Before the needle. After the wrap.

You have to be 18 with valid photo ID — no exceptions, anywhere in Illinois. Bring the physical ID with you; we can’t tattoo you without it, however far you’ve driven.

It depends entirely on size, placement and how much detail is in it, so the artists quote properly rather than guess off a price list. Send the idea through the form and you’ll get a real number back. Military discount: 25% off.

Waukegan takes walk-ins seven days a week; Carpentersville takes them Monday to Friday. It’s first-come, first-served, so calling ahead saves you a wait — and for larger custom work, book a free consult instead so the artist can design it properly.

A deposit holds your chair and comes off the price of the tattoo. Your artist confirms the amount when you book, and it isn’t lost if you give reasonable notice to move the appointment.

Eat properly, drink water, and get a normal night’s sleep. Don’t drink the night before. Wear something that gives easy access to the area being tattooed, and bring headphones if you’d rather zone out.

It depends on placement and how long you’re sitting. Ribs, feet and inner arms bite more; outer arms and legs are easier. The artists talk you through it before they start, and you can take breaks.

Usually, yes — cover-ups and reworks are regular work here, and they’re Julio’s specialty. Whether it will work depends on what’s already there, so send a clear photo through the form and an artist will tell you honestly rather than sell you something that won’t sit right.

A sentence is enough. Placement and rough size help, and a reference picture helps more, but nobody needs it worked out before they get in touch. Free consults at both shops.

Tell us the idea and we’ll match it — the team specialises differently on purpose. Realism and cover-ups, black and grey, new school colour, fine line, script: the piece goes to whoever does that best.

Our Waukegan shop does tattoos only. Call the Carpentersville shop to ask about piercing availability.

The surface heals in two to three weeks; full settling takes a couple of months. Days 3–7 usually bring peeling and itching — that’s normal. Don’t pick, don’t scratch.

Light activity the next day is fine. Give it several days before heavy training that stretches or rubs the area, and keep gym equipment off fresh ink — it’s an open wound sharing a bench with the public.

No swimming — ocean, lakes, rivers or pools — and no tanning beds until it’s fully healed. Keep it out of direct sunlight for the first two weeks, then make SPF a lifelong habit: sun is the main thing that ages tattoos.

Yes — a healing tattoo goes through a dull, milky phase as new skin forms over the ink. The colour comes back as it settles. If something looks genuinely wrong — heat, spreading redness, swelling that gets worse after a few days — call the shop. We’d rather look at it than have you guess.

Sometimes, and it’s normal — small spots can heal light, especially on hands, feet and joints. Talk to your artist once the piece is fully healed.