5 Questions to Ask Before You Book a Tattoo
Quick answer
Before you book, ask five things. Are the artist and the shop licensed? Are needles sterile and single-use, and is ink poured fresh for each client? Can you see healed work, not just fresh photos? What's the aftercare, and is it in writing? And how do deposits and touch-ups work? A good shop answers all five clearly. If a shop gets vague about licensing, hygiene or its healed work, keep looking.
Most people spend weeks on the design and about five minutes picking the shop. The shop decides as much about how your tattoo turns out as the drawing does: how clean the work is, how it heals, and what happens if something needs fixing.
Here are five questions to ask before you put down a deposit. A good shop is happy to answer every one.
1. "Are you and the shop licensed?"
Why it matters: state and local authorities oversee the practice of tattooing1. The rules differ from state to state, but many require both the artist and the shop to hold a current license. In Florida, for example, both must be licensed by the state health department, and the licenses should be current and visible2.
A good answer: yes, and the licenses are posted where you can see them. It also matters for giving blood later. See 5 Things to Schedule Around a New Tattoo.
2. "Are needles single-use and ink poured fresh?"
Why it matters: unhygienic practices and equipment that isn't sterile can cause serious infections1. Florida's rules, for example, call for sterile, single-use needles, gloves, and ink portioned per customer2.
A good answer: needles come sealed and are opened in front of you, the artist wears fresh gloves, and ink is poured into new caps just for your session. Leftover ink gets thrown out, not saved for the next client.
3. "Can I see healed work?"
Why it matters: every tattoo looks sharp the day it's done. Healed photos show what the work looks like after the peel and the milk scab, which is the tattoo you'll actually live with.
A good answer: a portfolio with healed photos, ideally in the style you want. Some artists show the same piece fresh and healed side by side. If all you can find is fresh work, ask why.
4. "What's the aftercare, and is it in writing?"
Why it matters: aftercare advice varies a lot from shop to shop. A 2023 review of U.S. tattoo aftercare instructions found they're often based on artists' experience rather than wound-care practice3. Getting it in writing means you're not trying to remember it at 2 a.m. on day two.
A good answer: a clear explanation of what goes on the tattoo when you leave and how long it stays on, plus a written sheet to take home2. If they use a breathable film like Skin Reserve, they should tell you how long to leave it on and what to do if the seal breaks4.
5. "How do deposits and touch-ups work?"
Why it matters: deposits, rescheduling and touch-up policies are where misunderstandings happen. Better to know up front.
A good answer: a clear policy on what the deposit covers, what happens if you need to reschedule, and whether touch-ups are included. Touch-ups are usually judged after the tattoo is fully healed, around week six4.
The pre-booking checklist
| Question | A good sign | A red flag |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed? | Artist and shop licenses posted and current | No license, or "we don't need one" |
| Needles and ink? | Sealed needles opened in front of you, fresh ink caps, fresh gloves | Needles already out, ink reused |
| Healed work? | Healed photos in your style | Only fresh photos |
| Aftercare? | Clear explanation and a written sheet | "Just put Vaseline on it" |
| Deposits and touch-ups? | Clear policy, up front | Vague answers about money |
If something feels off
You can walk away, even after a consultation. A shop that gets cagey about licensing, hygiene or its healed work is telling you something. And if you hear aftercare advice that sounds wrong, check it against 5 Tattoo Aftercare Myths.
FAQ
How do I know if a tattoo shop is licensed?
Ask, and look for the licenses on the wall. Rules vary by state, but many states require both the artist and the shop to be licensed, and some, like Florida, expect the licenses to be current and visible. Your state or local health department can also tell you what's required.
What should I ask a tattoo artist before booking?
Ask whether they and the shop are licensed, whether needles are sterile and single-use with fresh ink for each client, whether you can see healed work, what the aftercare is and whether it's written down, and how deposits and touch-ups work.
Should tattoo needles be opened in front of you?
Yes, that's a good sign. Needles should be sterile and single-use, and seeing the sealed package opened at the start of your session shows they haven't been used before.
Why look at healed tattoos in a portfolio?
Fresh tattoos always look sharp. Healed photos show how the artist's work looks after the peel and the milk scab, which is how your tattoo will actually look long term.
What does a tattoo deposit cover?
It depends on the shop. Usually a deposit holds your appointment and goes toward the final price, but policies on rescheduling and refunds vary. Ask before you pay.
When should I get a tattoo touch-up?
After the tattoo is fully healed, around week six. Ask your shop up front whether touch-ups are included and how long that window lasts.