Shop Policy

The purpose of this Studio Policy is provide information regarding our requirements and procedures as they relate to your visit to 18 Story Tattoo for tattooing or piercing. We also want to make you aware of the potential health risks associated with the tattooing and/or piercing process and the procedures we use to minimize risk.

We want you to feel comfortable getting your new tattoo or piercing from us and to ensure that your health and safety concerns are addressed. Our policies are intended to help provide our clients the safest, most enjoyable experience possible and a safe, healthy working environment for our staff.

Safe Guarding Your Health - Our Policy
Age
18 Story Tattoo requires that you be eighteen (18) years of age or older to obtain services at our studio. You will be asked to present a valid, legal ID before we will start work. We do not advocate the tattooing or piercing of anyone under the age of eighteen.

Exception:
If you are the parent or guardian of a minor who "must have" that piercing and you fear that they may seek out an unregulated "basement" shop, please bring them in to see us. If the child is no less then sixteen (16) years of age and you provide written consent and proof of their age and your relation to them, we will gladly provide them piercing services after discussing it with them. We would rather make this exception to our age policy than allow your child's health to be endangered by a non-professional in an unsanitary environment. This is also in accordance with Illinois State Laws.

Consent Form
All clients are required to read and sign a "Consent to Application of Tattoo/Piercing and Release and Waive of All Claims" form prior to receiving services from 18 Story Tattoo. Please read it carefully and make sure that you understand what you are signing. If you do not understand something in the consent form, do not sign it without asking for clarification first.

Communicable Diseases
To minimize the risk of infection, our artists do not work when they are ill. We also ask that you postpone your visit to our studio until your are free from any disease that could put other clients or our staff at risk. We want to provide the cleanest, safest environment possible and need your cooperation to do so. Additionally, tattooing and/or piercing can tax your immune system. If you are ill, it may increase your recovery time and also put you more at risk for possible infection or other health-related complications.

Drinking and Drugs
We do not tattoo or pierce anyone known to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and/or drugs will thin your blood which can lead to excessive bleeding. If you are taking prescribed medications, please tell your artist ahead of time.

Medical Conditions
If you under the care of a physician for a medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, please tell your artist ahead of time.  If a medical emergency arises while you are at our studio, we will be better prepared to handle it.

Pregnant Women
We do not tattoo or pierce pregnant women. Everything that goes into your body can affect your unborn baby. Potential allergic reactions or infections could also put you and your baby at risk. The process may also affect your immune system and its ability to help you fight off infection. You should also delay that new tattoo or piercing if your are nursing. We want you and your baby to be as healthy as possible.

Safe Guarding Your Health - Our Procedures
Listed below are some of the procedures we use to provide the safest, most sterile conditions possible for your new tattoo or piercing. If you have any questions regarding the tattooing or piercing process, don't be afraid to ask!

Disposable Gloves
All our artists wear standard medical latex or Nitrile gloves during the tattooing and piercing process.

Inks and Pigments
All inks and pigments used for your tattoo are poured from its universal container into brand new, sterile ink caps. Once the artist has finished your tattoo, the ink caps are discarded in your presence. We DO NOT pour the remaining ink back into the universal container.

Needles
We use brand new, hospital-sterilized, disposable needles for each and every client. The artist will show you the sterile packaging and will open it only in your presence. Once the artist is finished with your tattoo or piercing, he/she will dispose all used needles in a sharps container. (We do not use piercing guns!)

Non-disposable Equipment
All non-disposable equipment, such as forceps and other metal equipment, is sterilized following strict health and safety guidelines in our in-studio, working autoclave. Autoclaving is the only form of sterilizing accepted in the United States for medical instruments. Autoclave bags are opened only in your presence. If you have questions or concerns regarding the sterilization process we use, just ask. We will be happy to step you through it.

Razors
The artist will usually prepare the area to receive a tattoo by shaving it. We use brand new, disposable, safety razors for each client and dispose of them immediately.

Changes to Our Studio Policy
18 Story Tattoo may, at any time, modify the Studio Policy without prior notification. Recent changes to Studio Policy made by the Staff of 18 Story Tattoo may not be reflected in this document.

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