War Horse Tattoo COVID-19 Policy Update

Please review the following COVID-19 safety policies we will be observing at the shop:

  • Please call the shop or knock when you arrive for your appointment, and someone will come let you in.

  • If you are sick or experiencing any COVID-related symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive, please reschedule your tattoo appointment.

Things to know before you book your appointment:

Please review our portfolios to find the right match for your project. Taking the time to find the right artist for your tattoo is important. If you need help with this decision we'll be happy to help direct you. Each artist books their own appointments, so reach out directly to the artist you would like to work with. Remember, your tattoo is permanent, and well worth the wait. We do not make appointments over the phone or email. We do take walk-ins, first come, first served, depending on artist availability. For larger work, you will need to come in for a consultation, during which your artist will discuss your tattoo ideas, take a tracing of the area to be tattooed, and take a deposit. Deposits are non-refundable, non-transferrable, and will be put towards the last session of your tattoo, unless your tattoo can be finished in one sitting. 48 hours notice of cancellation or re-schedule are required, otherwise your deposit will be forfeit and a new one will be required to continue work on your tattoo. We can not do quotes through email or over the phone. There are many variables which can easily be addressed and resolved during an in person meeting so its best to come on into the shop and speak directly with our artists.
 

What should I do before my tattoo session?
There are a few key points to address before getting tattooed. Definitely be sure to eat something before your session. Eating will keep your blood sugar stable, and also put you in a better frame of mind for the procedure. Drugs and alcohol will not be tolerated. Coming in drunk, hungover or high makes for a bad time for both the artist and the client. If you are sunburned, sick, cut, bruised, or the skin is in anyway unhealthy, you will need to reschedule your appointment for a time in which you may be properly tattooed. It is OK to bring a friend for moral support, but we do not have seating for a crowd. Please keep your crew to a minimum as not to be distracting to the artist, the client, and the rest of the people in the shop. Be sure to bring your valid state ID, license, military ID, or passport with you to your first appointment, it is required for you to get tattooed.

What forms of payment do you take?
Generally we are cash only. We have an ATM as well to use at your convenience. Some of are artists are available to take credit card as payment, 
( George is cash only, period ), please email your artist ahead if you are planning to use credit to make sure they are available to take it.


How old do you have to be to get tattooed?
The state of California requires that you are at least 18 years of age to get tattooed. A valid state ID, license, military ID, or passport is required to get tattooed.

How do you price tattoos?
Our tattoo prices are based on size, detail, and overall time it takes to complete the piece. We have a shop minimum of $140 dollars, and our artist's hourly rate is $200 to $250 depending on the artist. We charge hourly rates for larger extensive work and usually give a direct price for single session pieces.

Are appointments needed?
We generally work by appointment but we gladly accept walk ins if our schedule allows. If you don’t have an appointment we recommend calling ahead to check availability. If you are looking to do larger work, we always suggest setting up a consultation and making an appointment to allow proper preparation time. All of our artists are available for contact through their artist page on the website via email for further information.

Are deposits required for an appointment? 
When making the appointment we require a deposit to setup and hold the appointment. The deposit comes off the total cost of your tattoo. The price of the deposit depends on the size, and number of sessions of the piece you are getting for the scheduled appointment. When a customer has multiple sessions to complete a piece, we carry over the deposit to each appointment and it comes off the last appointments cost. A lot of time and work goes into setting up and preparing for each appointment. By taking a deposit, it gives us security to begin work and gives us more assurance that a client is serious. The deposits are not refundable! If you are unable to make your appointment, we require at least 48 hours notice by email, phone, or in person or your deposit will be lost. A no call no show will loose the deposit. If you reschedule prior to 48 hours, you don’t loose the deposit. We greatly value our time and our clients, please give us as much notice as possible when needing to reschedule.

Aftercare
Its best to always take the advice of your artist, and not your buddies. Your artist will provide you with aftercare instructions and will gladly go over them with you. 
Here is a brief description: 


Your tattoo will take approximately 2 weeks to heal. During this time it is crucial that you
follow the directions below until the tattoo is fully healed.


Your tattoo will likely be tender for the first few days then it will develop light scabs
and appear “crusty”. Within a few days these will gradually flake off. During this
period it may seem that the color is falling out with the scabs. Don’t worry this is
normal. In the last stage of healing the tattoo will look waxy or shiny on the surface.
The directions below should be followed until the final stage has passed and the
tattoo is fully healed.

First and foremost LISTEN TO YOUR ARTIST!! Only do as he or she has instructed.
Under no circumstance should you defer to the advice of friends , friends of friends,
or google . If you have any questions or concerns about your tattoo or wish to
deviate from the aftercare instructions provided, consult your tattooist first.
After completion of your tattoo a bandage will be applied. This should remain on for
a minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 12 hours unless instructed otherwise by
your tattooist.


When you remove your bandage, first wash your hands, then thoroughly wash your
tattoo with a mild fragrance free antibacterial liquid hand soap such as DIAL . DO
NOT use any sponges or luffas to wash your tattoo, only your clean bare hand or a
soft wash cloth. Be sure to wash away any remaining ointment or blood. This may
require a few washings. Just remember to be GENTLE and be sure to thoroughly rinse
all soap from the tattoo. (You should wash your tattoo 2 to 3 times daily until your
tattoo is fully healed.)


After each washing pat your tattoo dry with a CLEAN towel then apply a THIN layer
of fragrance free ointment such as CUREL, EUCERINE, AVEENO or 100% COCOA
BUTTER. Do not apply so much lotion that the tattoo looks greasy, just enough to
keep the tattoo pliable during the healing process.

DO NOT USE ~
Sunscreen, tanning lotion, fragranced oils, aloe vera , A and D or cortisone cream or
ointments containing any of these things unless your tattoo is FULLY healed.

WHAT TO AVOID ~
Bodies of water (baths ,pools , lakes, oceans, hot tubs) Never soak your tattoo
during the healing process, aside from risking infection it can cause the scabs to
come off pre-maturely resulting in loss of pigment.
Gym equipment (including work out mats and gym floors.)
Heavy workouts that strain the area where you were tattooed. Be sure to wash
your tattoo immediately after any work out.
Prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds.
Touching your tattoo unnecessarily or scratching and or picking at scabs.
Remember that pets can be dirty. Be sure you tattoo comes in as little contact with
pets or pet hair as possible.

That’s pretty much it! If you have any question what so ever concerning you tattoo
feel free to call or come by.

Thanks and enjoy!