Leave the Bandage On
Leave the bandage in place for 4–5 days.
Against the Grain Tattoo
Frequently Asked Questions.
Find answers about appointments, pricing, age requirements, tattoo aftercare, piercing aftercare, and what to expect throughout the healing process.
Before Your Visit
General Questions.
Basic information about hours, age requirements, pricing, and preparing to work with one of our artists.
What are your hours?
The studio is open during the following hours:
- Monday
- 12 PM–6 PM
- Tuesday
- 11 AM–7 PM
- Wednesday
- 11 AM–7 PM
- Thursday
- 11 AM–7 PM
- Friday
- 11 AM–7 PM
- Saturday
- 11 AM–7 PM
- Sunday
- 12 PM–6 PM
Each artist has varying working hours. Contact your artist directly or call the shop to confirm availability.
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo?
You must be 18 years old to receive a tattoo at Against the Grain.
How old do you have to be to get a piercing?
The minimum age is 7 years old, although age requirements depend on the specific piercing.
Please contact your piercer or call the studio before visiting to confirm the requirements for the piercing you are considering.
What are your prices?
Against the Grain has an $80 shop minimum.
Final tattoo pricing varies depending on the artist, size, placement, detail, complexity, and estimated appointment time.
Do I need to book directly with an artist?
Each artist maintains their own working hours and booking availability. You may contact your preferred artist directly through the links on our Artists page, submit a consultation request, or call the shop.
Can I request custom artwork?
Yes. Every tattoo can begin with your concept, reference images, preferred style, placement, and approximate size.
Your artist will work with you to develop an original design suited to your vision and placement.
Protect Your Investment
Professional Aftercare.
Proper aftercare supports a smoother healing process. Follow the instructions provided by your artist or piercer, and contact them directly if you have questions or concerns.
Tattoo Aftercare
Care for Your New Tattoo.
Keep the area clean, protected, moisturized, and away from direct sunlight or submerged water during the initial healing period.
4–5Days Bandaged
3×Lotion Daily
2Weeks Protected
Remove Carefully
Remove the bandage in the shower or under warm water.
Wash Thoroughly
Wash the tattoo thoroughly with antibacterial soap, then gently dab it dry.
Moisturize
Apply unscented lotion three times a day for two weeks.
Do Not Pick
Do not pick, scratch, or aggressively rub the healing tattoo.
Avoid Sun and Water
Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight and do not submerge it in water for two weeks.
Piercing Aftercare
Support a Clean Healing Process.
Average Healing Time
4–9 Months
01
Daily Care
Cleaning Your Piercing
Always handle a fresh piercing with clean hands. Use a sterile saline solution such as NeilMed.
- Clean twice a day—once in the morning and once at night—for the first 4–6 weeks.
- Use a clean cotton swab. Use one swab per piercing and only one end per side.
- If you participate in sports, outdoor hobbies, or labor-intensive work, a third midday cleaning may be appropriate.
- Do not clean more than three times per day.
- After six weeks, reduce cleaning to once a day or every other day for the remainder of the projected healing time.
02
Moisture Control
Keep Piercings Dry
Use a clean cotton swab to gently dry the area after showering.
Avoid going to sleep with wet hair or leaving moisture trapped around the piercing.
03
Jewelry Fit
Downsizing After 5–8 Weeks
Initial jewelry is often longer to accommodate swelling.
Once swelling has subsided, downsizing to a shorter, more comfortable, properly fitted bar can support a smoother healing process and help prevent future irritation.
04
Healing Expectations
Is This Normal?
During the first six weeks, you may experience:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itchiness
- Yellowish discharge that dries into crust around the jewelry
- Tenderness to the touch
Contact your piercer or a medical professional if symptoms continue, become severe, or worsen beyond the expected healing period.
05
Irritation
What if a Bump Starts Forming?
If a bump begins to form on or around your piercing, contact a professional piercer for guidance before attempting home remedies.
The internet contains conflicting information, and not every piercing bump is a keloid. The area should be evaluated so it can be approached with informed care.
Still Have Questions?
Talk With the Right Artist.
Contact the studio or submit a consultation request and we’ll help connect you with the right artist or piercer.