Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, we absolutely accept walk-in tattoos!

    At For Skin Tattoo Studio, we welcome walk-ins for those spontaneous tattoo ideas or when you’re ready to get inked on the spot. Our talented artists will do their best to accommodate you based on availability.

    For larger or more complex designs, we recommend booking a consultation to ensure we have ample time to bring your vision to life.

    Walk in today and let’s create something amazing together! 🚶‍♂️✨

    • Get a Good Night's Sleep:

      • Ensure you are well-rested before your tattoo appointment. A full belly and adequate rest help your body manage the energy demands, even if the process doesn't seem painful. Adrenaline dumps can be taxing, so bring snacks and fluids to keep your energy up.

    • Prepare Your Skin:

      • Basic skin upkeep is important. Keep your skin moisturized, as hydrated skin is easier to work with. While our artists will shave the area with a razor if needed, you can trim the area with clippers beforehand. However, be careful not to irritate the skin. Avoid sunburn and excessive tanning before your appointment.

    • Arrive Early:

      • Arrive early to settle in and calm your nerves. Our studio has a welcoming atmosphere, and our team is here to ensure you feel comfortable and cared for.

    • Clothing:

      • Wear appropriate clothing that allows easy access to the area where the work will be done. If you require privacy, we can provide screens. Please let us know in advance if you have specific privacy needs.

    • Bring Snacks and Fluids:

      • Bring snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels stable throughout the appointment.

    • Avoid Excessive Alcohol:

      • Please avoid excessive alcohol consumption the night before your appointment, as it can affect your skin and overall experience.

  • Oh no here we go… this may strike a few nerves

    Yes, a non-Māori person can get a tattoo inspired by Māori culture, but there’s an important distinction to understand.

    The term "Tā Moko" directly translates to "to strike or to mark" in English and refers to the sacred, traditional tattooing of Māori people. Tā Moko carries deep cultural significance and is often reserved for Māori individuals to honor their whakapapa (ancestry) and personal stories.

    For non-Māori, we offer "Kirituhi", which means "skin art". Kirituhi draws inspiration from Māori design elements but is created to honor and respect the culture without claiming the ancestral significance of Tā Moko. Y

    At For Skin Tattoo Studio, we take pride in keeping Aotearoa’s culture alive through all forms of moko, ensuring the art is shared with respect, understanding, and creativity. Whether it’s Tā Moko/Kirituhi or other forms of moko for others, we’re passionate about creating meaningful, culturally conscious tattoos.

    We’re here to help you explore this beautiful art form!

    1. Discussion of Your Ideas:

      • You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your tattoo ideas with the artist. This includes the design, size, placement, and any personal significance.

    2. Design and Style Recommendations:

      • The artist will provide input on design elements and styles that align with your vision. They may offer suggestions or modifications based on their expertise.

      • Bring references pictures, even if you like an element of a certain picture or style. The artist will save these down to your personal profile.

    3. Cost Estimate:

      • The artist will discuss the cost of your tattoo, which may vary based on size, complexity, and artist rates. They’ll provide a quote and explain any deposit requirements.

    4. Timeline and Appointment Scheduling:

      • You’ll discuss how long the tattoo will take and schedule your appointment. The artist will outline the expected duration and any necessary follow-up sessions.

    5. Health and Safety Considerations:

      • You’ll review any health considerations or medical conditions that might affect the tattooing process. The artist may ask about allergies or skin sensitivities.

    6. Tattoo Placement and Design Progression:

      • The artist will confirm the placement. This will enable them to prepare the design, making any adjustments needed based on your feedback.

    7. Deposit payment to confirm your tattoo appointment booking:

      • For new customers you may need to be entered into our scheduling system. After you provide a non-refundable deposit to secure your appointment, you should received an email confirming your appointment

    8. Questions and Concerns:

      • You’ll have the chance to ask any questions or voice any concerns you might have about the tattooing process or the design.

    Feel free to prepare any questions or thoughts you have before the consultation to make the most out of your meeting with the artist!

  • The cost of your tattoo will depend on several factors, including:

    • Style of tattoo: The design and detail you want.

    • Size: The dimensions of the work.

    • Body Placement: The location on the body can affect the complexity and time required.

    • Artist: Each artist has their own pricing based on experience and style. An experienced artist will work at a greater pace and also not require second passes on line work; something to consider when thinking about the day rate of a "cheap" tattoo artist.

    • Comfort: For larger pieces, please remember to be kind to yourself for this experience. Sitting still enables your tattoo artist to focus on getting quality strokes improving the pace and and also the quality of your tattoo.

    For an accurate estimate, we recommend scheduling a consultation with your chosen artist. During this session, the artist will discuss your ideas, preferences, and any other details to provide you with a detailed quote.

  • Yes, all artists require a non-refundable deposit to confirm your appointment. The amount of the deposit depends on the tattoo and your chosen artist. The deposit serves to secure your booking and is deducted from the final cost of your session.

    What the Deposit Covers:
    The deposit covers the artist's time and the preparation of your design. It ensures that the artist can reserve the necessary time and resources for your appointment.

    • Cash: Cash payments are accepted on the day of your appointment for the remaining balance and also for deposits to secure your booking

    • Credit and Debit Cards: We accept credit and debit card payments, including remote transactions. Please note that a standard transaction fee applies.

    • Bank Transfer: We accept payments via bank transfer.

    • Afterpay/Zipay: We now accept Afterpay. Please note that a standard transaction fee may apply.

    • Location:
      For Skin Tattoo Studio is located at 145 Target Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland 0627.

    • Parking Recommendations:

      • Free Parking: We recommend parking for free on Kaimahi Road, which is conveniently located right next to our studio.

      • Neighboring Businesses: Some parking spaces in the area are reserved for our neighboring businesses. Please respect these spaces and avoid parking in them.

    Feel free to use Google Maps for directions and additional parking options.

  • Your new tattoo is essentially an open wound, so it’s important to keep it clean and maintain good hygiene. Here’s a summary of the aftercare instructions:

    1. Clean the Tattoo:

      • Wash the tattoo gently with warm, soapy water. A regular shower is always recommended for large scale tattoos like back pieces or sleeve tattoos

    2. Apply Antiseptic Tattoo Balm:

      • Apply a thin layer of antiseptic tattoo balm to keep the area moisturised and protected.

    Additional Information:

    • All these aftercare instructions will be provided to you in detail by your artist at the end of your appointment.

    Feel free to ask your artist any questions about the aftercare process during your appointment!

  • Not all our products are available online. We offer a range of merchandise exclusively in-store, supporting local New Zealand artists and businesses. Additionally, all prints are available at our studio located in North Shore, Auckland.

    Benefits of In-Store Shopping:

    • Unique Merchandise: Our in-store selection includes exclusive items not listed online.

    • Support Local: Your purchases help support local artists and businesses.

    • Avoid Shipping Hassles: By shopping in-store, you can take your items home immediately, avoiding any potential shipping delays or issues.

    Visit us to explore our full range of merchandise and prints!

  • We currently do not offer piercings at this moment.