FAQ

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Please review our FAQ’s below to answers to some of our most common questions. If you have a question that isn’t answered here please feel free to email us at [email protected].

Where is the tattoo studio located?

Hidden Light Tattoo studio is located at 4201 N Ravenswood Ave in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

How do I book in with a tattoo artist?

Each tattoo artist at the studio manages their bookings. Click the artist’s name in the menu to go to each of their page for more information on how to book.

If you aren’t sure which artist is the right fit for your project, fill out our contact form here and we can help pair you with the right artist.

What information should I include in my booking request?

  1. Your Idea
    A brief description of your tattoo concept. Feel free to include any reference photos or inspiration images.
  2. Placement
    Where you want the tattoo on your body (e.g., forearm, ribs, outer calf, etc.).
    If it’s a cover-up, include a clear photo of the existing tattoo in good lighting.
  3. Where you live
    Please let us know the city and state you live in.

Is my deposit refundable?

Deposits are required to schedule a tattoo appointment and are non-refundable. If you need to reschedule your appointment please notify your tattoo artist at least 7 days in advance and your deposit can be used to reschedule. If you do not give 7 days notice to reschedule or want to cancel your appointment entirely your deposit will not be refunded.

Note, each artist has their own rescheduling policy but in general the standard rules below apply.

If you are going to be late to your appointment, you must notify your tattoo artist as soon as possible. If you are more than 30 minutes late without notice, the appointment will be cancelled without a refund.

If your tattoo requires multiple sessions, one deposit can be used to secure all required appointments and will be applied to the last session. If you do not give 7 days notice to cancel or reschedule any appointment, a new deposit will be required to schedule another appointment.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Get a good night’s sleep! Being hungover or very tired the day of your appointment will lower your pain tolerance make the experience much more difficult. We also recommend you make sure to eat breakfast and drink plenty of water the day of the appointment. While we do have drinks and snacks at the studio please bring any food or drinks that you want to have during your appointment. You should also bring any entertainment (laptops with movies, music, etc.) you would like to have during your appointment to help pass the time. Make sure to wear something comfortable that makes the area accessible to tattoo.

Please, do NOT shave the area before your appointment. We can do that for you, if necessary. This is to avoid any cuts in the area to be tattooed.

How do I take care of my new tattoo?

There are different ways to take care of your new tattoo. Depending on your skin and the location of the tattoo your artist may give you Tegaderm to help with the healing process. Tegaderm is a sterile, breathable, waterproof, germ-proof barrier to protect your new tattoo. While you can shower normally while using Tegaderm please do not swim or unnecessarily submerge the tattoo in water.

Tegaderm Healing Method

1. Your artist will cover your new tattoo with Tegaderm and give you an additional one to apply yourself. Leave this initial Tegaderm on overnight.

2. Remove your bandage carefully after 24-48 hours. Wash your tattoo while in the shower to help release the adhesive and any buildup. Wash with non-scented, antibacterial soap. Gently pat dry your tattoo.

3. Apply the second Tegaderm for 3-4 days. Make sure to fully cover the tattoo with Tegaderm. (If at any point throughout the 3-4 days you notice a tear in the Tegaderm or excess pooling of liquids in the bandage, carefully remove the Tegaderm and revert to the traditional healing method below)

4. Carefully remove the bandage after the 3-4 days, then wash your tattoo with non-scented antibacterial soap. Apply a very small amount of Aquaphor or unscented lotion. Do not smother the tattoo in lotion. You want to make sure it’s a very thin layer.

Your tattoo artist may not feel that Tegaderm is the right choice for your tattoo. If so you should follow the instructions below.

Traditional Healing Method

1. Remove the plastic wrap a couple of hours after your tattoo is completed.

2. Gently wash your tattoo with non-scented antibacterial soap.

3. Thoroughly dry the tattoo with a paper towel.

4. Apply a very small amount of Aquaphor or unscented lotion to the tattoo and use a paper towel to wipe off the excess. Do not smother the tattoo in lotion. You want to make sure it’s a very thin layer.

5. Repeat these steps daily for 7 days.

Anytime you are handling your tattoo please make sure you wash your hands prior to touching the tattoo.

While your tattoo is healing, do not swim or expose the tattoo to the sun. That means NO hot tubs, bathtubs, or pools, and no exfoliating.

Also, refrain from strenuous activity while your tegaderm is on or for the first 7 days of healing.

Your tattoo may be itchy while healing, please refrain from scratching it. Scratching your healing tattoo can interrupt the healing process and may damage the art work.