FAQS

FAQs

Are walk-ins for tattoo and laser removals welcome at Tora?

Yes, but we recommend that you call the studio ahead. Information pertaining to what type and size of the tattoo will determine if it can be done the day of, or if it would actually require a consultation. Laser removal can be done the day of, but again you will have to call ahead. We no longer offer Piercing at Tora Tattoo / TD Laser Clinic Despite what Google may say, we had ventured away from piercing several years ago.  

 

Do I need a consultation for my design idea or laser treatment?

Often a consultation is required to discuss all the details needed to achieve what the client is looking for. Having references and a good idea of what you want will help get the idea across much easier. If you don’t know what you want, it is probably safe to say that you’re not ready to have something done that you are not sure of. We are happy to try to help come up with a vision, but we would need a theme, or general concept to go from.  It would be necessary to see the laser technician to discuss everything to do with the removal process. Sometimes the first procedure can be done right after the consultation.  

 

What should I consider when designing my tattoo?

Generally it starts off where you might be considering its placement on the body. Then the size of the design, its composition, Colour or black & grey are things to think about. There are many factors that will determine the outcome of the tattoo. The artist that you deal with will give their best advice from experience.  

 

How do I know my artist will do an excellent job?

We invite you to look at the portfolios and pick the artist who’s style and work appeals to you.  Each artist will make every effort to do the best possible work. There are sometimes expectations that are not realistic. Social media has given many people false impressions through AI that some tattoos are possible which couldn’t be further from the truth. Our artists will explain those limitations should it be necessary for the appropriate guidance. We expect the best from our artists in terms of professionalism, customer service and most importantly sanitization, health and safety.  

 

Does it hurt and can I use numbing cream?

Yes it does. The difference is where you get it and what’s involved with the design. Everyone feels it differently. Pain is temporary and should not be something that is a factor in the placement of the tattoo.  Using numbing cream can have its benefits but can also be risky for the outcome of the tattoo. Some people don’t get the full effect of the cream thus making it a waste of money. Some people have experienced a much more difficult time healing the tattoo.  There have been many cases where the numbing creams have had an affect on the tattoo colour and saturation, leaving it less desirable than had it been done without the cream.  Some swear by it, so it’s a chance that you can take….. Provided your artist will agree to tattoo you if you want to use it. There are never any guarantees when using such products.  When it comes to laser removal, using a numbing cream can affect the results. It can help with the discomfort of the process but again the healing can be more difficult. We use a cooling unit that aids in reducing the discomfort by chilling the area dramatically.

 

Can I get a tattoo over  scar tissue or stretch marks?

Yes, but there are limitations to the design and composition. Sometimes it will require more than one session to successfully cover the delicate tissue.  

 

Who and when should you not get a tattoo or laser treatment?

If you are on medication, or will be on medication, you should always consult with your doctor prior to booking your tattoo appointment. Also it is important to advise your artist of such matters. It is highly recommended that you do not get tattooed or lasered  if the area of skin is irritated, with rash, is sunburnt or has any fresh cuts. A minimum of two weeks of healing before any vacation trips that may expose it to excess sun, water and perhaps foreign contamination.  It is not recommended that you get tattooed or lasered if you are sick. The body will experience a longer, harder heal dealing with both…….and we prefer that if you are sick, reschedule.  It is not recommended to have any procedure done if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

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How should I prepare for my appointment?

Choose appropriate clothing that is comfortable for you to sit for the duration of the tattoo or laser appointment. Also something that is easy to expose the area being tattooed or lasered. A good nights rest, eating a solid meal and having a shower are awesome steps to prepare for your session. For some of those with dry skin, lotion for a week or two prior, but NOT the day of the tattoo is recommended.  

 

Can I bring a friend with me?

Generally yes, however we prefer to keep it to one person. Exceptions are made when there are group tattoo sessions.  There would only be one person to accompany a laser client and only if it is absolutely necessary. Safety risks are a concern when the laser is in use.

 

How much does it cost? Is there a minimum charge?

The studio minimum is $125 for anything that takes less than 30 minutes. Anything that can take up to 45 minutes will be charged $150. Beyond 45 minutes, the charge will be at the individual hourly rate of each artist.  Tax is applied to all transactions.

 

Do I need to put down a deposit?

Yes. A deposit is required to secure a spot, or spots for continuous service, in our schedule. The deposit required is $80 for a minimum size tattoo, $180 for a tattoo that may take up to 3 hours, and $280 for anything beyond that which would be considered a full day. All deposits are kept in place on the clients account until the last session. Deposits can be added to if the client wishes to do so. All deposits are Non-Refundable!

 

What if I am late to the appointment or need to cancel?

We appreciate notice if you are going to be late. Call the studio ahead of your appointment to let us know. We understand there may be circumstances out of everyone’s control and we will try to accommodate if we can, however there are some days that there are more than one appointment so we cannot guarantee you will still get tattooed that day.  We will be happy to reschedule your appointment with a minimum of 48 hours notice, not including the days the studio is closed. Less notice than this will be considered a cancelation.  Clients later than one hour will automatically be considered a cancelation. Cancelations result in the loss of deposit. A new deposit will be required to secure a new scheduled appointment or to hold the remaining multi-session appointments. If a deposit is not received before the next scheduled appointment, the remaining appointments will be removed from the schedule.  

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Should I tip my artist / Laser technician?

Of course we appreciate any gratitude if you feel that we provided our best service to our clients. We also realize you are paying a fair and respectable price for your piece of work or laser service, so tips are always appreciated but never expected.  

 

Aftercare Q&A

How do I care for my new tattoo?

Once the tattoo is completed, it will be covered by the artist with a dressing. The dressing may vary depending on what can be used on a client. Some have adhesive sensitivity or allergies to certain ingredients in products that we may use. Whatever dressing is applied, initially we recommended that it remains on until the following day after the tattoo. Wash the tattoo off with luke warm water and unscented soap using only your hand, not with anything abrasive. Pat dry with a clean towel. Wait a couple of hours before applying any moisturizing lotion. We recommend Aveno unscented lotion or purchase a lotion that we carry. Wash again before bed. Repeat daily for the next few weeks.  If Second skin / Tegaderm or Saniderm product is used, again we recommend that it is removed the following day. If a substantial amount of fluid happens to build up under it, we recommend that you drain it by puncturing a small hole with a sterile pin to drain out the fluid. Having the tattoo be saturated with fluid may affect the Color and pose a risk of infection.

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How do I care for my newly Laser treated tattoo?

A dressing may be applied depending circumstances and what stage of treatment it is at. The dressing should be left on until the next day or once you are at home avoiding any contaminate environment.  

 

Can I get my new tattoo or laser treated area wet?

It’s fine to get your tattoo wet in the shower, however avoid high pressure on the tattooed area. DO NOT bathe with a new tattoo or laser treated area. NO bath tubs, hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes or oceans for a minimum of 2 weeks.  

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Can I be in the sun after my new tattoo or laser treated tattoo?

Yes as long as you protect your tattoo or laser treated area from direct sunlight for at least two weeks. Covering with clothing or protecting under shade would suffice. Don’t use any sunblock on the tattooed or lasered area until it is completely healed, which would be two or more weeks.  

 

Can I work out with a new tattoo or lasered tattoo?

That will depend on the tattoo or lasered area and where you got it. Also, what type of exercises you may be doing. Concerns of public gyms should be considered with the possibility of contamination. Check with your artist or technician to be sure.