We know getting a tattoo can be exciting, especially when it’s your first tattoo! That’s why we made a list of frequently asked questions, in order to make sure you are prepared and so that you know what you can expect, how to take care of your tattoo and so that you know a bit more about our Studio’s policy.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask them to one of our Studio’s crew members!
Please note:
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- Mondays by appointments only.
- We also speak Dutch, so inquiries for an appointment can be made in Dutch!
- We handle your information with care and according to the AVG Privacy policy.
How we build Friendships
How much will my tattoo cost?
A consultation with our artists is always free and without obligation. The starting rate for a tattoo is €80. However, to book an appointment for getting the tattoo, we require a deposit. This deposit is a minimum of €50 and will be deducted from the total price. In the case of multiple sessions, it will be settled in the final session. Quoted prices are valid for 3 months. If you have a specific budget in mind, please let us know.
How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?
At our shop, you must be 18 years of age and have a picture ID issued by a government. Even when 18 years old, we will not tattoo everything, everywhere. We think tattoos need to be well thought through so at this age, we will not tattoo you on visible places such as underarms, hands or neck. We do not tattoo minors, with or without parental permission.
Can I bring in my own design?
Yes, of course. It can be (almost) anything you like, but it will need to be converted into a tattoo design. We don’t do discriminating, racist or other in ethic designs, though.
Some styles of artwork do not work well as a tattoo, but we use our years of experience and creativity to guide you with the selection and design of the artwork and style.
Do I need an appointment?
In general, our artists are booked in advance, so they work with appointments. Some days may be less busy so there is always a chance (one of) our artists is available.
To be sure, please give us a call or just come to the shop!
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an online appointment through our website. Please note that your booking is not confirmed until we have received a down payment of 50 euro for each appointment made. *
Of course, you can also make an appointment by phone (+31 (0)20 752 2086) or by coming by at our shop.
* We ask for a down payment for every appointment in case you don’t show up without letting us know 24 hours in advance. Please understand our artists reserve time for you.
I want to bring friends when I get tattooed. Is that ok?
Of course, they are more than welcome, if they can behave themselves. We do need to emphasise they cannot enter the actual working area, since a crowded station is distracting for our artists, but also for yourself. Other than that, everybody is welcome any day!*
Please leave your exotic pets at home, though.
Do you also do piercings?
No, we do strictly tattoos.
Do you accept creditcards?
We only accept cash payments and through bank transfer. Remember to include your full name, your tattoo artist’s name and date of the appointment when paying by bank transfer.
In the shop’s area there are several ATM’s available within walking distance.
Where can I buy Friendship’s merchandise?
We sell our merchandise in-store only.
General Questions
Is it safe to get a tattoo?
Yes, at Friendship it’s safe to get a tattoo. We use the same equipment (autoclave) that a hospital uses to sterilize our equipment. We also use disposable setups for each tattoo. Our tattoo artists make sure the instruments are individually wrapped and sterilized, according to international hygiene standards for tattooing.
Does it hurt?
To be honest, we cannot speak for anyone but ourselves, since everyone has a different threshold of pain. What one person considers not painful at all could be devastating to another. Some people describe the feeling as a “hot scratch”. Some have said it was “annoying”, others say it’s a “soothing feeling”. Most say it was not nearly as bad as they feared. But there is a little more than pain alone to consider when getting a tattoo, plus; pain is just temporarily.
“Anyone who wants a tattoo will be able to stand the pain.”
Can I use some kind of numbing cream?
We occasionally are asked this question but the fact is that these kinds of products do not work. Tattoos are permanent because they rest on the middle layer of skin. Very simply the top layer of human skin is constantly shedding, the middle layer is stable and the base layer connects the blood vessels and nerves. Numbing creams are applied and work on the top layer of skin only. The tattoo sits on the second layer of skin. Lidocaine is the most common active ingredient in numbing creams and only works on a tiny portion of skin. It does not cut off all sensation to any area. Additionally lidocaine has the potential to cause unwanted side effects and health complications.
At best numbing creams are an unnecessary and weak crutch. These have more of a placebo effect than actual pain alleviation.
What is the best (least painful) place to get my first tattoo?
In general, the least painful location is the upper arm. Even still, do you want your tattoo there? It might hurt a little less to get a tattoo on your upper arm, but you should really get it where you want it.
If it’s your first tattoo, you won’t know the difference anyways! It’s extremely rare that we’ve had someone stop in the middle of their tattoo, and if you need a break – just tell your artist.
What if I have fear of needles or blood?
If you have a fear of needles or blood, getting a tattoo isn’t going to be easy. However, I would like to point out that tattoo needles do not enter the skin very far as many fear – actually, it only goes in about 1/16 of an inch. Take a look at a ruler and you’ll see just how insignificant that is.
The needles move in an up-and-down motion, carefully pushing the ink just below the surface of the skin. The damage to your skin is so minimal that many people don’t bleed at all – or very little. Our tattoo artists will also be constantly wiping up your skin to clean off any traces of blood, so it’s done in a very clean and professional manner. Excessive bleeding usually only results when the patron has been drinking alcohol or taking some kind of blood thinner (like aspirin).
Keep in mind that you are going to have a beautiful piece of artwork on you, you can be proud of when it’s all said and done.
Can I be allergic to the colors or ink?
It is possible to be allergic to anything, however allergies to the colors is very rare. If you do have allergies or any chronic condition, please consult your doctor for the proper tests and in-depth information for you as an individual.
In case I am pregnant, can I still get a tattoo?
Pregnant women should get the advice of their doctor before getting a tattoo.
How do the colors turn out?
Think of your skin as a filter over the tattoo. Darker skins will mute or obscure the color. Lighter skin will allow the color to be more vivid.
Keep in mind that any tattoo may fade over time though, and you may need to get it re-inked. Colors tend to fade faster than black.
I have a scar or I want to cover a scar. Is that a problem?
That depends on the scar in question. In most cases, there is no problem, but we do need to judge your case.
Remember: Scars need time to heal. While some scars can take up to a year for this, others can take as much as 18 months. All scars heal at different rates based on both the injury and your own body’s response.
You should be aware that tattooing over scar tissue can be very difficult. The ink can blur quite easily, tattooing over scar tissue is not the same as tattooing normal skin tissue.
I’ve heard that getting tattoos can be addictive. Is that true?
It isn’t true in the sense of a real addiction, but it is a fact that people who already have one tattoo are more likely to get another one. It is possible to get ‘hooked’ on the excitement of getting a tattoo, just as some people get ‘hooked’ on shopping, but that’s not a real addiction either. Most people who end up with multiple tattoos do so simply because they like them.
Care & After care
How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
A new tattoo takes about three weeks to look as if it was always there, but they heal like any other scratch or scrape, or approximately two weeks.
Can I go swimming or sunbathing after my tattoo session?
No, we strongly advice you not to swim in open waters or go to the sauna for at least two weeks. In the first three or four weeks, do not expose your tattoo to sun.
My tattoo is healing but it itches a lot?
This is very normal to occur. It means your skin and tattoo are healing. Do not scratch it for the sake of your tattoo to heal properly.