Frequently Asked Questions

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Contact your artist directly for booking. Check the artist section of our website for further information on how to reach your tattoo artist.

Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes that allow access to the area to be tattooed. 

Don’t wear any items you’re precious about keeping perfectly clean.

Have a good meal before your appointment; bring water and snacks with you.  

Come alone and make sure you’ve filled out the tattoo consent waiver prior to your appointment. 

Show up on time, not too early or too late. If you’re running late, contact your artist. If you’re more than 20 mins late you may be required to reschedule and pay a new deposit. 

Bring a face mask , if you don’t have one we can provide one for you. 

While you’re at the shop no hateful or intolerant speech or behaviour will be tolerated so please act accordingly.  Respect pronouns of clients & artists.  If you are unable to be respectful you will be asked to leave.  

Tuff Cat has a strict 18+ tattoo policy. If you’re under 18 we WILL NOT tattoo you, even with parental consent.

No, please don’t bring anyone with you to your tattoo appointment unless they’re assisting with accessibility. Pets are not allowed in the shop and dogs are not permitted anywhere on building property. No one under the age of 18 is allowed in the shop, so don’t bring children or infants.

There is no smoking or vaping on the building property. You must go across the street to the grass patch just northeast of the building to smoke or vape.

Unfortunately, we’re located on the second floor of the building, up a flight of stairs, as well as a few steps up to the front door and buzzer. Once inside the shop there aren’t any stairs in client areas. The bathroom is fairly small and may be cramped to access with a wheelchair. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact your artist.  As well, please feel free to bring someone to help navigate the shop.

No, we don’t have a piercer.

At Tuff Cat Tattoo we centre the needs of folks with immunity concerns. While it’s no longer mandatory that you wear a mask at your appointment, you may be asked to wear one for the safety of other clients or artists. We ask that you do wear a mask if you are currently sick or are living with someone who is.  As tattoo artists we are independent contractors with no sick days or paid days off, so keeping us healthy keeps us working. If you don’t have a mask, no worries, we’ve got lots and we’ll gladly provide you with one, just ask.

Contact your artist to see forms of payment that are accepted or preferred. Generally, we accept Visa, MasterCard, debit, & cash. 

Absorbent bandage:

• DO keep bandage on for at least 6 hours, up to 24 hours. Overnight is ideal. If the area feels swollen you may briefly apply ice or a cool pack over the bandage. 

• DO remove bandage and wash gently but thoroughly with unscented soap and clean hands. Wash the tattoo 1-2 times per day as it heals.

• DO be gentle with your new tattoo within the first 7-10 days. Wear clean, loose fitting clothing to avoid rubbing and irritation.

• DO NOT itch, scratch or pick at your tattoo.

• DO apply small amounts of unscented lotion to your tattoo with clean hands once it starts to scab. This will relieve the itchiness and dry feeling.

• DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo.

• DO NOT swim, or otherwise soak or submerge it in water for 2 weeks.  Showering is fine.  If your tattoo gets wet, pat it dry with a clean towel.

• DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for 2 weeks. Cover it with clothing if you expect to be in the sun. You can apply sunscreen directly to your tattoo after 2 weeks.

• DO use your common sense.  If it hurts, don’t do it. Keep away from things that are likely covered in bacteria such as animals, gym equipment, subway seats etc.

• DO NOT stress out.  Touch ups exist because sometimes life happens! If you think you need a touch up, wait one month after the tattoo has healed to book it in. Touch ups are free for the first year after the tattoo application.

• DO enjoy your sweet new ink, and reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns!

Second skin bandage:

• DO leave on for 1-2 days. If you notice an allergic reaction (bumps, itching) remove the bandage immediately and proceed with the rest of the aftercare.

• DO NOT worry if you see excess blood/ink/plasma build-up under the bandage - this is normal, no matter how gross it may appear.

• DO remove bandage slowly and carefully when it is time and wash gently but thoroughly with unscented soap and clean hands. Wash the tattoo 1-2 times per day as it heals.

• DO be gentle with your new tattoo within the first 7-10 days. Wear clean, loose fitting clothing to avoid rubbing and irritation.

• DO NOT itch, scratch or pick at your tattoo

• DO apply small amounts of unscented lotion to your tattoo with clean hands once it starts to scab. This will relieve the itchiness and dry feeling.

• DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo.

• DO NOT swim, or otherwise soak or submerge it in water for 2 weeks.  Showering is fine.  If your tattoo gets wet, pat it dry with a clean towel.

• DO NOT expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for 2 weeks. Cover it with clothing if you expect to be in the sun. You can apply sunscreen directly to your tattoo after 2 weeks.

• DO use your common sense.  If it hurts, don’t do it. Keep away from things that are likely covered in bacteria such as animals, gym equipment, subway seats etc.

• DO NOT stress out.  Touch ups exist because sometimes life happens! If you think you need a touch up, wait one month after the tattoo has healed to book it in. Touch ups are free for the first year after the tattoo application.

• DO enjoy your sweet new ink, and reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns! 

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Keep in mind that the above timing is only a rough guideline.  Your healing time might not be exactly the same, and that’s okay.

If your bandage is causing excess irritation to your skin (hives, redness, blister etc) REMOVE IMMEDIATELY  and follow the next steps of your aftercare.

You may apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment (Polysporin, etc) if you suspect your tattoo has become infected - signs of infection include excessive redness, soreness, discharge, and feeling hot to the touch several days after your appointment. 

However, it is normal for a tattoo to feel mildly warm, sore and swollen for the first couple days following the tattoo appointment.