Find the Answers to Your Tattoo Questions

Appointments are strongly recommended to ensure we can accommodate your design and that your preferred artist is available. We welcome walk-ins Tuesday through Saturday from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM, but availability is not guaranteed. For larger or more detailed tattoos, we always recommend booking ahead. If you have a specific artist or date in mind, we recommend booking as early as possible — some of our artists book out several weeks in advance. To request an appointment, fill out our Tattoo Appointment Request Form and a team member will get back to you promptly. For same-day appointments, please call us at 646-370-6509.

To schedule a tattoo appointment, simply fill out our Tattoo Appointment Request Form, and someone from our team will get back to you. Please note that we do not respond to appointment inquiries on Sundays. To secure your date and time, we require a $100 deposit, which will be applied toward the total cost of your tattoo.

You must be at least 18 years old to get tattooed at Studio 28. This is a state law in New York, which prohibits tattooing anyone under 18 — even with parental consent. (While New York allows minors to be pierced with proper consent, tattoos are strictly limited to adults.)

Yes - we always encourage clients to share their ideas, references, and inspiration. Studio 28 is a custom tattoo studio, so while we don't copy other artists' work, your artist will use your notes and reference images to create a one-of-a-kind design based on your vision. Many of our artists also have pre-drawn designs they're excited to tattoo. These pieces are ready to go and often reflect their personal style - feel free to ask about current available designs!

Yes — we do offer cover-up tattoos, but they are by appointment only. Creating a successful cover-up requires careful planning and a design that will fully conceal the existing tattoo while achieving your new vision. To get started, simply fill out our Tattoo Appointment Request Form, and we\u2019ll contact you to schedule a consultation with one of our artists.

Our minimum charge for any tattoo is $100, and our hourly rate is $250. Pricing is either flat rate or hourly, depending on the size and complexity of the piece. Tattoos that take 2 hours or less are typically priced as a flat rate. Larger pieces that require more time are usually billed at our hourly rate. Please note: Flat rate pricing is based on the design and work involved, not the amount of time it takes to complete. Because of this, the final price of a flat rate tattoo may be higher or lower than what an hourly total might suggest.

Yes — we welcome visitors from around the world. If you're in NYC temporarily and want to get tattooed while you're here, we recommend submitting a request through our Tattoo Appointment Form as early as possible. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability, but booking in advance is the best way to secure your spot.

Preparing your body and mindset can make a big difference in your tattoo experience. Get a good night's sleep the night before. Avoid alcohol the night before and the day of your tattoo. Eat a full meal and stay hydrated before your appointment. Wear appropriate clothing that allows access to the area being tattooed. If your tattoo is in a personal area, we have privacy screens available to make you comfortable. Come in with a positive mindset — it helps everything go more smoothly.

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and cash. If you choose to pay for the full cost of your tattoo in cash, you'll receive a 3% discount.

We do not recommend applying numbing cream before your tattoo appointment. These creams can alter the texture of your skin, which may affect the placement and appearance of the stencil once the skin returns to its natural state. They can also irritate the skin, which may increase discomfort when the numbing wears off — or in more serious cases, cause us to reschedule your session. That said, once your stencil is applied and the tattooing has begun, our artists do have professional-grade numbing sprays available to help manage discomfort during your session if needed.

We do not perform tattoos on anyone who is currently pregnant. During pregnancy, your body is going through many changes and is focused on supporting the healthy development of your baby. Getting a new tattoo adds unnecessary stress to the body, and we believe in prioritizing your overall well-being during this time. If you're breastfeeding, most tattoos are perfectly safe — as long as the tattoo is not placed on or around the breast where the baby may latch. If you're unsure, we're happy to help guide you to a safe location for your tattoo.

Yes, you can get tattooed over scars and stretch marks — but a consultation is required beforehand. This allows your artist to assess the area and design something that works best with the shape, texture, and placement of the skin. Scars must be fully healed before they can be tattooed. If you're unsure whether yours are ready, we're happy to guide you during your consultation.

Tattoo healing typically follows one of two methods, depending on whether a second skin product is used.

If using second skin:

- Leave the initial bandage on for 24 hours

- Remove, wash with Recovery Aftercare Soap, pat dry, and apply a fresh second skin

- Leave the second one on for 3 days, then remove, wash again, and begin applying Recovery Aftercare Lotion twice daily

If second skin is not used:

- Your tattoo will be wrapped before leaving the studio

- After 1 hour, remove the wrap, wash with Recovery Tattoo Soap, gently dry, and apply Recovery Tattoo Lotion

- Repeat this process 2 — times a day for 2 weeks or until fully healed

Peeling and flaking are perfectly normal. Your tattoo may look hazy or faded as new skin forms — this is part of the healing process.

Avoid swimming or sun exposure during the first 2 weeks, and always follow the instructions provided by your artist.

Avoid swimming, soaking in baths or hot tubs, and direct sun exposure for at least 2 weeks. Refrain from scratching or picking at the tattoo while it heals, and avoid tight or abrasive clothing over the area. Always follow your artist's aftercare instructions to help your tattoo heal cleanly and look its best.

Tattoo healing times can vary based on your body, overall health, physical activity, and where the tattoo is placed. Most tattoos typically heal within 2 to 4 weeks. Some areas or larger pieces may take longer to fully settle, even after the surface has healed.