FAQ
What makes Gristle a vegan shop?
All of our products and processes are 100% vegan including everything from our stencil paper, creams, ointments, razors, soaps, inks, and aftercare. We are vegan owned, and actively support and fundraise for various animal related causes.
How do I book an appointment with a specific artist?
Artists do their own bookings, so feel free to reach out to them via email directly to book a consultation or appointment. Include the idea you have in mind and any reference images, as well as the desired size and placement for the tattoo. You can also use [THIS FORM] and specify which artist you have in mind.
How do I book an appointment if I don't have a specific artist in mind?
Just fill out [THIS FORM], include all of the details of your idea with reference images, and we will do our best to pair you with an available artist whose style best matches the design.
Do you take walk-ins?
Generally our artists are booked up in advance, but cancellations do happen and we will do our best to accommodate requests. Please don't hesitate to give the shop a call to see if we have same-day availability.
What will my tattoo cost? Is there a minimum?
Hourly and minimum rates vary by artist, ranging from $175-$350 hourly, with minimums starting at $100+.
How old do I need to be to get a tattoo?
You must be 18 years old to get tattooed. No, bringing a note from mom (or even bringing mom herself), does not make it legal to tattoo a minor in NY state.
Can I get tattooed while pregnant or breast feeding? I have a doctor's note/ can pump & dump!
Nope. Our insurance does not grant ANY exceptions.
Do I have to leave a deposit?
All appointments require a nonrefundable deposit that will go toward the final cost of your tattoo. Your artist will let you know their full policies and the exact amount required for your specific appointment. Deposits can be paid directly to the artist or through our site [HERE].
What if I need to reschedule or cancel my appointment?
Each artist has their own deposit and cancellation policy, which will be made clear when booking.
Any cancellations or rescheduling made within 72 hours of your appointment will automatically result in loss of deposit. For most of our artists, this policy is 1 week.
Lateness of more than 20 minutes will also result in a loss of your deposit & appointment.
What if my tattoo needs a touch up?
We do offer one complimentary touch up within the first year to account for any areas that may have not healed the best. Please wait at least 4 weeks for your tattoo to fully heal before inquiring about a touch up. If more than 1 year has passed, our artists are happy to touch up their own work at their normal rate.
Fine line tattoos, or those placed in delicate areas such as the hands/fingers/feet are especially susceptible to fading. Please keep this in mind when choosing your placement.
If you cancel your complimentary touch up without proper notice or do not show, the session is forfeited.
Can I get my hands/fingers/neck/face/feet tattooed?
Not all of our artists are willing to work on such sensitive areas- so please make sure to discuss this ahead of time, respect the artist's boundaries, and have a backup placement in mind.
Can I bring my friend/partner/family member with me for my appointment?
We encourage you to please come alone to your appointment to help reduce the number of guests in the shop at a time, but we will do our best to allow 1 guest in the waiting area if space permits.
Do you do piercings or sell body jewelry?
Nope - tattoos only.
How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?
Get plenty of sleep, eat a decent meal, and stay hydrated. Bring a legal form of government issued ID with you (state license or passport).
How do I care for my new tattoo?
Keep it clean! We recommend using a gentle, unscented soap like Dr.Bronner's to cleanse, and a super light layer of pure coconut or grapeseed oil to help moisturize your tattoo as needed during healing. Less is more! You want to let it breathe.
If are using a tegaderm product, remove it after the first night or after 24 hours, and resume normal aftercare (cleansing & light moisturizing).
Additional detailed verbal and written instructions will be given to you at the time of your appointment. Plan to stay away from the gym for a few days and away from baths/pools/beaches and the sun for a few weeks. Itching is normal, so please do not pick or scratch your healing tattoo.
Is there parking?
There is free street parking within every direction of the shop, but it is an industrial area so it can be tricky during the week. Please allow extra time & be mindful of the parking restriction signage, as it varies per block.