Tattooing FAQ

Does getting a tattoo hurt?
Yep, getting tattooed does hurt. The amount of pain involved is dependent on the area of the body being tattooed, and the pain tolerance and mindset of the individual.

Do you reuse your tattoo needles or inks?
No! All needles are single-use only. All needles and tubes are sealed and autoclaved in sterile bags prior to use. Needles are immediately discarded into a sharps container after a tattoo is finished. All ink is poured into disposable caps, which are discarded after use.

Can I bring in my own designs?
Absolutely. While we have a wide variety of designs on hand to choose from, we encourage you to bring in your own designs and references. Our tattoo artists are experienced in doing high-quality custom work; if you need creative help to design your tattoo, we can do that!

How much does getting a tattoo cost?
There are several factors involved with the pricing of a tattoo, including the size of the design, the amount of detail, and the area of the body being tattooed. The minimum price for a tattoo is $185. Single-session tattoos are individually priced. Multiple-session work is typically priced at an hourly rate which varies by artist.

Do I need to make an appointment to get a tattoo?
While some of our artists are appointment only, other artists will take walk-ins depending on availability. For walk-ins, please call the studio ahead of time to confirm availability. All tattoo appointments require a deposit.

Deposits go toward the final price of your tattoo. In order for a tattoo artist to provide an estimate, they must be able see the design and area of the body to be tattooed. If you have left a deposit with an open appointment date, contact the studio to schedule.

What is your cancellation policy?
Bethesda Tattoo has a strict 48-hour policy for rescheduling. If you would like to reschedule your appointment, we require 48 hours prior to the time of your appointment for your deposit to remain valid. (While 48 hours’ notice is required, we request more notice if possible.)

Deposits are non-refundable; cancellations will result in forfeit of your deposit. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to our cancellation policy. If you can't make your appointment and don't tell us, your deposit is forfeited and any future appointments will have to be paid in full. 

Can I have a consultation with an artist before putting down a deposit for my tattoo?
Absolutely! We encourage our patrons to set up a consultation with the artist of their choice before setting up the tattoo appointment. Contact the studio to book your consultation.

How should I prepare before I get tattooed?
Get a good night’s sleep and have something to eat before coming in. Do not drink alcohol, take illegal drugs, or ingest aspirin or NSAIDs prior to your tattoo. Alcohol, aspirin and NSAIDs are blood thinners that will promote excessive bleeding during your tattoo. We will not tattoo you if you are drunk, high or evidently hungover.

Can I use numbing cream?
This varies by artist; please contact your artist or the studio before your appointment. Please don’t use numbing cream without your artist’s approval.

Can I have an old/poor tattoo reworked or covered up?
Generally, an old/poor tattoo can be reworked or covered up. Please set up a consultation to speak with one of our tattoo artists about what you would like to have done.

Do y'all do tattoo parties?
We do not do tattoo parties, in or out of the studio. None of our artists do house calls in any situation.

Should I tip my tattoo artist?
Tips are not expected, but are always appreciated. Tips can be made in cash, and via Venmo, CashApp and PayPal. Ask for your artist’s QR code at the counter.

How should I care for my new tattoo?
We will provide precise aftercare instructions at the end of your session. The artist will explain aftercare verbally and we will email a document explaining the process in detail.