Frequently Asked Questions

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We’re located in the Douglasdale community of Southeast Calgary, just south of Glenmore Trail. Our address, parking details, and a map can be found on our Contact page.

We’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00am to 7:00pm. Sunday and Monday appointments are available by request.

You can book by calling, emailing, or messaging us on social media. Our studio manager will guide you through the process, answer questions, and help match you with the right artist or piercer.

Yes! We welcome walk-ins for both tattoos and piercings whenever possible. For guaranteed availability, we recommend booking in advance—especially for larger or custom tattoos.

Our hourly rate is $130 for junior artists and $160 for senior artists, with a minimum charge of one hour for all regularly priced tattoos. For select flash designs, we offer flat-rate, all-in pricing—so you’ll know the total cost before you commit.

Don’t miss our $99 Thursday flash specials for even more value! Ask us about our current flash options and promos.

Yes, a deposit is required to secure your appointment and cover your artist’s prep time.

• For appointments 4 hours or less, a $50 deposit is required.
• For appointments over 4 hours or for large custom pieces, a $100 deposit is required.

Deposits are non-refundable but will be applied to your final total. If you need to reschedule, please give us at least 48 hours’ notice to transfer your deposit to a new date.

We require at least 48 hours’ notice to reschedule or cancel your appointment. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice may forfeit the deposit. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to make changes.

We accept cash, debit, credit cards, and e-transfers. Payment is due at the time of service.

You’re welcome to bring one support person. For everyone’s comfort and safety, please let us know in advance if you plan to bring someone with you.

Yes, our studio is wheelchair accessible and we strive to accommodate all clients. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us ahead of your appointment.

Yes, clients under 18 can be tattooed at Prickly Rose Tattoo with proper parental or legal guardian consent. Here’s what’s required:

• Parental/Guardian Consent:
  • Consent from both parents is required. If only one parent has legal custody, proof of sole guardianship must be provided.
  • If both parents cannot attend the appointment together, one parent may accompany the minor and the other can email written authorization (including a copy of their government-issued ID) before the appointment.
• Artist Discretion:
  • Each artist has individual limits on what they will tattoo on a minor. This may include restrictions on subject matter, placement (e.g., some artists will only tattoo limbs), or themes that may not be age-appropriate or could be regretted in the future.
• Identification Required:
  • Both the minor and the parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide valid, government-issued photo ID.
  • Proof of relationship (such as a birth certificate, custody agreement, or other official documentation) is required.

We take the well-being of our younger clients seriously and reserve the right to refuse any design, placement, or service we believe may not be in the client’s best long-term interest.

Yes, clients under 18 can get many piercings at Prickly Rose Tattoo with proper parental or legal guardian consent. Here’s how it works:

• Minimum Age Requirements:
  • For most ear, facial, oral, and body piercings, clients must be at least 16 years old to get pierced without parental consent.
  • Some services, such as kids’ lobes, are available for clients as young as 5 (with parental consent).
  • Certain piercings (like tongue, nipple, and surface bar) have higher minimum age requirements (usually 18+).
• Parental Consent for Minors:
  • If you haven’t reached the minimum age listed for a specific piercing, you can still get pierced with consent from both parents or legal guardians.
  • Both the minor and the parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide valid government-issued photo ID and proof of relationship (such as a birth certificate or custody documentation).
  • If both parents cannot attend, one may accompany you while the other provides written authorization (with a copy of their ID) sent ahead of your appointment.
• Non-Negotiable Age Limits:
  • Certain age requirements for piercings are non-negotiable and set for your safety and well-being.
• Piercing Availability:
  • Piercing services are available Tuesday through Sunday, and we accept both appointments and walk-ins.

If you have questions about a specific piercing or your eligibility, please contact us in advance so we can guide you through the process and requirements.

For your safety and the well-being of your child, we do not perform tattoos or piercings on clients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The healing process, risk of infection, and potential exposure to chemicals or medications make it safest to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding are complete. If you have questions about timing or special circumstances, please contact us.

Yes, our artists have experience with cover-ups and tattoo corrections. We recommend booking a consultation so we can assess your existing tattoo, discuss your goals, and develop a custom plan. Cover-ups can be complex and may require more than one session, but our team will work with you to achieve the best possible result.

We offer both! Our artists love creating custom, one-of-a-kind pieces, and we also have a rotating selection of flash designs available.

We always encourage clients to bring reference photos or inspiration images—this helps us understand your vision and kick-starts the design process. Whether you have a clear idea or just a mood in mind, sharing visuals is the best way to get the creative conversation started. If you’re after a flash or vending machine piece, just let us know and we’ll walk you through the options!

Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy meal, and stay hydrated before your appointment. Avoid alcohol, blood thinners, and sunburn. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being tattooed or pierced. 

As for pain, everyone’s tolerance is different—most clients describe the sensation as uncomfortable but manageable. 

Topical numbing cream is available for purchase for certain services. Please discuss your preferences with us during your consultation or before your appointment.

Our team will help you feel as comfortable as possible throughout the process.

Our tiny flash tattoo vending machine is a fun, spontaneous way to get a unique, small tattoo! For a set price, you’ll receive a surprise design from the machine—no peeking until it’s dispensed. It’s a great choice if you love the thrill of a mystery and want a quick, memorable piece.

The vending machine experience is especially popular with groups—think bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, anniversaries, or team-building events. It’s also a hit for friends looking to commemorate a special day together, or for anyone wanting to mark a milestone with something unexpected. If you’re planning a group outing or special occasion, let us know and we can help make your experience extra memorable!

Just ask at the front desk and we’ll walk you through how it works.

All reusable equipment is sterilized using medical grade autoclave technology. We use single-use needles and supplies for every client and follow strict health and safety protocols to ensure your well-being.

Tattoo Aftercare (Prickly Rose-Approved):

You sat through the needle, you got the ink, and you’re feeling yourself—but you’re not done yet. Proper aftercare is key to keeping your tattoo looking fresh and avoiding complications.

Immediately After Your Session:

• Leave the bandage on for 2–4 hours (or as your artist instructs). If you have a second skin wrap, follow the artist’s specific timing.
• Wash gently with lukewarm water and unscented, antibacterial soap (no fragrances, scrubs, or alcohol). Use your clean hands only.
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry—avoid regular towels that may harbor bacteria.
• Apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare balm or unscented lotion (e.g., Hustle Butter, Redemption, or Lubriderm). Don’t overdo it.

Days 1–14:

• Moisturize lightly 2–3 times daily. If your tattoo looks shiny or wet for hours, you’re using too much.
• Expect flaking, scabbing, and itching. Don’t pick or scratch—let it heal naturally. If it itches, slap it gently or use a cool compress.
• Avoid soaking (no baths, hot tubs, lakes, or pools). Showers are fine.
• Avoid sun, tight/dirty clothing, and heavy workouts for the first few days.

Watch for signs of trouble:
Mild redness and swelling are normal at first. If you see pus, worsening pain, or heat and swelling after several days, contact your artist or see a doctor.

Long-Term:
Use SPF on your tattoo in the sun, keep moisturizing, and don’t hesitate to ask about touch-ups.

Piercing Aftercare (APP-Recommended):

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.
• Spray or rinse the area with sterile saline wound wash (available at most pharmacies) 1–2 times daily. Avoid contact lens saline, nasal spray, or eye drops.
• Let it air dry or pat gently with clean, disposable paper products.
• Do not rotate or move the jewelry during cleaning—this can irritate the piercing.
• Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ointments, or harsh soaps—these can delay healing.
• Avoid pools, hot tubs, lakes, and baths during healing.
• Do not remove jewelry during the healing period, even briefly.

Oral Piercings:

• Rinse with non-alcoholic mouthwash or saline solution after meals and at bedtime.
• Avoid spicy, acidic, or hot foods and drinks for the first week.
• Brush teeth and tongue gently.

General Tips:

• Healing times vary: earlobes (6–8 weeks), cartilage (3–6 months), body piercings (varies), oral (2–4 weeks).
• Avoid sleeping directly on new piercings.
• If you notice excessive redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, contact your piercer or a healthcare provider.

For more details, visit the Association of Professional Piercers’ official aftercare page: safepiercing.org/aftercare

We offer one complimentary touch-up within one year of your tattoo appointment. Some conditions and exclusions apply—please ask for details when booking or at your appointment.

Your satisfaction is our priority. If you have concerns, let us know as soon as possible so we can work with you to address the issue and find a solution.

Yes, it’s possible to tattoo or pierce over scars or stretch marks, but every situation is unique. We recommend booking a consultation so one of our artists or piercers can assess your skin and discuss your goals. Some scars may need more healing time or special technique, and results can vary depending on the type, age, and texture of the scar tissue. We’re happy to help you make an informed decision and achieve the best possible outcome.

We use only high-quality, surgical-grade stainless steel or titanium as our minimum standard. Premium options like 14k gold and silver are available to order.

Yes, we offer digital gift cards that can be used for tattoos, piercings, jewelry, or aftercare products. They’re a great way to give the gift of art and experience, and are available in any denomination. Ask at the front desk or contact us for details.