Policies

Slave to the Needle Tattoo Policies

ID REQUIRED

We will not tattoo anyone under the age of 18, no exceptions. It is a misdemeanor in the State of Washington (RCW 26.28.085).
We will not tattoo toes, fingers, faces, ears, genitals, or white only tattoos (occasionally exceptions are made at the artists discretion, however, these areas are not guaranteed).
A minimum deposit of $50.00 is required to hold a tattoo appointment ($100 for pieces that will take over 2 hours). We will not schedule the appointment until the deposit is paid (cash, credit or debit). The deposit will be credited towards your final tattoo session.
Deposits are non-refundable. Your deposit will still be deducted from your tattoo total if you are rescheduling your appointment and give at least 24 hours notice. Any other circumstances will result in the forfeiture of the deposit (cancellation, no show, etc.).
State or Federal issued identification (driver’s license, passport, armed services, etc.) must be presented at the time of your appointment in order to be tattooed.
We will not tattoo anyone under the influence of alcohol/drugs.

Slave to the Needle Piercing Policies

Piercing at our Ballard Shop

Hours and appointments:

Our piercers are available by appointment only from 11am to 8pm every day.

Minor piercing policy:

For individuals under 18 we will do certain ear/body/facial piercings with a parent/legal guardian PRESENT with proof of age and legal guardianship. The easiest way to do this is if both the parent and minor have valid state issued IDs (Drivers license, State ID, Passport or Military ID, etc.) with matching last names and addresses.

If your last names or addresses don’t match we will need you to bring something to prove the relationship like an official birth certificate, insurance cards or court papers. If the minor doesn’t have a state issued ID we also take a current school ID, current yearbook, etc. along with one of the documents listed above.

We offer piercing to the following ages:

Earlobes- 8 years and older

Nostril and Eyebrow- 14 years and older

Septum, Navel, Helix, Tragus, Conch, lip- 16 years and older

Other ear piercings, Tongue, Nipples, Genital and Surface piercings- 18 years and older

Jewelry Standard:

Jewelry for initial piercings

Jewelry for initial piercing must meet industry and APP standards. Therefore piercings may only be preformed with the following materials.

ASTM F136 Titanium
ASTM F67 Commercially pure titanium
ASTM F138 Stainless steel
Pure niobium
14k-18k solid gold that is free of nickel and alloyed to be biocompatible
Platinum
Lead free glass/quartz glass

Jewelry for initial piercings must also have a mirror polish free of scruffs, scratches, nicks and any surface debris or polishing compound. Threaded jewelry must be internally threaded. Flared jewelry must be single flared with an o-ring to secure the piece. Rings must have a secure captive of fixed bead. Jewelry with no backing like a nostril screw or septum retainer that has an angle to prevent movement can be used where appropriate. Threadless internal push-pin style barbells are also acceptable. Jewelry with gemstones must be press set and free of glues or adhesives, all gems must be lead free. Piercers at Slave to the Needle will under no circumstances start a piercing with any jewelry that is externally threaded, has a unacceptable polish or finish, is made of a material that is not confidently know and able to be conformed or has a clip style backing.

We reserve the right to refuse to pierce with/ insert any jewelry we don’t feel is appropriate.

Jewelry for stretching healed piercings

Jewelry for initial stretching is the same as the standard for fresh piercings with the addition of high polish single flared stone plugs that may be used at the piercers discretion.

Jewelry for healed piercings

Slave to the Needle offers a wide selection on different materials and style for wear in healed piercings.

Re-using jewelry

Jewelry purchased at Slave to the Needle at an earlier date may be used on the original wearer; we will not put jewelry in anyone that has been worn by anyone else.

If someone would like to bring in jewelry to be sterilized for a fresh piercing we require the jewelry be brought in at least 24 hours ahead of time to inspect, clean and sterilize

Drugs and alcohol:

Under no circumstances will we pierce anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs of any kind. If you feel you need to have a drink please wait until after your piercing to do so.

Help and advice:

No matter where you got your piercing our staff is always happy to offer advice and help as needed for problems or just general questions. Feel free to give us a call (206) 789-2618 or drop by the Ballard shop.