Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment. Depending on the time of your session, please ensure you've eaten and had something to drink about an hour beforehand.

Please note that we will not tattoo anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Due to COVID-19, appointments are limited to 40 minutes, which includes a brief consultation. Please come prepared by deciding on your design ahead of time. If you need any help, you can call the store or email info@gildandolive.com 

We cannot proceed with your tattoo if any of the following apply:

• You are under 18 or do not bring your ID to the appointment.
• You have taken any blood-thinning medication (e.g., Aspirin) within the past 24 hours.
• You have consumed recreational drugs or alcohol within the past 24 hours.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have not eaten within the last 4 hours before your appointment, as this may lead to feeling ill or faint.
• You have health conditions such as Epilepsy, which require a doctor's note. For more information, please contact us at info@gildandolive.com.

Here's what to expect on your tattoo journey with us:

When you arrive, you'll complete the necessary forms and select your design with our specialist staff. During your appointment, your artist will confirm the design and placement, and show you that all equipment is single-use and sterile. Then, they'll begin the tattooing process and explain any important risks and precautions.

Please dress in a way that allows easy access to the area where you'll be getting your tattoo. After the tattoo is finished, it will be dressed, so we recommend avoiding tight clothing that could cause discomfort. Tattoo ink may stain your clothing, and while your artist will take care to keep your clothes clean, there's always a chance of ink transfer. Wearing dark clothing is preferable.

We do not offer tattoos on the face, palms of the hands, or soles of the feet.

We recommend waiting at least 6 weeks before exposing a fresh tattoo to the sun, sea, or swimming. This precaution helps reduce the risk of poor healing and infection.

Itching is a normal part of the tattoo healing process. Since tattoos only penetrate the top layer of skin, some itching and flaking are expected. However, it's crucial not to pick or scratch at your tattoo.

We strongly advise against using numbing cream. These creams can block your pores and absorb into the skin, making it difficult to tattoo properly. Tattoos done after applying numbing cream are at a much higher risk of fading or "pushing the ink out."

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please contact us to reschedule your appointment. Getting a tattoo when your immune system isn't at its best isn't ideal, as your body needs to be strong and healthy to heal properly. If your immune system is already fighting off a virus or bacteria, it will be less effective at healing your tattoo.

It will take some time for your skin to properly heal before you can shave again. The time it takes for your skin to heal enough for shaving can vary from person to person.

If the gain is significant, there might be a higher chance of affecting the tattoo. However, since your skin is naturally quite stretchy, you likely won’t notice much change in the appearance of the ink.

18+ only—this is a legal requirement. We require physical ID in the form of a passport or driver's license only. We do not accept photos or scans of IDs.

Your tattoo can take up to 6 weeks to fully heal. You'll know it's completely healed when the tattoo stops looking shiny.

Healing time can vary slightly depending on the size of the tattoo and how well your skin absorbs the ink, as some people have softer skin than others.

‘Moisturize regularly! Tattoos eventually settle into a matte finish on your skin, so keeping your skin hydrated is crucial. Always apply an SPF of at least 50 to your tattoos to protect them.

Tattoos, like your skin, age over time. You might notice some depigmentation of the ink as the years go by, but applying a bit of moisturizer can often revive the appearance.

We recommend using Hustle Butter, a premium tattoo aftercare cream with a thick moisturizer consistency—just a small amount is needed. Your artist will inform you when it's time to remove the bandage. After removing it, rinse the tattoo under lukewarm water and wash with a mild soap like Sanex 0%. Use clean hands and warm soapy water to wash the tattoo, then rinse with cold water and pat dry. Normal showering is fine, but avoid soaking or rubbing the tattoo with a towel. Apply Hustle Butter 2-3 times a day until your tattoo is fully healed. During healing, your tattoo will scab—do not pick at the flakes, as this can remove color. Avoid swimming and tanning until your tattoo is healed, and apply high SPF sunblock throughout your tattoo's life to prevent fading.

All of our inks are vegan friendly.

We are unable to accommodate any offensive language or curse words with our personalized tattoo service.

No, once the stencil has been printed, the design cannot be changed. We cannot take responsibility for any incorrect spelling on your tattoo. When you arrive for your appointment, you'll finalize the design with the artist on a computer, and the stencil will be printed at that time. After this point, spelling changes cannot be made.