FAQ’S

4564 Bensalem Blvd, Bensalem, Pa 19020

Our tattoo artists go to great lengths to ensure that every client receives the best possible tattoo. We will not only listen to your ideas, but we will counsel you through finding the best size, placement, and design. Our friendly artists are incredibly knowledgeable in all aspects of tattoo design and application, so you can trust that you are in good hands.

Of course. Like so much in life, we have to take the good with the bad. At Oracle Tattoo Gallery, we strive to make our tattoos as painless as possible, using every technique available to apply tattoos as gently as possible. We pride ourselves in being as reasonable with the skin as we can; there are various pain tolerances and reactions to different places on the body. Consult further with one of our artists for a more in-depth discussion on your specific tattoo’s placement.

Our studio operates by appointment only. Please select the artist you would like to work with from our artist page and submit a consultation form to begin speaking with one of our artists about your project.

Our dedicated artists work tirelessly to push the boundaries of creativity and craft one of a kind tattoos for our clients. Upon inquiring to work with us, we will make sure to connect you with the artist who best suits your needs. We reserve the right to artistic license with every project and use this to create the absolute best tattoo possible.

We are always looking for new clients. The best way to get an appointment is to contact the artist you choose to work with directly via email or submit a consultation form on our artists page. From there, we will schedule an in person consultation with you and set up an appointment and collect a retainer fee. If you are traveling to get to us, not a problem! Our artists are willing to accommodate traveling clients via email or phone to get you set up!

As tattooing involves multiple punctures of the skin to instill pigment into the dermal layer, pain as well as some minor bleeding and swelling is involved.

A scab or shiny skin patch will form over the tattoo and will remain for approximately 3-7 days. Wound care is vital to prevent secondary bacterial infections, just like any open wound. During this period, it is suggested that you wash your tattoo gently with warm running water, with clean hands using a gentle unscented soap (Dr.Bronners baby soap, soft soap, dove or dial clear)

Always pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel to avoid introducing foreign bacteria into your new tattoo.

During the first 2 weeks you may use an unscented lotion or coconut oil to moisturize your tattoo. Only moisturize if the tattoo is dry or tight. Use a small amount of moisturizer and work it gently into the tattoo. You want to avoid using too much as this will result in clogged pores around your tattoo.

Our artists will go over specific aftercare with our clients once the tattoo is done. Listen to your artist,  the tattoo was done by them and they will know the best way to take care of it.

If you have any additional questions, please contact your artist via email or call the studio.

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Absolutely not. This is a subject widely debated for years with varying opinions. We feel that our responsibility is to take the most prudent approach and respectfully decline future mothers until breastfeeding has stopped.

That’s not a problem at all! We are fully equipped to work with any client with a latex allergy! We only ask that anyone with a latex allergy fill the consent form out accordingly AND tell your artist before beginning your tattoo.

A retainer fee is required for every tattoo appointment at The Oracle Tattoo Gallery. This Retainer fee is used to hold your appointment date and time and comes off the final cost of your tattoo. If you cancel your appointment within 48 hours of your appointment, you lose your retainer fee and your appointment. To schedule a new appointment, a new retainer fee must be paid.

Preparation is just as important as your tattoo’s execution! We ask our clients to be sober, well-rested and have had a small meal within 4 hours of your tattoo appointment. When our clients’ minds and bodies are adequately rested and cared for, our clients’ appointments are better.

Be comfortable, but also make sure that your artist will be able to access the area you are getting tattooed on your body. You may consult with your artist if you have any specific questions geared towards your tattoo session.

We cannot tattoo you if you are sunburned. When you are exposed to a tanning session or a long afternoon in the sun, your skin sustains damage from the UV rays. We suggest you leave two weeks BEFORE and AFTER your tattoo session before tanning or exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight.

Once your tattoo is fully healed (2-3 weeks after your session), you should apply sunblock to the tattoo directly to avoid damaging the tattoo’s brightness. Tattoo pigment is photosensitive, meaning that tattoos fade with prolonged and repeated exposure to UV rays over time.

When coming in to get a larger tattoo, we suggest you do some or all of the following:

• Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is your body’s first defense against sustaining an injury.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking a good amount of water will help your body heal.
• Eat a meal within 3-4 hours of your tattoo appointment. Bring a snack or a drink with you to help keep your blood sugar up during the appointment.
• Bring something to keep you busy, just in case. A pair of headphones can help you settle in as you listen to your favorite tunes or watch a show on your phone or tablet.
• Be comfortable. Wear loose-fitting or comfortable clothing to your appointment.

You should not get tattooed if you are:

• Drunk
• On drugs
• Pregnant
• Pre-surgery
• Post-surgery
• Sunburned
• Dirty
• Broke

There are not any hard and fast rules about when you schedule your tattoo appointment. However, people tend to have more difficulty healing after their tattoo is completed when they do this during the hot and muggy summer months. This is because exposing the new tattoo to sunlight can impede healing and extend the recovery process.

People say all the time that a tattoo is a lifelong decision, so you want to make sure that you truly like the idea of having one before you get inked. Yet, once you get it, you might have some regrets. Maybe the tattoo didn’t live up to your expectations or the artwork isn’t a masterpiece. Perhaps the ink is blurred or faded or you develop an allergic reaction. Whatever the reason, tattoos can be removed with a couple of methods—laser removal, creams, surgery, dermabrasion, and so on.

Today we’re going to discuss some options for tattoo removal, including which method is the best.

Continue reading here!

Clients are urged to be upfront and honest about their tattoo desires with their chosen tattoo artist. Everyone working here tries to be as accommodating as possible to special considerations and situations. However, last minute changes and missed communications cost time. Prospective clients can find up-to-date information on the artists working here, current pricing guidelines and other important matters. The artists are always happy to schedule a consultation to help ensure that everything is clear and understood.

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One of the biggest pros is that gray and black tattoos last longer than those with bright colors. Over time, color tattoos will need regular touch-ups to look sharp. Gray and black tattoos don’t have that problem. They will not fade as easily, and these tattoos rarely require periodic touch-up sessions.

Black and gray tattoos are considered a practical choice. There is also less chance of clashing. These tattoos will not conflict with your clothes like those bright, colorful works of body art.

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Someone with a tattoo ink allergy will have an allergic reaction to tattoo ink. It’s an unpleasant side effect of body art, one that could cause a mild to severe immune response. A tattoo ink allergy may also trigger an existing skin condition. Having reactions to sun exposure could also cause irritation wherever you are tattooed.

Fortunately, tattoo ink allergies are rare. A small percentage of people will experience an adverse reaction to getting tattooed, but the consequences could be severe. In most cases, the reaction is almost immediate, while others may flare up after 48 hours to a full week after the tattoo is complete. Sometimes, the allergic reaction will occur months later.

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It starts when you make an appointment with your artist, and commences further when you arrive. They will already have a general idea of design and placement but this is where you must make them aware of the details. You’re the one who will be wearing this artwork and making it part of your body, so you deserve to get the results that you want.

A consultation will mostly consist of discussion, but your artist will also want to prepare a final version of your design. You should not hesitate to correct anything that you don’t like, but it never hurts to listen to an experienced piece of advice here and there. Obviously, they will not prepare that final version during the meeting. Instead, they will probably do a preliminary sketch, allowing them to create the final template at a later time.

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People say all the time that a tattoo is a lifelong decision, so you want to make sure that you truly like the idea of having one before you get inked. Yet, once you get it, you might have some regrets. Maybe the tattoo didn’t live up to your expectations or the artwork isn’t a masterpiece. Perhaps the ink is blurred or faded or you develop an allergic reaction. Whatever the reason, tattoos can be removed with a couple of methods—laser removal, creams, surgery, dermabrasion, and so on.

Today we’re going to discuss some options for tattoo removal, including which method is the best.

Continue reading here!

In many cases, these numbing tattoo creams are effective and safe. Many people choose to use them because they make the experience more comfortable. These creams can even take out some of the anxiety of the tattooing process.

If you are interested in a numbing cream, you want to find a brand that has a high level of lidocaine. This ingredient will numb the skin and provide relief during the tattoo session.

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There is no way that we can give you a definitive answer to this question because it will depend on several key factors. In general, those tattoos which are larger and more complex will tend to take longer.

Most of the professionals will give you an estimate of 10-15 hours total work time for a sleeve tattoo. Obviously, that isn’t going to be a single session. Bear in mind that the time frame is just a rough estimate. So, instead of trying to provide a one-size-fits-all answer (which would be impossible), let’s examine the things that will determine the number of hours and sessions that will be required for your sleeve tattoo.

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In most circumstances, tattoo needles are only for a single person, and they should never be reused. If you are at home and tattooing yourself, you can sterilize the needles for a second use. However, in a professional tattoo parlor, those needles should not be reused and must be disposed immediately after use.

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Deterioration of tattoos is based on individual factors. That said, if treated with love and care, your finger tattoo won’t lose any of its vibrancy prior to 6-8 months. Some people have retained the brilliance of their finger tattoos for about 12 months, but once you hit that point, you can expect some visible fading and blurring.

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You’ll receive the wrapping shortly after your new ink has been completed. The tattoo artist will disinfect the tattooed area with a mild soap or antibacterial cleaner. Once the area has been sterilized and is completely dry, the artist then places a professional tattoo film or plastic foil over the tattoo to shield it from harmful microbes.

Other times to wrap your tattoo include:

• When you are sleeping
• When you wear tight clothing or an irritating material
• When you’re playing contact sports
• While in a dirty environment

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In many cases, tattoo healing can be divided into several stages. Your tattoo will be bandaged for the first day, and you should treat it as an open wound. You might notice oozing, inflammation, swelling, redness, or a burning sensation on the skin. Many of these symptoms will occur for the first week.

During the second week, you will notice flaking and itching. You should not be concerned with flaking skin. That peeling is a normal response to tattooing. You never want to pull at the skin. It is crucial not to pick at the skin or scabs. At this time, make sure that you apply moisturizer to the skin so that the area stays hydrated.

For the next few weeks, your tattoo could start to dry out. If you continue to experience redness or oozing, that is often a sign of an infection. During this time, your tattoo might appear to look less vibrant. However, after a few weeks, your skin will exfoliate to reveal a bright and vibrant tattoo.

It is important to keep up with the aftercare for the next few months. After the second month, you will notice that the redness and itchiness have subsided. You need to keep your skin hydrated, wear sunscreen, and clean the area.

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As far as using baby wipes to clean your new tattoo, you want to use the right kind. They should be unscented and free of any additives. There are other things you should know about baby wipes and other methods to keep your tattoo clean during the healing process.

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All tattoos will lose some of their ink during the healing process. Hopefully, it won’t be enough to ruin the appearance of the work, but it all depends on the skill of the artist.

It’s important to understand that tattooing creates a multitude of tiny wounds in your skin. As the body tries to heal those wounds, there will often be peeling, scabbing, and a little soreness. This happens because that patch of skin is dead and it naturally wants to shed itself. As it sheds and scabs, some of the ink is taken away as well.

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As long as there is a bandage between your new tat and your clothes, things should be fine. That does not count as direct wear since there is a middle layer. As long as the clothing does not directly contact the tattooed skin, there should be no significant problems.

If your tattoo is located in a not-so-public area, it might not be practical (or legal) to go without clothing. Groin-area tattoos are an obvious example here, as are chest tattoos on women. If this is your situation, you can still wear clothing over your naughty little decoration. However, during the healing process, you must always keep a bandage between your skin and the cloth.

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When it comes time to choose a shop, you want to find one that acts professionally. Your first contact with the shop should be your first clue. When you called or emailed, how did they respond? Did they seem interested?

You want to feel welcomed when you enter the shop. If the atmosphere is relaxed, the shop cares about their work, artists, and clients. A professional tattoo shop will be happy to answer your questions and put you at ease. Even the artist should take time to listen to your ideas and make you feel welcomed. When you spot all of these signs, it is an indication of a great tattoo shop.

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People with psoriasis get tattooed all of the time, but they are limited to certain areas of the body. If you have scale-like patches on specific body spots, you might want to choose another place. Some states prohibit artists from inking someone with an active psoriasis flare. Before you get inked, check with one of the Philadelphia tattoo shops to ask for advice on this skin condition.

In some individuals with psoriasis, there is something called the Koebner phenomenon. Any trauma to the skin, including a tattoo, can cause psoriasis lesions to develop. As a result, you might notice a few flare-ups near the tattoo. About 25 percent of people with psoriasis will develop a legion after skin trauma. If you have any concerns, you might want to speak to your doctor before scheduling a tattoo session.

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Some signs of a tattoo allergy include red and itchy skin. There might be a rash on the tattoo. In many situations, the skin will be red with swelling. Blisters can develop, causing more irritation and itchiness. After the session, your skin will be irritated, but it should not have any swelling or rashes. If those signs are present, you might have a bad reaction to the tattoo.

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Aquaphor helps the skin heal faster than other products. For that reason, many people use Aquaphor for their tattoo aftercare routine. There are a few benefits to using this product. First, it can help to prevent any bacterial infections. Since it creates a seal on the skin, it stops germs and bacteria from entering the fresh wound.

Scabs are always an issue with fresh ink. As the tattoo heals, a crust will form over the new skin. Those scabs can be itchy and uncomfortable. Aquaphor might help reduce some scabbing and provide instant relief for irritated skin. Along with that, Aquaphor may be effective at promoting a faster healing process. The ointment keeps the new ink hydrated, leading to healthier skin.

Aquaphor is suitable for those who have sensitive skin. As you may have guessed, the tattooing process will irritate your skin. For that reason, you need a solution to calm that tender area. The ingredients in Aquaphor are ideal for acne-prone and sensitive skin. You don’t have to worry about clogged pores or irritation when using a thin layer of this product.

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It is important for the skin tone to be normal and even before even considering getting a tattoo. Otherwise, the ink will usually not penetrate evenly and to the depth it needs to for a great end result.

• Skin surrounding tattoo may not heal properly
• Increased pain and skin sensitivity increases tattoo process discomfort greatly
• Blisters could form that may lead to serious skin infection if broken
• Your damaged skin may reject the tattoo ink-Scarring or scabbing may occur on sun damaged skin that could alter tattoo result in a negative manner
• Could cause appearance issues with tattoo design and ink colors
• Hard for tattoo artist to match true skin tone on burnt skin that may be reddened or tanned a darker tone
• No self-respecting professional tattoo artist will tattoo sunburnt skin

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In general, when applied correctly at the proper time and correct dosage, these numbing creams have become popular with many individuals who have a low pain tolerance or have extreme anxieties about undergoing a tattoo without using anything for the discomfort. Most of the tattoo enthusiasts who do use these creams report that they do have a more comfortable tattoo session in most cases.

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When a tattoo loses its color, brightness, and intensity, you’ll see that fading is the eventual effect. This may be an indication that your tattoo requires a touch-up. With a tattoo that’s fading, an artist will likely use the ink in the areas where the fading is the worst. With a few touch-ups in the most crucial areas, your old tattoo will return to its original look. An artist won’t add ink to the entire tattoo, just to the areas that show fading.

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The immediate aftercare instructions from your tattoo artist need to be followed to the letter. Failure to do this right can result in color leaking and fading. It can also cause the tattoo to appear dry and flaky. The first 6 months are considered the initial care time frame, as it will take this long for the tattoo to heal properly and completely.

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In the best of circumstances, a tattoo should be sore for about 3 to 7 days after the tattoo session. Again, this timeline will vary somewhat between different individuals, their pain tolerance level, how well they follow aftercare instructions and tattoo placement, size and ink colors used among other contributing factors.

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Most professional tattoo artists, including those at Oracle Tattoo Gallery, will strongly recommend waiting at least 48 hours or more following a tattoo session to begin any sort of athletic activities including playing sports. However, most tattoos will take 4 to 6 weeks for the initial healing to be complete. It takes even longer for full post-tattoo healing.

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On average, a new tattoo is not considered fully healed until about 4 to 6 weeks after the tattoo session. This time frame does vary due to differences in tattoo style, design, size and colors as well as differences of each tattoo enthusiast’s skin condition in general.

Every tattoo will go through different stages of healing. The first two weeks following a new tattoo are the most critical, and tattoos should not be exposed to sun even with sunscreen during these initial first stages. The tattoo site typically begins to scab over, and it is common for the skin at the tattoo site to become dry and flaky. Some tattoos will peel.

Never put sunscreen on newly tattooed skin during the first week or two to avoid irritating the skin even further. If the tattoo is in a visible area hard to cover up with clothing, the tattoo should be covered with a breathable bandage or gauze wrap so it will be protected from sunburn or worse.

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No! Let’s take a look at why you need to keep Vaseline away from a fresh tattoo. Vaseline is made from 100 percent petroleum jelly. Many people use this product to moisturize dry, damaged, or sensitive skin. Petroleum jelly is a mixture of mineral oil and waxes. Advertisers marketed Vaseline as a “wonder jelly.” With that, it was a staple in homes for many years.

For those fresh tattoos, Vaseline is not a good option. The thick petroleum jelly blocks the tattoo from getting air, affecting healing. After putting on Vaseline, you might even experience swelling or redness around the tattoo. If you see any of those signs, you need medical attention. An infection can lead to scarring, which can ruin your tattoo. If you want to reach for the jar of Vaseline, you might want to rethink that decision. Most Philadelphia tattoo shops will recommend that you keep Vaseline away from new ink.

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