How do I book a tattoo appointment?

The easiest way to book with me is through Instagram or Facebook. Just send a message with your idea, reference pics, placement, size, and style. A deposit is required and goes toward the final tattoo cost.

Yes, tattoos hurt — but not as much as most people expect. Pain varies based on placement, size, and mindset. It's short-term discomfort for long-lasting art.

Is the tattoo process safe and sterile?

Yes. Every needle and supply used is single-use and sterile. I follow strict hygiene practices and am inspected annually by the Cleveland County Health Department.

How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

Stay hydrated, eat a good meal, rest well, and dress comfortably. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and blood thinners. Bring headphones or something to help pass time during your session.

What are the tattoo aftercare instructions?

Clean your tattoo every few hours for the first 3 days and rewrap with fresh plastic wrap. After 3 days, switch to unscented lotion. Avoid soaking, sun, and scratching. Peeling starts around day 5, and full healing takes 4–6 weeks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, this guide covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your session. These are the most common questions I get asked as a professional tattoo artist here in Shelby, NC.

Booking a Tattoo Appointment
Does It Hurt?
Safety and Sterility
Preparation
Aftercare

Booking a Tattoo Appointment

The easiest way to book with me is through Instagram or Facebook. Just shoot me a message with your idea, including any reference pics, placement, size, style (color or black & grey), and any other details you want me to know.

I do require a deposit to lock in your appointment. It’s not an extra fee — it goes toward the final cost of your tattoo. The deposit helps me hold your spot and keeps things running smoothly.

Click here to book an appointment or ask a question »

Does It Hurt?

Yeah, tattoos hurt — but it’s not as bad as most people think. The pain depends on where you’re getting it, your mindset, and how big or detailed the piece is.

The best thing you can do is stay calm and relaxed — your body adjusts fast. I always tell people: don’t choose placement based on what might hurt less. Go with what looks best. It’s temporary pain for a lifetime of beauty.

Safety and Sterility

Your safety is always my top priority. Every needle I use is brand new, sterile, and individually sealed — never reused. Same goes for everything else: razors, rinse cups, ink caps, dental bibs — all single-use and tossed after each session.

My setup is fully disposable, and I follow strict hygiene protocols to keep things clean and safe for both of us. I’m also inspected annually by the Cleveland County Health Department to ensure everything stays up to code.

Preparation

To get the best results and have the best experience, here are a few tips before your tattoo appointment:

Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your session.
Eat a solid meal – Don’t come on an empty stomach; food helps keep your blood sugar stable.
Moisturize – Keep the area moisturized in the days leading up to your appointment (but skip lotion the day of).
Avoid alcohol or blood thinners – Don’t drink alcohol the night before, and avoid aspirin or ibuprofen if possible.
Dress comfortably – Wear something that gives easy access to the area being tattooed.
Rest up – A good night’s sleep helps your body handle the process better.
Don’t overdo caffeine – Too much can make you jittery and increase sensitivity.
Bring your headphones or something to do – Especially for longer sessions.

And most importantly, come with an open mind and positive attitude. We’ll make something great together.

Aftercare

In the First Few Days:

WASH YOUR HANDS – Use warm water and antibacterial soap.
REMOVE BANDAGE OR PLASTIC – Expect a film over your tattoo, a mix of natural healing fluids and possibly some tattoo color. This is normal and will wash away.
WASH YOUR TATTOO – Use warm water and antibacterial soap, washing gently with clean hands. Avoid using a washcloth or anything abrasive.
DRY YOUR TATTOO – Pat dry with a fresh, clean towel, avoiding wiping. Be gentle.
WRAP YOUR TATTOO – After washing and drying, wrap your clean, dry tattoo with a fresh piece of plastic wrap (e.g., Saran ClingWrap). Always use a new piece and rewrap every 5–7 hours. Do not apply ointments or lotions under the wrap.

After the First 3 Days:

Plastic wrap is no longer necessary – Wash your tattoo every morning, night, and after exposure to anything unsanitary.
Use an unscented lotion – Aquaphor or Lubriderm helps with dryness, tightness, and healing. Apply a few times a day for a few weeks.
Keep pets away from your new tattoo for 7–10 days.

General Rules (First 10 Days):

Don’t pick, scratch, or slap your tattoo.
No soaking in saunas, steam rooms, or baths.
Avoid petroleum jelly or ointments.
Keep out of chlorinated pools, lakes, beaches, and sand.
Cover your tattoo in the sun for the first 12 weeks. Use sunblock after that.

Healing Process:

Peeling usually starts around days 5–7. Complete healing takes 4–6 weeks, but that can vary based on your skin, placement, and tattoo size.

Important:

I guarantee my work as long as you follow my care instructions.

Thank you for choosing Tevin Greene Tattoos. Want more info? Check out my detailed blog post here:
Top 5 Tattoo Questions Blog »

Need inspiration before your session? View the full portfolio: Tevin Greene Tattoo Portfolio »

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