Aftercare?

Aftercare is key ✨

Try not to touch your tattoo for at least 3 hours, or until the next day. Always keep any bandage on during this time.

• If you have a second-skin bandage, leave it on for 1 - 4 days (this will be discussed with you). Remove it by gently lifting a corner away from the tattoo and stretching the bandage back over itself. Do not leave it on for longer than 4 days, your tattoo needs to breathe!

• It’s best to remove the bandage under a warm shower, as this helps soften the adhesive and remove any sticky residue.

• If you touch your tattoo, only do so with clean hands. Once the bandage is removed, lightly wash the area once daily using warm water and, if needed, a mild, fragrance-free or natural soap. Do not scrub. Think of your tattoo as an open wound.

• Avoid submerging your tattoo in water for the first 1 - 2 weeks. This includes baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, and the ocean.

• Do not scratch it (even though it will itch). This is normal healing .

• Moisturise using a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturiser at least once a day for the first two weeks, or whenever the skin feels dry. It’s okay to let your tattoo dry out between applications, breathing is part of the healing.

• Avoid direct sunlight, tight or restrictive clothing, and rigorous exercise that rubs or stretches the tattooed area until healed.

• If your tattoo does get wet or sweaty do not rub with a towel, lightly dab instead.

• A hand-poke tattoo generally takes 7–10 days to heal, though larger pieces may take longer.
  

Note: Some redness, swelling, flaking, and itching are normal. If your skin continues to swell, becomes increasingly red, feels hot, painful, or shows signs of infection, stay calm and contact a healthcare professional.

What is hand-poke tattooing?

Hand-Poke, Stick 'N Poke or Machine-Free Tattoos: Hand-poked tattoos are tattoos made without the use of tattoo machines. While they are created with the same supplies as machine tattoos, hand-poke artists push needle and ink into the skin manually, without the aid of a machine. This is a lot slower of a process and can look the same or slightly different that machine tattooing, depending on the style.
YES they are just as permanent.
YES they still hurt.
As there is the absence of a machine, there is not “buzzing” sound or vibration contributing to the experience. This is why I prefer this style, as it feels like a gentler all round experience for the senses.

How does your pricing work?

Tattoo pricing is influenced by a range of factors, including size, design, placement on the body, colour, and whether the tattoo is flash or custom work, etc. My standard rate is generally $70 per hour, however the final price will always reflect the specific details, every tattoo is different.

A $70 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking and is deducted from the final cost of your tattoo. The remaining balance is due at the end of your appointment.

If you have questions about pricing, would like a quote, or want to talk through options before booking, you’re welcome to book a free tattoo consultation with me here. My minimum tattoo price is $140.

All quotes exclude GST, expect your deposit and final invoice to +GST.

Do you offer payment options?

Yes! I offer a sliding scale pricing option upon request.

Sliding scale pricing means that once your design and placement are confirmed, I provide a price range based on the time, labour, and skill involved, and you choose where within that range you are able to pay. This option exists to support accessibility and care within my practice, while still honouring the value of my work.

Sliding scale pricing is not my default pricing model and must be requested and agreed upon before your appointment (via email). This ensures clarity and smooth payment on the day.

If you’re unsure whether sliding scale pricing is right for you, or would like to discuss this further, please book a free consultation and we can talk it through together.

Do you do discounts or deals on multiple tattoos?

Yes! Absolutely. This will depend on a case by case basis, but I will do different kinds of deals for matching/group tattoos, as well as getting multiple tattoos in one session (small to medium sized only).

I’m not sure what I want, how to explain it, what do I do?

Book at free 15 min zoom consultation with me! I can give you some guidance and support before booking a session. Book a free consultation here. 

Is your studio wheelchair accessible?

No, it’s not as there are 2-3 stairs and no ramp. Book a free consultation with me and I’d be happy to discuss your accessibility needs.

Do you repeat flash?

No, unless you’re getting a matching one with someone else who is consenting to it.
ALTHOUGH - I am able to alter flash to create something of the same kind/energy if the one you like is already taken:)

I have feedback! Where do I put this?

I love feedback! Please e-mail me here.

How do I reschedule or cancel an appointment?

Reschedule policy: Things change - it happens! To reschedule your appointment please e-mail tabathakillick.creative@gmail.com within 48 hours of your appointment. You may re-schedule your appointment up to 2 times before your appointment will be automatically cancelled and your deposit forfeit.

Cancellation policy: You are welcome to cancel your appointment at any time. When you cancel your appointment you forfeit any deposit paid towards your project. There are no refunds on the $70 deposit. If you cancel your appointment, and change you’re mind - you must rebook your appointment and pay the $70 deposit again.