How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?

You must be 18 to get a tattoo at Route 9 Tattoo.

A State or Government issued I.D. is required (Passport, License, or State I.D ONLY)... NO exceptions!

How old do I have to be to get a Piercing?

If you are 18 or older, a State or Government issued I.D. is required (Passport, License, or State I.D. ONLY).

If you are under the age of 18, you must be at least 15 for anything other than earlobes (no younger) and you must be in the company of your parent/ guardian (who ever has legal custody). You must also have in your possession a picture I.D. for the minor (License, Passport, State I.D., Permit, or a current School I.D. ONLY) AS WELL AS the Birth Certificate orLegal Custody Papers for the minor, no exceptions.

do I need to make an appointment? Or, Can I walk in to get a tattoo / piercing?

We offer same day, call ahead (formerly called walk-ins) for “small tattoos.” A small tattoo requires no design by the artist and can be completed in a couple hours. Artist availability will vary.

Contact us for appointments for larger pieces.

Piercings are same day, call ahead only.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Our studio’s minimum price is $100, depending on the part of the body to be tattooed. The individual pricing of a tattoo must be done in person however and cannot be done over the phone, through email or social media messaging. Piercings minimum is $40 plus the cost of jewelry.

Can I bring someone with me for support?

Under COVID restrictions, only customers receiving service are allowed in the shop. Friends and family will have to wait in the car. The only exception is a minor receiving a piercing, or individual who requires a caregiver.

Does getting a tattoo hurt?

Umm.. yes. Every person is different, but you’ll be fine.

Seriously, the level of pain depends on the size of the tattoo and the body location.

How long does a tattoo take to heal and what can I expect during that time?

A new tattoo will feel like a sunburn during the first day or two. The tattoo may form a layer of dry skin or lightly scab within a few days- this is normal. Do not try to remove any scabs or dry skin by picking at it or scrubbing in the shower- let your tattoo heal by itself! You should be fully healed within about 2 weeks. See more about after care here.

What do I need to do after I get a tattoo?

The tattoo artist will advise you on specifically what you will need to do after the tattoo. In general, until the tattoo is healed, you will need to protect the tattoo from direct sunlight, avoid prolonged wetness (swimming, bath tubs/hot tubs,etc).

See more about after care here.

Is it safe to get a tattoo?

Yes, it is safe to get a tattoo. Every tool and piece of equipment is sterilized immediately after each tattoo is completed. All tattoo needles are 1-time use only. They arrive to us from the manufacturer in individual pre-sealed pouches and are opened up right in front of you.

Photo credit Silvana Carlos on Unsplash