FAQ's

Have questions about getting a tattoo or piercing?

You are in the right place. Below you will find answers to the most common questions we hear from clients across Northwest Indiana and the greater Chicago area. If you do not see your question answered here, give us a call at 219-309-4942 or email us at info@treehousecustomtattoo.com.

Getting Started

• Do I need an appointment or do you take walk-ins?

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     Both! We welcome walk-ins every Wednesday from 12pm to 6pm — no appointment needed. Walk-In Wednesday is a great option for smaller, single-session tattoos. For custom work, larger pieces, or if you want to work with a specific artist, we recommend booking an appointment in advance. You can book online or give us a call at 219-309-4942.

 

• How do I book a tattoo appointment at Treehouse Custom Tattoo?

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     You can book an appointment online through our website, send us an email at info@treehousecustomtattoo.com, or call us at 219-309-4942. We recommend browsing our artists' portfolios first so you can request the artist whose style best fits your idea. We are located at 2101 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, IN 46383 and proudly serve clients from across Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area.

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• Do you offer free consultations?

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     Yes! Consultations at Treehouse Custom Tattoo are always free. We encourage anyone with questions about placement, size, style, or design to come in and talk with one of our artists before committing. We want you to feel completely confident before we put ink on your skin.

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• What should I do to prepare for my tattoo appointment?

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     Eat a full meal before you come in. Low blood sugar can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded during your session. Stay hydrated, get a good night of sleep, and wear or bring clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment, as it thins the blood and can affect how the ink sits in the skin. Moisturize the area in the days leading up to your appointment but do not apply lotion on the day of your session.

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• What ID do I need to get a tattoo in Indiana?

 

     Indiana state law requires that you be 18 years or older to receive a tattoo or 16 years old with parental consent. You will need to show a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. We require ID for every client at every visit, no exceptions.

Pricing and Timing

• How much does a tattoo cost in Valparaiso, Indiana?

 

     Tattoo pricing depends on the size, placement, complexity, and the time required to complete the piece. We price most tattoos individually, and our artists are happy to give you an estimate once you share your idea and reference images. We work with all budgets and believe great tattoos should be accessible to everyone. Feel free to contact us for a quote before booking.

 

• How long does a tattoo take?

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     Timing depends on the size and complexity of the design. A small, simple tattoo can take as little as 30 minutes, while larger or more detailed pieces may require multiple sessions of several hours each. Your artist will give you a time estimate once the design, size, and placement are decided. Most people find their sitting tolerance is around two to three hours, so larger pieces are often split into multiple sessions.

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• Should I tip my tattoo artist?

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     Tipping is not required, but it is always appreciated and is a meaningful way to show your artist you are happy with their work. A common guideline is 15 to 20 percent of the tattoo cost, similar to other service industries. If your artist went above and beyond or spent extra time perfecting your design, a tip goes a long way.

Pain & Safety

• Does getting a tattoo hurt?

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     Yes, there is some discomfort involved, but most people find it very manageable. The sensation is most commonly described as a warm scratching feeling — more annoying than truly painful for most placements. Pain level varies depending on where on the body you are getting tattooed, your personal pain tolerance, and the size and style of the piece. Areas like the outer arm, thigh, and shoulder tend to be less sensitive. Areas like the ribs, feet, hands, and spine tend to be more intense.

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• What are the least and most painful places to get a tattoo?

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     Areas with more muscle and fatty tissue — like the outer arm, thigh, calf, and upper back — tend to be less painful. Areas where the skin is thin and close to the bone — such as the ribs, spine, hands, feet, inner arm, and behind the knee — are typically the most sensitive. Your artist can help you choose a placement that balances the look you want with your comfort level.

 

• Is getting a tattoo safe?

 

     Absolutely, when done by a licensed professional in a clean and sterile environment. At Treehouse Custom Tattoo in Valparaiso, Indiana, we follow strict sanitation standards for every client. We use brand new single-use needles for every tattoo, disposable ink caps, surgical soap, fresh gloves, and barrier protection on all surfaces. If you have any medical conditions or concerns, we encourage you to speak with your artist or your doctor before your appointment.

 

• Can I use numbing cream before my tattoo?

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Some clients choose to use topical numbing creams before their session. If you are considering this, please talk to your artist beforehand. Some creams can affect how the skin holds ink, and many wear off partway through longer sessions, which can actually make the remaining time feel more sensitive. Your artist can advise on what works best for your specific tattoo and placement.

Aftercare

• How do I take care of my new tattoo?

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     Your artist will give you specific aftercare instructions after your session. General guidelines include: keep the tattoo clean by washing gently with unscented antibacterial soap, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion two to three times a day, avoid submerging the tattoo in water, stay out of direct sunlight, and do not pick or scratch any peeling skin. Following your aftercare routine closely is the most important thing you can do to protect your new tattoo.

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• How long does a tattoo take to heal?

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     Most tattoos go through the most intense healing in the first one to two weeks, with the surface skin appearing healed within two to three weeks. Full healing of the deeper skin layers typically takes two to three months. During this time it is important to protect your tattoo from sun exposure, avoid soaking it in water, and keep it moisturized. If you notice signs of infection such as excessive redness, swelling, or discharge, contact a healthcare professional promptly.

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• Is it normal for my new tattoo to peel and flake?

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     Yes, completely normal. Peeling and flaking is a natural part of the healing process and usually begins around days three to seven. Do not pick or pull the peeling skin — let it fall off on its own. Picking can pull ink out of the skin and cause patchy spots in your finished tattoo. Continue moisturizing and your tattoo will look its best once healing is complete.

 

• Can I go swimming after getting a tattoo?

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     No — not until your tattoo is fully healed, which takes at least two to four weeks. Swimming pools, lakes, rivers, hot tubs, and oceans all expose your fresh tattoo to bacteria and chemicals that can cause infection and damage the ink. Showering is fine as long as you avoid soaking the tattoo directly under the stream for extended periods.

STYLE & DESIGN 

• What tattoo styles do you offer at Treehouse Custom Tattoo?​

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     Our artists at Treehouse Custom Tattoo in Valparaiso, Indiana specialize in a wide range of styles including fine line, blackwork, color realism, traditional, black and grey, and fully custom designs. Not sure which style is right for your idea? Browse our portfolios online or come in for a free consultation and we will help match you with the right artist for your vision.

 

• Can I bring my own design or reference photos?

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     Absolutely. We encourage clients to bring reference images, inspiration photos, or sketches to their consultation or appointment. Your reference does not have to be exact — even a rough idea or a few examples of styles you like gives your artist a strong starting point. Our artists will work with your input to create something unique that fits your body and their style.

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• Can you do a cover-up tattoo?

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     Yes! Cover-up tattoos are something our artists have considerable experience with. The best way to find out what is possible for your specific piece is to come in for a free consultation. Bring a clear photo of the existing tattoo so your artist can assess the size, color, and placement and recommend a cover-up design that will hold up well over time.

Piercing

• Do you offer piercing services in Valparaiso, Indiana?

 

     Yes! Treehouse Custom Tattoo offers professional body piercing services through our piercing specialists Paige and Bri. We perform piercings on navel, ears, nose, and lobes in a clean, sterile environment. Piercing appointments can be booked online or by calling us at 219-309-4942.

 

• How do I care for a new piercing?

 

     Clean your new piercing twice daily using a sterile saline solution or piercing aftercare spray. Avoid touching the piercing with unwashed hands, do not rotate the jewelry, and keep makeup, hair products, and lotions away from the area. Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, or hot tubs until the piercing is fully healed. Your piercer will provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your piercing placement.

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• How long does a piercing take to heal?

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     Healing time varies by placement. Earlobe piercings typically heal in six to eight weeks. Cartilage piercings can take six to twelve months. Navel and nostril piercings often take six to nine months. Following your aftercare instructions carefully is the most important factor in how quickly and cleanly your piercing heals.

MinorS

• Can a minor get a tattoo in Indiana?

 

      A minor may receive a tattoo in Indiana only if both of the following conditions are met: the minor's parent or legal guardian is physically present at the time of the tattoo, and the parent or legal guardian provides written permission at the time of the appointment. A signed permission form submitted in advance or brought in without the parent present does not satisfy Indiana law. Please note that individual tattoo artists and studios may choose to set their own minimum age requirements above what state law requires. Please contact us in advance if you have questions about our specific policies for minors.

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• Can a minor get a piercing in Indiana?

 

     Performing a body piercing on a person under the age of 18 is a Class A misdemeanor unless the minor's parent or legal guardian is physically present at the time of the piercing and provides written permission on-site. A note, text, or form brought in without the parent being present does not meet the legal requirement. The parent or guardian must be in the studio at the time of the procedure and must sign a written consent form before the piercing begins.

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• What does a parent or guardian need to bring when consenting for a minor?

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     When bringing a minor in for a tattoo or piercing in Indiana, the parent or legal guardian should bring: a valid government-issued photo ID for themselves, a valid form of ID for the minor such as a school ID, birth certificate, or passport, and proof of guardianship if you are a legal guardian rather than a biological parent. Written consent will be completed on-site before any services begin. We reserve the right to refuse service to any minor if we are not fully satisfied that all legal requirements have been met.

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• Is there a minimum age for tattoos or piercings at Treehouse Custom Tattoo?

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     Indiana state law does not set a specific minimum age below 18 as long as parental consent and presence requirements are met. However, individual studios are permitted to set their own minimum age policies. Please contact us directly at 219-309-4942 or info@treehousecustomtattoo.com before bringing a minor in so we can discuss our current policies and make sure your visit goes smoothly.

About Treehouse

• Where is Treehouse Custom Tattoo located?

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     We are located at 2101 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383. We serve clients from across Northwest Indiana including Portage, Chesterton, Merrillville, Crown Point, and the greater Chicago area.

 

• What are your hours?

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     We are open Monday through Friday from 12pm to 6pm. Saturday and Sunday by appointment only. Walk-ins are welcome every Wednesday from 12pm to 6pm. You can also reach us by phone at 219-309-4942 or by email at info@treehousecustomtattoo.com.

 

• Do you work with all skin tones and body types?

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     Absolutely. At Treehouse Custom Tattoo we tattoo all bodies, all styles, and all budgets. Our artists have experience working across all skin tones and are happy to discuss which styles, colors, and techniques will give you the best long-term results for your skin. Everyone deserves great art and we are here to make that happen.