Frequently Asked Questions

Here to answer your most pressing questions about J95 Studios and how we do things.

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Where is J95 Studios located?

J95 Studios is a family-owned, reputable upscale tattoo studio based in South New Jersey. For the exact address, directions and contact info, please visit the Shop page.
Do I need to make an appointment, or do you accept walk-ins?

J95 Studios primarily works by appointment to ensure each client gets dedicated time with their artist. However, walk-ins for small tattoos may be possible if the schedule allows. It's best to check our social media for recent updates or call or message ahead to check same-day availability.
Do you have a waiting area?

Yes, it is partially-enclosed with comfortable seating and a mounted flatscreen TV display; the main layout of the shop is open concept.
How can I see examples of your artists’ work?

We've curated and keep updated our artists' best work samples on their dedicated profile here on our website. Those pages also include an overview and biography of our artists themselves. For quick reference, though, visit J95 Studios’ Instagram or Facebook to view recent tattoos and healed-up work photos. (Hint: This is also a great way to get inspiration and choose the right artist for your style.)
How much does a tattoo cost?

Pricing depends on the size, complexity, placement and color of your tattoo. J95 Studios will provide a price quote during your consultation. There is a shop minimum for small tattoos, including a $50 deposit, and larger or custom pieces are priced according to the aforementioned factors. Cost estimates cannot typically be given over the phone for custom designs; a free, in-person consultation is required to begin the process for any tattoo appointment.
How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

Eat a decent meal beforehand to keep your energy and blood sugar levels up. Get and stay hydrated. Bring a reusable water bottle with you to the shop. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the specific area being tattooed. Avoid alcohol and/or blood-thinning medications before your appointment.
What should I bring to my appointment?

Regardless of age, we are required by law for all tattoo clients, to verify a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport). You may also be asked to complete some basic paperwork upon your arrival for your tattoo appointment.
Do you offer touch-ups?

Touch-up policies vary by artist and tattoo. If you were inked at J95, limited touching-up may be included within a certain timeframe after your original appointment, while other touch-ups may be rendered at the cost of a standard tattoo. Discuss this with our shop manager in advance, or schedule a consultation and ask your matched artist.
How do you ensure hygiene and safety?

J95 Studios follows strict hygiene protocols, including the use of single-use needles, sterilized equipment and a clean, professional environment. All artists are licensed and comply with NJ health regulations as does the shop as a whole.
Are your inks vegan or hypoallergenic?

Many modern tattoo shops do use vegan-friendly and hypoallergenic inks; if you have concerns about allergies or ink ingredients, ask your J95 artist for specific product information.
What if I have more questions?

If your question isn’t answered here, reach out to us directly via phone, email or social media. You can even stop in at the shop in person—most days, as a family-owned business, we've got a revolving door of regular customers and supportive friends.
How do I book an appointment?

TBH, how don't you? 😂 The best way by contacting the shop via phone, email or our DMs on social media. Be prepared to discuss your tattoo idea, placement, size and style preferences so the team can pair you with the right artist and estimate the session time needed. You can also use our online booking tool, but since technology isn't always the easiest to get along with, getting in touch with us directly is the most foolproof way to secure an appointment at J95 Studios.
Do you require a deposit for booking?

Yes, we require a $50 deposit (non-refundable) for any custom tattoo design. This is our minimum total cost for any and all tattoos done at J95 Studios. The final cost for a custom tattoo varies greatly depending upon size, placement, artist, style and other design factors. (You are able to provide these specifications over the phone, during an in-person consultation, or via our online booking or web contact form.) If you are getting a flash tattoo (the only possible exception to our standard deposit amount), your deposit—upon booking online or otherwise—may be less than $50, but any remaining balance will be determined and paid at the shop before or after your session.
How does your online booking process work?

Great question! For custom tattoo designs—which covers pretty much anything except a flash tattoo—the pricing listed for that service on our bookings page is a minimum $50 deposit, which you pay online in advance during or immediately following your booking to hold and confirm your appointment. This deposit will be deducted from your total but is non-refundable, including and especially if you cancel your appointment without sufficient notice. The duration listed for custom tattoos is also a minimum (see next question). Please contact the shop if you have any questions that are specific to your individual needs. Otherwise, you can proceed to the online booking form or check out our FAQs.
How long will my tattoo appointment take?

If you are getting a flash tattoo, your appointment will likely be around one (1) hour, plus or minus up to 30 minutes. The duration for custom tattoos listed on our bookings page is a minimum, just like our online pricing. Even if your appointment is confirmed by the booking system upon paying the deposit, our staff will review your appointment and tattoo specs and contact you and/or extend your booking if they determine more time is needed. (This is partly why we disable booking appointments online for less than 12 hours in advance.) However, it is also possible that your first session may, in fact, end up being the listed duration and, if necessary, your artist will discuss a return appointment(s) with you to complete the tattoo in the near future. They even can (and prefer to) put you on the schedule again while you are still on-site, if you would like. All of these conditions are handled on a case-by-case basis and left entirely to the discretion of our team. Please contact the shop if you have any questions that are specific to your individual needs. Otherwise, you can proceed to the online booking form or check out our FAQs.
What happens if I am late, or miss my tattoo appointment?

If you are running late for your scheduled appointment time or are experiencing a true emergency, please call the shop immediately, or with as much lead time as possible, to let us know. We appreciate the heads up and, depending on how delayed you are, we may be able to keep you scheduled for a shorter appointment with follow-up appointments, or we will work with you to rearrange or reschedule your appointment. On the other hand, if you fail to show up for your appointment, we reserve the right to charge a $75 no-show fee to your payment method on file (if applicable) in order to recuperate the loss of business from your reserved appointment time. If we have no way to collect payment or get in touch with you, we will make a note in your customer file and may attempt to collect this from you at a later date prior to rendering any additional services,
Can I choose an artist for my tattoo, or will you assign one to me?

That depends on your desired artwork, among other factors. We recommend you browse our team of talented artists and their respective profile pages including work samples. You can let us know upon booking which artist you would prefer to work with. If you don't have a preference, we are happy to assign one to you based on their experience and style(s) they specialize in and are passionate about.
How old do I have to be to get tattooed at J95?

You must be at least 18 years or older to get tattooed. J95 Studios does not tattoo minors, even with parental consent, which in accordance with New Jersey state law and industry best practices.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?

Please respect our business as we respect our customers. J95 Studios requires 24-hour for cancellations, though more advanced notice is always preferred. Your $50 deposit is non-refundable, especially if you cancel without sufficient notice. rescheduling
What forms of payment do you accept?

J95 Studios accepts cash and most major credit/ debit cards. For tipping, your artist may also accept e-payments such as Venmo or CashApp. Check with them on-site or call the shop in advance to verify your specific desired payment option(s).
Should I tip my tattoo artist?

Tipping is customary in the tattoo industry and is always appreciated at J95, though not mandatory. If you’re happy with your experience with us and the final result of our tattoo work, a tip of 15–25% is typical for our region.
Can I bring someone with me?

You may bring a friend or companion for support during your tattoo appointment, but please contact us or check with your artist in advance, as space in the shop may be limited. Children and minors are not permitted within the tattoo stations for safety & hygiene reasons. We do have a partially-enclosed waiting area, but the main layout of the shop is open concept.
Do you provide gift certificates?

Yes, J95 Studios offers gift certificates, which make awesome presents for friends and family, not just during the holiday season but year-round. Contact us for the lowdown on purchasing and redeeming J95 Studios gift cards.
Do you offer any discounts or promotions?

It's rare that we offer special discounts or promotions to be used in-shop. During the holidays, you can probably score big on gift cards, and we do sometimes throw out flash sales or hold raffles and social media giveaways. It's best to check out our official Facebook page for the latest info on any current promotions. Be sure to 'like' or follow us so you don't miss an update!

Aftercare

Tattoo Aftercare

Our recommended best practices for caring for and healing your J95 tattoo post-application.

A woman applying aftercare balm to her bare floral shoulder tattoo

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10 Essential Aftercare Steps

1. Leave the Initial Bandage On

Keep the dressing or self-adhesive bandage applied by your artist for the recommended time—usually a few hours to a full day—depending on the type of bandage(s) used. This protects your new tattoo from bacteria and friction during the most vulnerable phase.

2. Wash Your Hands, Then Gently Clean the Tattoo

Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo. Clean the area with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap to remove plasma, ink, and any residue. Avoid harsh or exfoliating soaps.

3. Pat Dry-Don’t Rub

Use a clean, soft towel or paper towel to gently pat the tattoo dry. Rubbing can irritate the skin and disrupt the healing process.

4. Apply a Thin Layer of Aftercare Ointment or Balm

Use a specialized, breathable tattoo aftercare balm or ointment—not petroleum jelly—to keep the area moist and protected. Look for products with natural hydrating ingredients like shea butter, panthenol, calendula extract or vitamin E. Other healing agents you can look for include coconut oil, allantoin and/or beeswax.

5. Switch to a Lightweight, Fragrance-Free Lotion

After the initial healing phase (usually 3–5 days), temporarily transition to a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic lotion in order to maintain skin hydration without clogging pores. Lotions with ceramides or aloe vera are ideal for ongoing care.

6. Avoid Picking, Scratching or Peeling

As your tattoo heals, it may itch or peel, similar to a sunburn. Do not pick or scratch the area; this can cause scarring, ink loss or infection, rendering your tattoo damage irreparable.

7. Keep Your Ink Out of the Sun

Direct sunlight is a leading cause of tattoo fading. Avoid sun exposure while healing and, once healed, always apply a tattoo-friendly sunscreen in SPF 50+ when your ink is exposed.

8. Stay Out of Pools, Hot Tubs and Open Water

Avoid swimming or soaking your tattoo in pools, lakes or hot tubs until it is fully healed (usually 2–4 weeks) to reduce the risk of infection.

9. Wear Loose, Clean Clothing

Throughout the healing process, opt for loose-fitting clothes that won’t rub against your tattoo, especially during the first week. Tight, bodycon styles and fabrics can cause irritation and slow healing.

10. Monitor for Signs of Infection or Allergic Reaction(s)

Though we use the atch for excessive redness, swelling, pus or a rash. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your tattoo artist or a healthcare provider immediately.

By following these steps and using modern, ingredient-focused aftercare products, you’ll protect your tattoo investment and ensure vibrant, healthy ink for years to come.