Soon you will be getting a quality tattoo that will last a lifetime. It will be provided to you by one of most talented artists in the industry. Here are some things that will help us give you the experience you deserve:
Be on time. We book ourselves very full in order to limit our clients waiting weeks to be tattooed. If you are late, it can cause us to get behind schedule creating a domino effect. In order to prevent this you might need to be rescheduled. We do this because it is unfair to the people after you. If the person ahead of you was late, you would be glad we had this policy.
Changing your design when you get here might cause us to reschedule you as well. Of course, we want you to be happy with the design you choose, but telling us five minutes before it is time to start will cause us to redraw it and that will cut into our tattoo time. Thus, forcing us to reschedule. We do this because it is unfair to the person after you. If the person ahead of you changed their design, you would be glad we had this policy.
We would like your patience in the event we are behind schedule. There are reasons, like the ones previously stated, that are out of our control and unfortunately, we can’t just hurry to get caught up. So…please be patient; we will give the same great service that the person before you received in just a short while. We take your decision to get a tattoo very serious. We require a deposit to ensure you are serious too. In many cases we research, design, and draw your tattoo before you get here; for that is the reason the deposit is non-refundable. A No Show/No Call will forfeit their deposit. However, if you give us at least an hour notice we will hold your deposit for 30 days. If you do not reschedule by then, you too will lose your deposit.
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Intro into tattoos
How does a tattoo work?
Imagine you had seven pieces of paper stacked on top of each other; these represent layers of skin (some places have more or less than seven layers and the layers may vary in thickness). Well…the way a tattoo works is we draw on the fourth layer down. We do this by pushing the ink under the top three layers with a group of needles. The trick is to let only the very tip of the needle hit that fourth layer. If it goes into the fifth or sixth layer you have gone in to far and a thin line will become thick and blurry. If you don’t put the ink in far enough the ink will not stay. During this process the first layer is damaged the worst, the second layer is damaged a little less than the first and the third layer is not very damaged at all. After a week or two the injured layers will heal and re-grow over the “colored” layers. This leaves a crisp and clean tattoo under the re-grown skin.
Does it hurt?
Of course it does a little bit…but most people can handle it just fine. The worst part is the fear; not the actual pain. Once we start you will relax and most people can go for a couple of hours before they start getting sore.
Do some spots hurt more than others?
Well sure. The hands, neck, and ribs hurt the most but they are also not very popular spots. The truth is GET IT WHERE YOU WANT IT. Don’t get it where it hurts the least. You will regret it if you compromise.
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo?
You must be 16 with ID and your parent must be present. You and your parent must have ID’s with matching last names and addresses to be tattooed or pierced at Big Brain.
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Known FAQ’s about Big Brain
Why should I go to Big Brain?
We are one of the best body art facilities in the entire country. There are only a handful of shops in the entire world that constantly win awards and are continuously published in the industry magazines; we are one of them. Big Brain is respected on the international level for our creativity, professionalism, technical skill and talent. Although professionalism and technical skill can be learned or taught; creativity and raw talent cannot. Talent is something you either have or you don’t. Big Brain is world famous for its talent.
Who is the best one at the shop?
All of our artists are world class competitors and are leaders in the tattoo industry. Each artist in our store has a certain specialty, style or strength. In other words, one person might be good at one thing and another person might be good at something else. Please look at each person’s individual portfolio to determine which artist you like. We will also help you decide who would work best on your tattoo.
Do I need an appointment?
No you don’t. We accept walk-ins; it is on a first come-first serve basis. Custom tattoos, however, are a different story and most of the time you do need to give us a day or two to finalize your design and set an appointment. You must be in the store to do so.
How much does a tattoo cost?
Prices are based on many things and can only be given with you here in person, at the store. Once you get here you will find that there are several ways to do the same tattoo. For example, we can do a tattoo for forty dollars or we can do it for $300. A lot of it depends on size and how we color it but there are other variables to consider. Please let us know if you are trying to stick in a certain price range; usually we can hit your target price.
What is your shop minimum?
It is forty dollars. This is the least we charge for anything. It is to cover the price of the gear we use in the tattoo process. The gear is disposable and is never used again.
Do I need to leave a deposit for an appointment?
Yes, we do require a deposit to make an appointment; however, it does come off of the price of your tattoo. This deposit is non refundable; if you no show, no call you lose it, but if you give 24 hours notice you can move your appointment. If you don’t reschedule with in 30 days you will also lose your deposit.
Do I need to bring anything with me for my appointment?
Yes. Bring your ID!! Bring something comfortable to wear and bring your design. Other than that you shouldn’t need anything else.
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FAQ’s when getting your tattoo
I have an idea… can you draw it for me?
Yes. All of our artists are…well, just that…Artists. We can make all of your wildest dreams come true but it is helpful if you bring in a reference. For example, if you want a guitar with flames…well, there are hundreds of different guitars. Make sure you bring a picture of the exact guitar you want and we will use that as a reference. This does take a little while to get drawn though so in some cases it might be necessary to make an appointment.
Can I bring in my own design?
Yes. Bring in anything you want. We can work with almost any design. Many times, however, we will need to make small changes to make it work as a tattoo.
How small can I get it?
There is a limit on how small you can go. The general rule is the more detail it has the bigger it needs to be. In other words, you cannot get a fairy with angel wings 2 inches tall or a lady bug actual size. Remember just because you got it small, doesn’t mean you didn’t get a tattoo. If your mom is going to hate it…she is gonna hate it no matter how big it is. If you think it is going to hurt less because it’s small, you are wrong there too.
Do you use clean needles?
Absolutely. All of our needles are single use. This means they’re brand new and sterilized before being used…then disposed of after being used. We do NOT reuse needles. Be sure to ask your artist any questions you want about the sterilization process.
Can you numb it first?
No. It is illegal for a body artist to numb an area or tattoo on an area he knows to be numb but don’t worry; once you get started your bodies natural pain killers (adrenaline and endorphins) will kick in and you will be just fine. Our suggestion is to take an over the counter pain reliever like Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) just to help with soreness and swelling. You won’t need anything more than that.
Can you tattoo over scars and stretch marks?
Yes we can (most of the time) but there are some limitations to the amount of detail we can use in the tattoo. Other factors to consider are age of the scar (is it done healing) the texture of the scar (burns are harder than cuts). Actually, it’s another one of those things where we need to see it to give you the whole story.
Do you tattoo feet?
Yes, but they are very hard to take care of. For this reason we do not guarantee them.
Can I get a tattoo on my big toe?
Yes, but it is like the foot, it’s not guaranteed. Plus there are many more layers of skin on the toe and it is very thick. This makes it even harder. We do not recommend the big toe.
Do I need a touch up on my tattoo?
Usually “light spots” are cause by a problem in the healing process. Don’t worry these light spots are easy to recolor but this is a question that you and your artist need to discuss together in person; no touch ups are scheduled over the phone. If your tattoo does need touched up it’s free, just make an appointment and leave a deposit, if you miss that appointment it is no longer free and we keep the deposit; otherwise your deposit will be refunded no problem.
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FAQ’S on the healing process
How long does it take to heal?
Every person is different and every tattoo is different. A young and healthy person will heal faster than an older person with fragile skin, a small tattoo will heal faster than a big one and some people take better care of it than others. So…it is hard to say exactly when your tattoo will heal. Put it this way, if it is not healed in two weeks you need to come back in and let us take a look.
What should I use on my tattoo?
This is a question that you need to discuss with your artist. Each artist may suggest different products or suggest a different method for after care. Remember there are several ways of doing this right. We have a generic guideline for aftercare but please ask your artist for a more detailed set of instructions.
How do I know when it’s done healing?
Please read the “How does a tattoo work?” section. Basically, a tattoo is a minor skin abrasion. If you take care of it properly it will heal quickly and without incident; if you don’t there might be delays in the healing process. These delays may include scabbing and soreness that, in some cases, last weeks. Most people never go through these problems and are fine in a week to ten days. Whether you heal fast or slow there are well defined stages it will go through. Stage 1: During a tattoo and for the first hour or two afterwards, it will bleed. After that, it will weep or drain clear sticky stuff. This is normal but you must wash regularly to prevent it from thickening and forming scabs. Stage 2: It will dry up and quit oozing. Now is the time to start using the after care products that your artist recommends. Refer to “tattoo aftercare” if you are unsure how to do this. Stage 3: Thin flaky scabs will start falling off when you wash it; it’s similar to the way a sunburn peels. This is normal even if the scabs are the same color as the tattoo. Don’t worry; the color is not coming out. Stage 4: The scabbing is gone by this stage and is probably shiny but the healing process is not done yet. You might notice the skin is a little milky or foggy especially in the spots where it took the longest to heal. This is normal too; eventually that foggy skin will turn shiny like the rest of the tattoo probably looks. At this point you are very close to being fully healed. The last stage…Stage 5: You are completely healed when the tattooed area is no longer shiny and if hair grows in that spot it is back to its original length. Now you are free to go tanning, lay out, swim in a lake, go in a hot tub, swim in a pool or what ever else you might want to do.
My tattoo is peeling and all the color is coming out…is this normal?
Yes. It is very normal and it means you are almost done healing. Refer to “How do I know when it’s done healing” and “how does a tattoo work” Remember don’t pick at it and don’t worry…the tattoo will be just fine. The ink under your skin will still be there.
My tattoo has scabs on it…is this normal?
It is not desirable but can be normal. Do NOT pick them. Refer to “How does a tattoo work.” Just like any minor injury it may scab, especially if not cared for properly. Follow the after care instructions the best you can to lower the risk of problems. Come into the store if you have questions.
How do I know if my tattoo is infected?
First of all, this is very rare. If you think that your tattoo is infected…you need to come down here and let us take a look. There is nothing we can do without seeing it. An infection is impossible to diagnosis over the phone or web.
Ink is coming out of my tattoo and getting on my clothes and sheets…is this normal?
That is normal for the first 24 hours. If it is happing after that you are using too much ointment or not letting it dry long enough after you wash it. Refer to “Aftercare instructions” if you are unsure of the process.
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Health concerns
Can I give blood after a tattoo?
Yes. Please ask the donation center where you are giving blood for the exact times between tattoo and donation; the times vary from donation center to donation center.
Can I get an epidural if I have a tattoo on my back?
Yes you can. There is no reason that a tattoo would interfere.
What if I’m pregnant or nursing?
No. It is unsafe to the child and to the mother. It is also illegal in the state of Nebraska.
When can I go tanning?
You can not go tanning until your tattoo is completely healed. Refer to the question “How do I know when it’s done healing” if you are unsure when that is. It is safe to tan after that but it will discolor your tattoo. Refer to “How does a tattoo work?” If your tattoo is under the top layers of skin and you get a tan and make those top layers darker…It now makes your tattoo appear darker. When your tan is gone, the color will be back to normal.
When can I go swimming or in a hot tub?
You cannot swim or go in to a hot tub until it is completely healed. Refer to the question “How do I know when it’s done healing?” if you are unsure when that is. If your tattoo is small enough you might be able to cover it with a waterproof bandage and swim in a clean pool but still no lakes or hot tubs. Washing with soap and water and showering is fine of course (refer to your after care instructions).
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Common piercing FAQs
Do I need an appointment for a piercing?
Nope. Just come on in.
Do you do surface piercing?
Yes. We are a full service facility and offer all legal services. Please talk to one of our piercers to discuss your options.
Do you use clean needles?
Do you use clean needles? Absolutely. All of our needles are single use. This means they’re brand new and sterilized before being used…then disposed of after being used. We do NOT reuse needles. Be sure to ask your piercer any questions you want about the sterilization process.
Do you do genital piercing?
Yes. We are a full service facility and offer all legal services. Please talk to one of our piercers to discuss your options.
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Name of FAQ Category #2 for Piercing
How old do you have to be to get a piercing?
You must be 16 with ID; and your parent must be present. You and your parent must have ID’s with matching last names and addresses to be pierced or tattooed at Big Brain.
Does it hurt getting pierced?
It does a little. Don’t worry though, it only hurts for a second then it goes away. It is like getting shot with a rubber band maybe even less.
Can I start with a barbell?
Well…it depends. Some piercings you can, some piercings you can’t. We leave it up to the piercer’s best judgment. In other words, it is on a case by case basis. Come on in and discuss your options with a trained professional.
Can you lose feeling or become paralyzed if you get an ear or facial piercing?
No, but this is a common myth. The truth is, piercing is very safe when done and maintained properly. This is not to say there is no risk; because there is, but most of it can be avoided with minimal care.
What are the names of the different ear piercings?
Please refer to the piercing portfolios for the names and locations of all these piercings. Keep in mind that no two ears are the same, so talk to your piercer to find out what may or may not work on your ear.
Do you use a gun to do piercing?
We never use a gun. All piercing is done by hand by a professional. If you really just want to know how fast it is…no worries, it’s just as fast as the gun. It is instantaneous.
Can you start with gold?
No, we do not start with gold. Gold does not heal in body piercings as well as it does in ears. Please visit one of our professional piercers to determine when your piercing is ready to change to gold.
Can I start my nose with a stud?
Yes, in most cases you can. Your piercer will make the final decision at the time of the piercing though.
What kind of jewelry do you use?
We use the highest quality body jewelry in the industry. There are many different products that meet that claim. Please ask your piercer what he recommends for your application. Some products work better than others in certain places. For most initial piercings we use implant grade steel.
What jewelry do you have in stock?
Our stock is constantly changing. We order jewelry every Monday and it comes in every Thursday; so check back often. If there is something specific you want we will place a special order for you.
Why is your jewelry more expensive than the mall?
There is a huge difference between mall quality and professionally quality jewelry.
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Specifics on piercing styles
Will my tongue swell if I get it pierced?
Some do, some don’t. Your best bet is to use your tongue; in other words, eat and talk normal. If you “baby” it… the chance of swelling is higher. Ibuprofen will also help control swelling.
Will my tongue ring mess up my teeth?
Not if it is done properly and your jewelry fits well. If it is done wrong or you are wearing jewelry that does not fit…yes it can be hazardous to your teeth. Be sure to seek help from one of our professional piercers if you have specific questions about your situation.
If I take my piercing out will it leave a scar?
There are many variables to be considered when answering this question…like: What piercing is it, how big is the hole, how long have you had the piercing, etcetera. About the only thing we can promise is the longer you go without it…the more the scar will go away.
How long do you have to wait before having sex after getting a genital piercing?
It is the same for both men and women. You can have protected sex when you are not sore and are physically comfortable to do so. There is no minimum time limit. Unprotected sex is different; you should wait 2-3 weeks before resuming this practice.
Do men need to be erect before getting a genital piercing?
No you do not. This is a popular but untrue rumor.
I am allergic to nickel…can I still get pierced?
Yes, but you should inform your piercer if any problems arise in the healing process. Sometimes people with nickel sensitivities need a little extra supervision during this process but can and usually do just fine.
I am sick or have a disease…can I still get pierced?
Yes, but you should get your doctors approval. There are side effects associated to certain health problems that may interfere with the healing process. In regards to spreading a disease or sickness…we treat every customer like they are sick. Our sterilization and safety procedures insure that any contaminated equipment is disposed of in a safe manner. This, in turn, eliminates the possibility of transmitting blood borne pathogen from client to client.
How big can I stretch my piercing before it won’t go back to normal?
There is no answer that will hold true in every case because every person is different. This is a question that you need to discuss with your piercer before you start the stretching process.
Will you help me change a piece of jewelry?
We would be glad to help you change your jewelry. You will save time by coming in during the week. Weekends get rather busy and you may end up waiting.
How do I remove my jewelry?
The bead in a hoop is held in with tension. They do not screw in or out; they clip in. To get them out all you do is push. Barbells, however, do unscrew. They are threaded like a nut and bolt and should unscrew from both ends. It help to use rubber gloves…they help grip.
What if I’m pregnant or nursing?
It is unsafe to the child and to the mother. It is also illegal to in the state of Nebraska.
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Aftercare
What do you suggest for aftercare?
A copy of our aftercare instructions are given to every client after their procedure. Please refer to the “Aftercare Instructions” section of this web site if you are unsure of how to care for your piercing. At Big Brain we believe that the biggest problem with aftercare is the tendency to over do it rather than under doing it. Give your body a chance to figure out what just happened and how to fix it before you start throwing every thing in the medicine cabinet on it. Remember, JUST SOAP AND WATER until we tell you different.
There is stuff coming out of my new piercing…is this normal?
This is normal and a healthy part of the healing process. Please read the “Explain the healing process” if you are unsure what the process is. Although it is normal there are still some things you should know: do not squeeze it out of the hole, do not switch from soap to something stronger, do not let it build up on the jewelry, do not rotate it while it is dirty and don’t pick it off with your fingers. All you need to do is get some warm soapy water and clean it.
My piercing is red…is this normal?
Redness is normal (in small amounts), especially the first week or two, but a lot of redness along with pain and swelling can be a sign of a problem. So, if you think you are having a problem; don’t call-come in right away.
My piercing has a bubble on it…is this normal?
No…it is not normal to have a bump, bubble, or blister on your piercing. If you notice something please come to the store and let one of our professionals take a look. Most of the time this is a problem that is easily fixed but we need to catch it early. So, come in as soon as you notice a problem.
My tongue turned white or brown after I got it pierced…is this normal?
This can be normal but is not desirable. Usually this is caused by misuse of your after care product. Please come into the store and let us make a more official diagnosis…but don’t worry it’s probably not a big deal.
Can I breast feed after getting a nipple pierced?
Yes, in most cases you can. In some cases, however, it does interfere. Usually it is from repeated piercing or problems that occur after the piercing, like infection. But let me remind you these are rare cases…not the normal.
How do I know when my piercing is healed?
Healed is one of those words that can be defined several different ways. Your piercing is not going to go from “unhealed” one day…to “healed” the next. It goes in stages. Please refer to “Explain the healing process” if you are unsure of when your piercing is in the healing process.
Explain the healing process.
Well…it starts with the actual piercing itself. After that in might bleed for a couple of minutes; most don’t but if you do don’t worry this is normal. It is also normal to stay red for several hours possibly days. The redness is usually accompanied by some soreness; not a lot but some. It might feel bruised. The second stage is re-growing the skin and tissue that was injured in the piercing process. This step is where most people get confused and start having questions. First of all…healthy people have very little to worry about. Even if you are one of the few who do have a problem; most healthy people can recover from a minor problem without much outside help. In other words, most people’s bodies will kick it into high gear and fix little problems that pop up here and there. Back to the second stage…re-growing that injured skin. You will notice during this stage that stuff starts draining from your piercing. Don’t panic this is completely normal. It is a watery by-product that your body makes while growing new skin and it will gradually get thicker. At one point it might even be a little discolored and look a little bit like puss. Don’t worry its not. In fact, an infected piercing does not have stuff coming out of it at all. An infected piercing is dry, very sore, swollen, red and warm to the touch (if you have these symptoms don’t call…COME IN RIGHT AWAY!). Back to the stuff coming out…this will only last a few weeks (usually 3-4) and then it will stop. This is the first major mile stone in the healing process. At this point you are probably ready to change the jewelry and reduce your after care down to only washing it once a day but it is not fully healed. Since it is not fully healed you will not be able to take the jewelry out for very long; so be careful changing it. If you need help come in and let us assist you. If you have made it this far you don’t want to lose it over something silly…like not being able to get the ring back in after you tried to change it yourself. The risk of it closing is usually gone after 8-10 months. We consider this fully healed.
Is my piercing infected?
Please read the “Explain the healing process” if you still are concerned about your piercing…don’t call…come to the store right away. There is no way to diagnosis a problem over the phone or on the web.
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Health Concerns
Can I hide my piercing?
Yes, most piercings can be hidden. Please talk to your piercer, in person, to determine if your piercing is ready to be changed to a retainer. Unfortunately, we can not start your piercing with a retainer.
How long until I can change the jewelry in my piercing?
Every person and every piercing is different. For this reason it is hard to say specifically when you can change your jewelry. The general rule is: when it stops draining you can change it, but consult your piercer if you are unsure when that is. It may also be helpful to let them do it for the first time; they can show you how and what to do so you can do it yourself the next time.
Can you drink alcohol after getting a tongue piercing?
Yes. If you are following the after care instructions properly you should be fine. Our suggestion is to eat, drink and smoke as you normally would.
Can I swim with a new piercing?
In a pool-yes. In a lake-no.
Can I go tanning with a new piercing?
Yes. Tanning poses no threat to a new piercing when done in moderation.
I am having surgery or an x-ray…what do I do about my piercing?
This is up to your doctor. If he needs you to remove them then we need to remove them. If he says you can wear them as long as they are not metal then we can help.
Do I need to spin or rotate me jewelry?
No, you do not. That theory only applies to stud piercings in ears and no others. It is to prevent the stud from embedding in your lobe and is not practical for other piercings. In fact, moving you jewelry in a fresh piercing creates a lot of unnecessary wear and tear and that can prolong the healing process. Another reason not to rotate your ring is because many time you are just dragging the contaminates on the ring back and forth though the new hole which creates a higher risk of infection.
