken care of properly, meaning :

  • The healing process was done accordingly.
  • You wore SPF 30+ sunscreen if you were out for long.
  • Didn’t use too many chemical products.
  • Didn’t swim too often.

Them really… they should last forever!

How do I take care of my tattoo?

We have a full page dedicated to teaching you how to care for your new tattoo. Click here!

Will I need a touch up?

There are a number of different reasons that a tattoo could fade. Normally, it’s due to:

  • Sun exposure
  • Abrasion
  • Scratching
  • Poor healing
  • Poor application


If the tattoo was done at North York Ink, we will honor a Free Service Touch up, but there will be a 20$ set up fee for materials and supplies. If however, the artist feels as though you did not listen to the instructions given by the artist, and you did not responsibly take care of the tattoo, the tattoo may be charged again.

If the tattoo was not done by one of us, we will charge you as though it were a new tattoo, which means - charging you our minimum or charging you per hour.

Do you take walk-ins?

Usually, we take walk-in tattoos, however, during Covid-19 we will NOT be accepting walk-ins and we will be APPOINTMENT ONLY for the foreseeable future.

What’s the best way to prepare for a consultation?

Preparation! Yes! We love readiness, but if you need help making up your mind here are some tips:

  • Social media is great for inspiration, but we are not in the business of copying another artist’s tattoos. That's a no-no. Instead, see what ideas appeal to you. For example;, full sleeves, half sleeves, minimalist forearm, only torsos etc. On certain social media platforms you can join groups that showcase designs all around the world.
  • To find specific elements to your design, look to Pinterest or Google Images. Look more broadly, not only limiting yourself to looking at tattoos. These days anything can be a tattoo.
  • If you have a story or an idea to describe, it is best to write it down for your artist so there is something to refer to.
  • List all of the things you don’t want in your tattoo design so your artist knows how much free range they have.
  • Artists LOVE having free range for creativity. If you have any specific requests, make sure to voice them to avoid any misunderstandings.
  • More is not always better. Doing your homework and doing the research is great and appreciated, but narrow them down to the best few. Artists have a lot of references to review between multiple clients.

Piercing FAQs
How old do I need to be to get pierced?

You need to be at least 18 years old to get a piercing without parental consent. If you are under 18, you will need your parent/ legal guardian consent & proof of a government issued ID.

Is titanium safe for piercings?

Titanium is the preferred material for initial piercings because it’s an elemental metal – it doesn’t contain nickel. Titanium is as strong as steel, but as light as aluminum.

 

It does not corrode, does not tarnish, It does not react to sunlight, salt-water, or any body chemistry. It is totally non-allergenic. It is the perfect solution for sensitive bodies that have problems healing piercings.

What do I need to do to prepare for my piercing?

Make sure you are hydrated and have eaten at least one meal. Low blood sugar could cause you to feel faint. Do not drink alcohol, take elicit substances or consume caffeine (coffee, energy drinks).

 

Our piercer is here to help you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your experience. Our experienced staff will help you choose the jewellery best suited for you from our collection.

 

We will work together to determine the placement of of your piercing to ensure that you’re happy with its final destination.

How do I take care of my piercing?

It's easy:

 

1) WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.

 

2) SALINE soak for five to ten minute 3 times PER day.

3) RINSE thoroughly after contact with water or soaps, to remove all traces of from the piercing. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry through the piercing.

 

4) DRY by gently patting with clean, disposable paper.

 

For more information check out (insert link)

Are Oral Piercings Safe?

Short answer - yes, Oral piercings are safe. There are many factors that can cause an oral piercing to become infected leading to complications during the healing process. Like any piercing you need to make sure you follow our piercing aftercare instructions to a T which you can check out here - (insert link to page).

 

Properly fitted jewelry is also crucial to reduce risk of damage to oral structures like teeth and gums. Once the initial swelling has subsided, we encourage you to return to our studio to downsize your jewelry (get smaller jewelry).

 

Make sure you find a safe, clean studio who’s piercers use appropriate sterile, disposable instruments, ALWAYS.

Can I get pierced if I’m pregnant?

We recommend you don’t. With all of the changes happening to your body, your immune system is all out of sorts during your pregnancy. Which means, longer healing times, higher risk of infection, which (though very rare) puts your unborn at risk.

 

Bottom line, if you are pregnant and itching for a piercing, wait. It’s not worth the risk, and we won’t take the appointment, nor will any other self respecting studio.

What do I do if I get a Keloid

Believe it or not, Keloids are more common than you’d expect. Though they are primarily found in people of Black, Asian and Hispanic descent – that does not mean that they are exclusive to those races.

 

Keloids are a type of fibrous scar tissue that forms after an injury (like poking a hole through your skin) that unfortunately do not go away on their own. Keloids require treatment.

 

We recommend soaking your keloid in our Saline Solution (insert link) three times a day. If that does not work, remove your piercing and let it heal. And if THAT doesn’t work seek medical attention.

 

You can learn more about keloids here - (blog post about keloids)

Is it better to use a needle or a gun?

Needle, no competition. Needles are cleaner, more accurate, and far less painful than guns. Their sharp hollow point creates a clean hole that allows the jewelry to rest, giving room for the wound to drain and to heal.

 

One of the biggest disadvantages of piercing with a gun is that; guns are reusable almost impossible to properly sanitize. They're made out of plastic, which means they can’t go in the autoclave (the machine we use to sterilize all of our tools) or it will ultimately melt to goop.

 

Once you are pierced with a needle it immediately gets disposed of, you will always be the first and last person to make skin to metal contact with that needle.

 

Check out more on this here - (insert link)

What do I do if my piercing is infected?

Call us. Oftentimes there is a simple cause and solution to an infection. Follow the instructions given to you in our aftercare to avoid getting an infection. For more information check this out - (insert link) .

 

If your infection is minor, try following these steps:

 
  1. Wash your hands before touching or cleaning your piercing.

  2. Clean around the piercing with our Saline Solution (link to our store) three times a day.

  3. DO NOT use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointments, or contact lens solution. These can further irritate the skin and slow the healing process.

  4. Don’t remove or twist the piercing. This can cause the hole to close up and trap the infection.

  5. Clean the piercing on both sides of your earlobe. Pat the area dry with a clean dry paper product. Do not use material that can leave behind fibres.

How many piercings can I get at once?

A rule of thumb around here is to not get more than 3-4 piercings (depending on if they are located at different parts of your body).

 

Getting multiple piercings can cause excess swelling during healing which will result in longer healing time.

 

There is no rush, we aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

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Welcome to North York Ink! A local tattoo & piercing studio providing the community of North York with quality tattoos and piercings close to home. When hard work and devotion merge with passion and creativity, the possibilities are endless.

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