before the session:
Book with each artist directly! Links are on the artists page.
some helpful information to be prepared with:
what is your idea?
what is the desired placement?
what is the desired sizing?
do you have a budget for this project?
the gay tattoo shop is by appointment only.
artists may have last minute availability to accommodate you - contact them directly to book!
absolutely yes! all are welcome at the gay tattoo shop.
this shop is a safe space for any person looking for a welcoming, queer owned, safe and comfortable shop to get a tattoo. While most of our artists identify as part of the lgbtqia+ community, we have artists and clients who do not and they are welcome.
Yes! Our artists offer a mix of predawn flash and customs pieces. Inquire directly with each artist to book your next tattoo.
the gay tattoo shop has a session minimum of $200.
We also host regular flash events and flash days on Friday the 13th, halloween, and more.
before your session appointment:
-
DO eat something before and stay hydrated
-
DO get a good nights sleep
-
DO start moisturizing the area up to a week before your session if you know your placement
-
DO (and PLEASE!) shower before and come clean and you'll want to avoid a shower directly after the session.
-
DO NOT get to much sun the week before your session. having a sunburn can negatively effect the tattoo process
-
DO NOT shave the area- I will do this for you
-
DO NOT take blood thinners, antibiotics, or steroids (that means no advil, tylenol, aspirin, etc on the day of)
-
DO NOT use numbing creams or other topical creams meant for tattoos in the area before your tattoo
-
DO NOT drink alcohol or do drugs for at least 24 hours before your session.
-
DO NOT drink too much caffeine - usually one cup of coffee is just fine
-
The gay tattoo shop is located at 334 Leonard street.
>5 min walk from the Lorimer Street L station + metropolitan avenue g.
yes! if you are planning to bring more than one guest with you to your session, please let us know.
no pets allowed. if you have a registered service animal or other legal accommodation, of course you can bring them along, just please let me know in advance!
yes - click here to apply.
you can also email us at ink@gaytattooshop.com or dm us @gaytattooshop to apply.
after the session:
after your session is complete, I will apply a second skin (also known as tegaderm, saniderm, dermashield) bandage. this is an adhesive bandage that you will leave on for 48-72 hours following the session.
during this time, the initial blood and plasma will collect within the bandage and may appear to look messy under the bandage
while the bandage remains on - there is ABSOLUTELY NO WORKING OUT - sweat and therefore bacteria can become trapped within the bandage and can pose a health risk. please wait until you remove the bandage to resume physical activities
if for any reason, your bandage should come off BEFORE the 48-72 hour period, do not worry, and proceed to cleaning and moisturizing the tattoo.
---
once the time is up, you will remove the bandage in the shower or under warm/cool running water. please remove the bandage slowly and carefully as it will be very stuck to your skin. once off, GENTLY wash the fresh tattoo with your choice of antibacterial and unscented soap - I like dove and dial.
there is ABSOLuTELY NO soaking or prolonged wetness allowed for at least the first two weeks following your session. that means - no super long showers, no baths, no pools, no swimming of any sort, no saunas, no steamrooms, etc.
for the first week, pat your tattoo dry with a fresh and clean paper towel - do NOT use your body towel.
let air dry before applying neutral, unscented lotion. I highly recommend you use Lubriderm as it works nicely for healing my style of tattoos.
during the next 2 weeks, you will want to keep the tattoo moisturized lightly by applying a small amount of lotion 5-7 times a day. You will also clean once per day and after any physical activity or contact with another person.
at the 2 week mark, your tattoo should be healed enough to resume normal activity but you will forever want to be cautious with prolonged sun exposure and always use an SPF to preserve the look and quality of the design.
****
If for any reason you should develop signs or symptoms such as excessive redness at the site, green/yellow discharge, a strange smell or a fever consult your physician immediately as these are not the signs of a properly healing tattoo.
it is recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity for the duration of the healing process. if you would like to work out during the 2 week healing process then:
-no working out while the bandage is on
-once off, start moisturizing 5-7 times a day for at least 3 days
-when you return to the gym, avoid the muscle group where your tattoo is
-listen to your body and if you feel any discomfort or worse...pain, STOP!
-excessive sweat is not good during the healing process, if your tattoo is in an area where you will sweat a lot, consider not working out that way.
-make sure to clean the piece after the workout session
Contact artists directly to schedule touch ups.
the shop does not cover touch ups for work - touch ups are directly booked via your artist.
tattoos can and will fade over time. do your best to adhere to the aftercare for the best results. you will always want to use spf/sun tan lotion as sun exposure and tanning is a large contributing factor to the fading of a tattoo over time.
if you are concerned, I always recommend to research before your session and look up tattoo healing photos, talk to your tattooed friends, or ask me in person and im happy to show you pieces that are 10+ years old on me.