TATTOO FAQ AND AFTERCARE
At Ragtime Tattoo Shop in South City St. Louis, we make getting tattooed easy, comfortable, and stress-free. Our Tattoo FAQ covers everything you need to know about custom tattoo consultations, black and grey, traditional, and fine line work, plus pricing, booking, and tattoo aftercare. We want clients across the St. Louis metro to know exactly what to expect and how to care for their tattoo from day one. Have more questions? Reach out anytime—we’re happy to help!
TATTOO FAQ
- Do you take walk-ins, or are appointments required?
- How do I book an appointment?
- Is a deposit required to book? If so, how much is it and is it refundable?
- What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
- How much will my tattoo cost?
- Do you do touch-ups?
- What should I do before my tattoo appointment?
- Is there an age requirement?
- Can I get tattooed if I’m pregnant, nursing, or on medication?
- What is your guest policy?
- Do you offer piercings?
- Is your shop accessible to people with disabilities?
- What types of payment do you accept?
- Do you accept tips?
TATTOO AFTERCARE FOR CUSTOM TATTOO, BLACK AND GREY, TRADITIONAL, NEOTRADITIONAL, AND FINE LINE WORK
1. Leave the Bandage On
Keep the bandage or wrap on your new tattoo for the first 2–4 hours, unless your artist tells you otherwise. This protects your tattoo from germs and dirt.
2. Wash Your Hands First
Before touching your tattoo, always wash your hands with soap and warm water.
3. Gently Wash the Tattoo
Take off the bandage. Wash your tattoo gently with your hands using lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Do not use a washcloth or anything rough.
4. Pat Dry
Use a clean paper towel or let your tattoo air dry. Do not rub it.
5. Rub lotion into tattoo, do not coat.
When your tattoo is dry, rub in a fragrance-free lotion. Avoid having a visible coat of lotion on your skin. Massage it in!
6. Keep It Clean and Moisturized:
For the next two weeks:
*Wash your tattoo gently 1–2 times a day.
*After each wash, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or ointment.
*Do not let your tattoo get too dry or too wet
7. Do Not Pick or Scratch
Your tattoo will scab and peel. Do not pick at the scabs or scratch your tattoo, even if it itches.
8. Avoid Soaking
Do not swim, soak in a bathtub, or use hot tubs until your tattoo is fully healed (about 2–4 weeks). Quick showers are fine.
9. Stay Out of the Sun
Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight while it heals. After it heals, always use sunscreen to protect it.
10. Wear Loose Clothing
Wear loose, clean clothes over your tattoo to prevent irritation.
Remember:
Every tattoo and person is different. Always follow any special instructions your artist gives you. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your tattoo shop.
TATTOO FAQS "FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS"
1. Do you take walk-ins, or are appointments required?
Yes. Ragtime works by appointment and walk-ins.
2. How do I book an appointment?
The easiest way is to fill out a “Secure Your Session” form on this website. You will be contacted as soon as possible, and your consultation and/or appointment will be booked.
3. Is a deposit required to book? If so, how much is it and is it refundable?
Deposits can be waived for returning clients and for special reasons.
4. What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
48 hours is the cut-off; after that, it's a case-by-case scenario. See our deposit disclaimer.
5. How much will my tattoo cost?
The average session is 400-600 dollars. However, it is essential to understand that we will go above and beyond for our clients. Our prices reflect more than just a tattoo; it's the collaboration, relationship, empathy, and understanding that help us elevate the experience, which will not be found in any other shop you have worked with.
6. Do you do touch-ups?
Always, no questions asked. However, after 3 years, we may charge due to natural aging. The best thing to do is get another tattoo, and we will touch-up your old one while we are there.
7. What should I do before my tattoo appointment?
Eat a good meal, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol or drugs for at least 24 hours. Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed. Get good sleep
8. Is there an age requirement?
Sing it with us! You must be 18, You must be 18, You must be 18.
9. Can I get tattooed if I’m pregnant, nursing, or on medication?
We cannot tattoo you if you are Pregnant or nursing. Please consult your doctor regarding your medication and the risks involved.
10. How do I care for my new tattoo?
After getting your tattoo, keep the bandage on for 2–4 hours, then gently wash the area with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water using clean hands. Pat it dry and apply a thin layer of unscented ointment or lotion. Repeat this cleaning and moisturizing routine 1–2 times daily for about two weeks, avoiding swimming, soaking, and direct sunlight. Avoid picking or scratching your tattoo as it heals. Wear loose clothing and contact your artist or a doctor if you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. Always follow any additional instructions provided by your tattoo artist.
11. Can I bring a friend or children to my appointment?
We love kids. We have families but children get bored quickly (and are not permitted for safety reasons.
12. What is your guest policy?
We are limited on space, just call ahead of time so that we can know if we have the room.
13. Do you offer piercings?
Not at this time.
14. Is your shop accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes
15. What types of payment do you accept?
Cash and Card
16. Do you accept tips?
Tipping is common and appreciated. Our artists also enjoy, food, art, gifts and cash.
CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING POLICY AT RAGTIME TATTOO
By booking an appointment, you agree to abide by this policy. This policy is subject to change at our discretion.
At Ragtime Tattoo, your time is important to us—and so is ours. To keep things running smoothly for everyone, we ask that you review and respect the following policy:
Booking & Deposits
To secure your appointment, we require a non-refundable deposit, which will be applied to the final cost of your tattoo.
Your deposit will be forfeited if the cancellation or rescheduling policy isn’t followed.
Cancellation Policy
48 Hours’ Notice Required:
If you need to cancel, please let us know at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment.
Late Cancellations:
Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will result in the loss of your deposit.
No-Shows:
If you miss your appointment without notifying us, your deposit will be forfeited, and a new deposit may be required to reschedule.
Rescheduling Policy
No Penalty with Notice:
Rescheduling is no problem if we receive notice at least 48 hours in advance.
Short Notice:
If you reschedule within 48 hours of your appointment, your deposit can be forfeited, and a new one may be required.
Too Many Reschedules:
Excessive rescheduling may result in our declining future booking requests from the client.
How to Cancel or Reschedule
Please contact us by phone or email during our business hours.
Be sure to include your name, appointment date, and your artist’s name when requesting changes.
Exceptions
We understand life happens. If you have a genuine emergency, please contact us as soon as possible. Exceptions are made at management’s discretion.
Thanks for your understanding and support. This policy helps us respect everyone’s time and maintain fairness for all our clients.
Ready for your next tattoo?
Our goal is to reply as soon as possible. On weekends, we may follow up on the first business of the week.
Ragtime Tattoo Shop
Located at 3144 Morganford Rd. St. Louis, Missouri
Stay updated with our latest work and what’s happening in the shop.