Frequently Asked Questions

  • No we don’t do piercings!

    Even though Facebook only allows us to label our business as a Tattoo and Piercing Shop, we actually don't do piercings. Sorry!

  • We will not and can not tattoo anyone under the age of 18, regardless of parental consent.

    Iowa Code Section 10A.531(3) says that “A minor shall not obtain a tattoo and a person shall not provide a tattoo to a minor. For the purposes of this section, “minor” means an unmarried person who is under the age of eighteen years.”

  • They definitely don’t feel great. However, everyone’s pain tolerance is different. We like to describe tattoos as a tolerable pain, while it is uncomfortable, it is very manageable and the majority of people have no problem sitting through the duration of their piece. Some areas can be more painful than others. Nani is more than happy to help walk you through the process, testing out that first poke and stopping to take breaks when needed to ensure your comfort.

  • No eating or drinking in the tattoo area.

    No drugs or alcohol

    Kids are welcome here, but not if they are going to be destructive or unattended.

    Common courtesy is required. Clean up after yourself in the front area and leave things how you found them.

    Don’t touch my shit- Nani collects a number of plants and antiques that are great to look at but not for you to touch. This includes tattoo equipment and supplies

    Respect staff and fellow clients

    No soliciting

    Cleanliness: maintain personal hygiene

  • Nani sets her own schedule, relishing the freedom of being her own boss. Apart from designated walk-in days and scheduled appointments, she operates without fixed hours. The only surefire way to secure a spot in her chair is by dropping in during walk-in hours or scheduling an appointment in advance! Click here for more about hours and Walk In Wednesday

  • Just contact Nani! You can call, text, Facebook message, or use the consultation form on this website to get in touch! Additionally, you could just stop in on a Wednesday during walk in hours to consult and book with her in person!

  • Little Loo’s Recommends you do the following:

    Do not drink alcohol 24 hours before getting a tattoo

    Keep skin moisturized prior to the tattoo session

    Get plenty of rest

    Stay hydrated

    Eat a good meal

    Shower and ensure good personal hygiene

    Wear comfortable loose clothing that will allow easy access to the area of your tattoo

    *Let us know in advance if you are a risk of passing out or becoming faint during procedures so we can accommodate appropriately*

    You must bring a valid form of identification to get a tattoo.

    You should bring no more than 3 loved ones to accompany you during your tattoo.

    Consider bringing comfort items such as a phone, headphones, book, magazine, or personal fidget items

    *note that Little Loo’s offers a number of fidget items and access to our Amazon Alexa if you’d like to pick your favorite music*

  • When it comes to pricing a tattoo, there are a few things we consider, like size, placement, and how detailed the design is. Our starting price is $50 for simpler tattoos, like small dots or a tiny heart. For small to medium-sized pieces, we'll give you a set price. If your tattoo is larger or has lots of detail, or if it'll take more than one session, it's $100 per hour. We understand that budget matters, so we can agree on a price range for the whole piece or session. And don't worry about extra charges for design or consultations – it’s included in the price of your tattoo. We’re here to make sure you love your tattoo, and Nani puts a lot of effort into getting the design just right, often spending more time on the design than on the actual tattooing.

  • Yes we require a deposit. If you’d like to learn more, please read our deposit policy.

  • Leaving a tip for your tattoo artist is entirely optional but greatly appreciated. If you're pleased with the service and the final result of your tattoo, tipping is a wonderful way to show your appreciation for their skill and dedication. It's common to tip around 15-20% of the total cost, but the amount is ultimately up to you and what you feel comfortable with.

  • It’s recommended to avoid rigorous exercise or activities that may cause excessive sweating or friction on the tattooed area for the first few days after getting a tattoo. This allows the skin to heal properly and reduces the risk of irritation or damage to the tattoo.

  • No, avoid swimming, soaking in hot tubs, or exposing your new tattoo to excessive moisture for the first few weeks after getting it. Submerging the tattoo in water, especially in pools, oceans, or lakes, can increase the risk of infection and affect the healing process. Once the tattoo has fully healed, you can enjoy swimming and other water activities without concerns.

  • Exposure to the sun can have various effects on tattoos. Prolonged sun exposure can cause the tattoo to fade over time, especially if it's not protected by sunscreen. UV rays can break down the ink pigments in the skin, leading to dullness and loss of vibrancy in the tattoo. Additionally, sunburn on a fresh tattoo can cause discomfort and may affect the healing process, potentially leading to long-term damage to the tattoo's appearance.

    To protect your tattoo from the sun's harmful effects, it's important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to the tattooed area whenever it's exposed to sunlight. Wearing protective clothing or seeking shade can also help minimize sun damage to your tattoo. Additionally, keeping your tattoo moisturized and well-nourished can contribute to its longevity and vibrancy over time.

  • The healing time for a tattoo can vary depending on factors such as the size and complexity of the design, the location on the body, and individual differences in healing. In general, most tattoos take about 2 to 4 weeks to heal fully. However, it's essential to note that the tattoo may continue to settle and mature over the following weeks and months. It's crucial to follow the proper aftercare instructions provided to ensure the best possible healing outcome.

  • The tattoo healing process typically follows a similar pattern for most people:

    1. **Initial Healing (Days 1-2)**: Right after getting the tattoo, the area may be red, swollen, and tender. I like to describe it feeling like a bad sunburn or road rash

    2. **Peeling (Days 3-7)**: The tattooed area may start to peel and develop scabs as the skin begins to heal. It's crucial not to pick or scratch at the tattoo during this stage to avoid damaging the design.

    3. **Itching and Flaking (Days 7-14)**: The tattoo may continue to itch and flake as the outer layers of skin shed. It's important to resist the urge to scratch and to keep the area moisturized with unscented lotion to prevent excessive dryness. Do not pick at your tattoo.

    4. **Settling into the Skin (Weeks 2-4)**: By this time, the tattoo should start to settle into the skin, and the itching and flaking should subside. The colors may appear duller than when the tattoo was fresh, but this is normal and will improve over time.

    5. **Final Healing and Settling (Weeks 4-6)**: The tattoo will continue to heal and settle into the skin over the next few weeks. It's essential to continue moisturizing the area and avoiding prolonged sun exposure to prevent fading.

    Throughout the healing process, it's crucial to follow the aftercare instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and to preserve the quality of your tattoo. If you experience any unusual pain, swelling, or signs of infection, it's essential to contact your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional for advice.

  • We offer free touch-ups for all tattoos within the first year. We like to look over all of our previous tattoos, on returning customers visiting for a new tattoo, and perform any necessary touch-ups free of charge

  • We are inspected and certified by the Dallas County health department. Which meets or exceeds all Iowa tattoo department standards. Our artist has blood borne pathogen and first aid training and is licensed by the state of Iowa. Our studio operates with utmost care by utilizing disposable materials exclusively. This ensures that every client receives a fresh set of single-use needles, grips, ink holders, razors, and barriers, eliminating any risk of contamination. Opting for disposable items is our preferred method to maintain optimal cleanliness and safety standards throughout every tattoo session

  • Yes, it's generally advisable to talk to your doctor before getting tattooed, especially if you have underlying health conditions, allergies, or concerns about potential risks associated with the procedure. Your doctor can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and help ensure that getting a tattoo is safe for you.

If You Are…

  • Under 18

  • Drunk

  • Stinky

  • Rude

  • or Cheap