A tattoo from Los Angeles is a souvenir that lasts. Planning one on a short trip takes a little more thought than booking at home, though: you're working around a schedule, and you'll be healing on the road. Here's how to make it work.
Book ahead, or try for same-day
If you know what you want, book before you arrive. Send us an appointment request or text 323.395.0049 with your idea, placement, rough size and the dates you're in town. A deposit holds your time and comes off the cost of your tattoo.
If you're already here, ask about same-day. We work by appointment, but same-day openings come up often, especially for small and medium pieces. Text us and we'll usually reply within about 20 minutes while we're open, daily from 8 am to 10 pm. Here's how same-day appointments work.
Larger custom work, like detailed realism or a piece that needs more than one session, is best planned well in advance, or started with a free virtual consultation before your trip.
When in your trip to get tattooed
A new tattoo needs two to four weeks to heal, and while it heals you should stay out of pools, hot tubs and the ocean, and keep it out of direct sun. LA trips tend to involve all of those.
- Beach or pool plans? Get tattooed near the end of your trip, so the healing happens after you've had your swim.
- City and food trip? Earlier works fine, as long as you can keep the tattoo covered with loose clothing when you're out in the sun.
- Flying home soon after? That's fine. Keep the tattoo clean, wear loose clothing over it, and follow your aftercare on the way.
Choosing a design and placement that travel well
A vacation tattoo should be easy to look after while you're living out of a suitcase. A few things make healing on the road simpler:
- Pick a spot your clothes can cover. A forearm, upper arm, shoulder or calf is easy to shade with a light layer. Places you can't cover, like the hands or the back of the neck, are harder to protect from the sun.
- Think about straps and seatbelts. Backpack straps, bag straps and seatbelts rub. A fresh tattoo right under one is uncomfortable on a long day of sightseeing.
- Avoid hands, fingers and feet on a short trip. They heal more slowly because they're always moving, washing or in shoes, and they're the hardest to keep clean while traveling.
- Size it for your schedule. A small or medium piece can usually be done in one visit. Bigger work may need more than one session, which is hard to fit into a few days.
If you're torn between two ideas, send both. We'll tell you which one fits your trip best.
Healing while you travel
Your artist will go over aftercare before you leave. The essentials, from our aftercare guide:
- Keep the bandage on for at least a few hours. If your artist uses a clear film like Saniderm, keep it on for at least two days.
- Wash gently with warm water and antibacterial soap, and pat dry; don't rub.
- Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion once or twice a day.
- No soaking: pools, hot tubs, oceans and rivers are off-limits until it's healed.
- Stay out of direct sun. Once healed, use sunscreen to keep it looking sharp.
Pack a small bottle of unscented lotion and gentle soap so you aren't hunting for them on the road.
Getting to the studio
We're at 705 S Olive St in Downtown Los Angeles, at 7th and Olive, a block from Pershing Square. If you're staying downtown, you can probably walk.
From elsewhere in the city, Metro is often easier than driving:
- From Hollywood: the B Line runs to 7th Street/Metro Center.
- From Santa Monica: the E Line runs to 7th Street/Metro Center.
- From Pasadena or Long Beach: the A Line runs to 7th Street/Metro Center with no transfer.
7th Street/Metro Center is a few minutes' walk from the studio. Driving? Metered spots are sometimes free out front, and paid lots within a block offer all-day rates from about $10. Our guide to getting tattooed in Downtown LA has more on parking and what to bring.
Good to know for visitors
- Bring a valid photo ID. A passport works. You must be 18 or older to get tattooed in California.
- Payment: we accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal and Cash App.
- Languages: our team speaks English, Spanish, Russian and Korean.
- Pricing: our shop minimum is $150. Send us your idea for an estimate; see how our pricing works.
- Coming back? Free touch-ups are good for a year, so if you're in town again, text us once it has healed.
Visiting LA FAQ
Is tipping expected?
Tipping your artist is customary in the US and always appreciated, but it's never required. Many clients tip in the same range they would for other personal services.
Can I get tattooed if I'm jet-lagged?
Yes, but you'll sit more comfortably if you've slept and eaten. If you've just come off a long flight, a day to settle in before your appointment helps.
What if my tattoo doesn't heal well after I get home?
Send us clear photos by text. We can tell you whether it looks like normal healing. If you see signs of infection, like spreading redness, heat or a fever, see a local doctor right away.
Ready to plan yours? Send an appointment request with your dates, or text us at 323.395.0049.
