Frequently Asked Questions

We know that getting a tattoo can come with a few questions—especially if it’s your first time with us, or your very first tattoo. We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions below to help you feel more informed and confident when choosing Sweet Heart Tattoo for your next piece. If you don’t see your question answered here, please feel free to reach out through our contact form or give the shop a call—we’re always happy to help.

Joshua Bighaus of Sweet Heart Tattoo during a tattoo session.

General Questions

Do you take walk-ins?

Yes, whenever we have availability we welcome walk-ins.

Do you do piercings?

No, we are solely focused on the art of tattooing.

How old do I have to be to get tattooed?

The state of Oregon requires that all persons must be 18 years of age with valid government issued photo identification to be tattooed.

When are you open?

We are open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11:00AM through 7:00PM and take our last tattoo of the day at 5:00PM.

Do you tattoo custom or flash designs?

Yes, our artists have hundreds of hand painted original designs available to be tattooed and we are able to accommodate most custom design requests

How long will I have to wait to get tattooed?

We are typically able to get most clients booked within a week of their initial outreach, depending upon the design, sometimes even within the same day.

What are your rates?

Our shop’s minimum price is $120

Our individual artist’s rates vary depending on their experience and ability.

Hourly rates are used for multi session tattoos (i.e. sleeves, back pieces, etc.), for single session tattoos we charge a set price based upon the design, details, size and placement.

Do you use vegan tattoo inks?

All of the tattoo inks and pigments we use at Sweet Heart Tattoo are of the highest quality the market has to offer and are vegan. We strive to use the best quality supplies we can find on the market, this ensures that each and every tattoo will be made with the same consistency and quality that we are known for.

Is there a shop minimum?

Our shop minimum starts at $120.

About your appointment

Do I have to put down a deposit to book an appointment?

A $100 deposit is required for all appointments. A deposit confirms your appointment date and sets aside the specific time just for you. Deposits do go towards the total cost of the tattoo when finished.

Are deposits refundable?

Deposits are non-refundable and will be applied to the total cost of the tattoo when completed. If your tattoo takes more than one session, the deposit will be subtracted from the total cost at the last session.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

We ask that you provide us with at least 48hrs notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Last minute cancellations and or reschedules without 48hrs notice will forfeit the deposit and will require an additional $100 for rebooking.

Can I bring a guest to my appointment?

Guests are welcome, however our space is small and we ask that guests wait in our lobby during the appointment. We are unable to accommodate minors and pets, licensed service animals are a-okay.

Can I bring food/drinks?

We encourage you to bring a lidded reusable water bottle to your appointment. Small snack items are okay too.

Exterior of Sweet Heart Tattoo shop in Portland, Oregon

About our work

What kind of tattooing styles do you offer?

At Sweet Heart Tattoo we offer a variety of different tattoo styles, from bold American traditional, Japanese traditional, illustrative, fine line, single needle, lettering, black and grey, neo-traditional, etc. We strive to ensure that each tattoo we make is designed and executed to create a long lasting quality tattoo that will age well and can be loved and enjoyed for a lifetime. If we feel we aren’t the right artist for a specific request we will do our best to recommend you to someone who we trust.

Do you have flash specials?

We have several Flash Days that we do throughout the year for different holidays, occasions and anniversaries. However, we do always have original hand painted flash designs available to be tattooed year round. There’s a little of something for everyone and most budgets (within reason).

Flash
Do you have Get What You Get Tattoos available?

We have two Get What You Get machines available always! Our Classic Get What You Get machine is $150 color or black with palm sized or smaller traditional designs. We also have a Deluxe Get What You Get version for $250 color or black with larger designs between palm and hand sized. Get what you get tattoos are available for walk-ins or by appointment.

Collection of traditional flash tattoo designs including a winged black panther, stylized faces, a snake wrapped around a hand, flowers, hearts, and a crane on a fan.

Aftercare

How do I care for my new tattoo?

We know getting a new tattoo can be a lot and trying to remember aftercare can also be daunting. After each tattoo we always go over aftercare instructions with you, even if you’ve been in before. We will also send you home with written instructions on how to care for your new tattoo.

How long should I wait to exercise?

We suggest waiting at least 7-10 days to exercise. A new tattoo is considered an open wound and exercise equipment can be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you are going to exercise, make sure to wear clean clothes to work out in and wash your new tattoo after exercising.

What kind of bandages do you use?

In the state of Oregon we are required to bandage each new tattoo in a sterile non-porous, breathable barrier. The two best options we’ve found are soaker pads with medical tape or coban wrap for clients who have sensitive skin and or latex allergies. We also use a second skin wrap. Size of tattoo and area of the body can dictate which bandage will be used.

Do you sell aftercare products?

We don’t currently carry any aftercare products for sale in the shop. We are always happy to recommend aftercare products that we find work well. We don’t only have years of experience making tattoos, we also wear them proudly and have found tried and true ways of properly healing and caring for tattoos.

How long do I have to wait until I can swim after getting tattooed?

It's always best to wait at least 14 days before swimming or soaking in a hot tub or bath after getting tattooed. Showering is okay.

Arrangement of various colorful coiled tattoo machines placed on a textured black surface.