FAQs
What You Need to Know
Tattoos
Do you also tattoo in color?
We offer both black & grey and full colour tattoos. Our artists work in a variety of styles, from bold traditional and vibrant anime pieces to fine line, realism, and custom designs. If you're unsure whether your idea would work better in colour or black & grey, we'll happily guide you during your consultation and help you choose the option that best suits your design.
Do you sell all the aftercare products I’ll need?
We stock high-quality tattoo balm that we recommend for your tattoo aftercare process. Our team will explain exactly how to care for your tattoo/piercing, and we're always available if you have questions during the healing process. Link to our guides here.
Proper aftercare is one of the most important steps in ensuring your tattoo/piercing heals best.
I want a tattoo but I’m on a limited budget. How do you determine pricing?
Every tattoo is priced individually based on factors such as the size, placement, level of detail, colour, and the time required to complete it. If you have a budget, tell us upfront. We can usually suggest a size, detail level or artist that can work with your budget and not compromise the tattoo.
How old do I need to be to get a tattoo?
You must be 18 or older to get tattooed at Dark Neon. Valid identification may be requested before your appointment.
Do you accept walk-in tattoos?
Walk-ins may be possible depending on artist availability, but booking in advance is recommended. Larger or custom pieces usually require a consultation or some planning before the appointment.
Can I bring my own tattoo design or reference images?
Reference images are useful for showing your artist the style, composition or elements you like. We recommend using them as inspiration rather than expecting an exact copy of another artist’s tattoo.
Piercings
What Piercings do you offer?
We offer a wide range of professional ear, facial and body piercings. Available piercings can vary depending on anatomy, jewellery requirements and suitability.
Can you pierce me with jewellery I bring from home?
We prefer using jewellery supplied or approved by the studio so that we can verify the material, size and suitability for a fresh piercing.
When can I change my piercing jewellery?
This depends on the piercing and how well it is healing. Some piercings also require a professional downsize before they are fully healed. Avoid changing jewellery too early, as this can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
Can everyone get every type of piercing?
Anatomy differs from person to person, and some piercings simply aren't suitable for everyone. Your piercer will assess the area before proceeding and recommend alternatives if necessary.
Do you offer jewellery changes and downsizing?
We can assist with jewellery changes, downsizing and checking how an existing piercing is healing.
Studio & General Information
Where is Dark Neon located?
Dark Neon Tattoos & Piercings is located at Northcliff Square in Johannesburg. Full directions and contact information are available on our Contact page.
Do I need an appointment to visit the studio?
You're welcome to visit the studio, we have some cool items for sale in store, but appointments are recommended for tattoos, consultations and specific piercing services so we can make sure the right artist or piercer is available.
How do I know which artist to choose?
Each Dark Neon artist has their own style and strengths. Have a look through our artist portfolios and specialities, or send us your idea and we can help guide you toward the artist best suited to you.
Can I bring my child with to my tattoo appointment?
We recommend arranging childcare for your appointment. Tattoo sessions require a calm, clean environment and your artist’s full concentration.
Do you sell tattoo & piercing aftercare products?
Yes. We also recommend appropriate aftercare products and explain how to use them correctly for your tattoo or piercing.
Where can I see examples of your work?
You can view our artist portfolios on the Dark Neon website and our social media pages. Each artist's profile also gives you a better idea of their preferred styles and work.
Fine Line Tattoos
What is a fine line tattoo?
Fine line tattoos use thinner needles and delicate linework to create clean, detailed designs. They're commonly used for minimalist tattoos, botanical work, script, small illustrative designs and other highly detailed fine pieces.
Do fine line tattoos fade faster?
Fine line tattoos can age beautifully when they are designed, tattooed and cared for properly. However, extremely tiny details or lines placed too close together may change more noticeably over time as the tattoo naturally ages.
Can any design be made into a fine line tattoo?
Some designs require stronger lines, more spacing or a larger size to age well. Your artist may recommend adjusting the design rather than making it too small or overly delicate.
Are fine line tattoos less painful?
They can sometimes feel gentler than heavier tattoo styles, but pain still depends heavily on placement, tattoo duration and individual pain tolerance.
How small can a fine line tattoo be?
That depends on the amount of detail in the design. Making a tattoo too small can cause fine details to lose clarity as it ages, so your artist may recommend increasing the size slightly.
Realism Tattoos
What is a realism tattoo?
Realism tattoos are designed to recreate subjects as accurately and naturally as possible. They often use detailed shading, contrast, texture and careful proportions to create lifelike portraits, animals, objects, landscapes and other realistic imagery.
Can realism tattoos be done in both colour and black & grey?
Realism can be tattooed in either black & grey or full colour. Black & grey realism relies heavily on shading and contrast, while colour realism uses carefully blended colours to recreate the tones and details of the reference image.
How large does a realism tattoo need to be?
Realism tattoos usually benefit from being larger because the artist needs enough space to include fine details, shading and texture. Trying to fit too much detail into a very small tattoo can affect how clearly the design reads and how well it ages. Your artist can recommend an appropriate size for your chosen image.
What makes a good reference image for a realism tattoo?
A clear, high-resolution image with good lighting and visible detail gives your artist the best starting point. Heavily filtered, blurry or very dark photographs can make important details difficult to see. For portraits especially, the better the reference image, the more accurately the artist can capture the subject.
How long does a realism tattoo take?
Realism is usually one of the more time-intensive tattoo styles because of the amount of detail, shading and blending involved. Smaller pieces may take several hours, while larger or highly detailed projects may require a full-day session or multiple appointments.
Can you do a realism portrait from a photograph?
Portrait realism can be created from a clear photograph of a person or animal. For the best result, choose an image where the subject is sharp, well lit and clearly visible. Your artist may also recommend adjusting the composition or using additional reference photographs where necessary.
Aftercare
Can I exercise after getting tattooed?
Light activity may be fine depending on the tattoo, but avoid excessive sweating, friction and stretching around the freshly tattooed area during the early stages of healing.
How should I look after a new tattoo?
Follow our aftercare instructions, but in general, keep the tattoo clean, avoid unnecessary touching or scratching, use the recommended aftercare product and protect the area while it heals.
Can I swim after getting a tattoo or piercing?
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs and natural bodies of water while a fresh tattoo or piercing is healing. Submerging a healing wound can increase irritation and exposure to bacteria.
Can I go into the sun with a new tattoo?
Fresh tattoos should be protected from direct sunlight while healing. Once fully healed, regular sunscreen use helps protect the tattoo from UV-related harm.
Is peeling or itching normal while a tattoo heals?
​Some dryness, light flaking and itching can be part of normal tattoo healing. Avoid picking or scratching the tattoo. If you notice unusual swelling, severe pain, spreading redness or other concerning symptoms, seek professional medical advice.
Can I boil salt water to clean my new piercing with?
Homemade salt water can easily be mixed too strong and may irritate a healing piercing. The container or mixture can also become contaminated, so we recommend purchasing sterile 0.9% saline instead.
Time & Pricing
How much does a tattoo cost?
Tattoo pricing depends on the design, size, placement, detail required and time involved. Dark Neon offers different appointment options and rates depending on the artist and tattoo. We also offer free tattoo consultations for bigger projects and discuss design and pricing on the same day as the consult.
Why can't every tattoo be given an exact price immediately?
​Two tattoos of the same size can require very different amounts of work. Detail, placement, colour, complexity and the artist's approach can all affect how long a tattoo takes.
How long will my tattoo take?
​Small tattoos may take less than an hour, while larger or more detailed pieces can take several hours or multiple sessions. Your artist can give you a better estimate once the design and placement have been discussed.
Do larger tattoos have to be completed in one session?
Large-scale tattoos are often divided into multiple sessions. This can make the process more manageable and gives the artist enough time to properly execute each section.
Why do tattoo artists have different rates?
Pricing may vary according to experience, specialisation, session structure and the type of work being performed.
Custom Tattoo Designs
Can Dark Neon design a complete custom tattoo for me?
Custom tattoos are a major part of what our artists do. You can bring an idea, concept, references or even just a rough direction and work with your artist to develop the final design.
Will you copy another person's tattoo exactly?
We prefer creating something original for you rather than directly copying another artist's work. References can be used to communicate style and ideas, but the final piece should be personalised.
What should I bring to a custom tattoo consultation?
Bring any reference images, artwork, photographs or ideas that help explain what you're imagining. It also helps to know approximately where you want the tattoo and how large you're comfortable making it.
Can my artist combine several reference images into one tattoo?
This is actually a common way to develop a custom design. Your artist can take elements from different references and create a composition that works together as one tattoo.
Can an artist change my idea if something won't tattoo well?
A good tattoo design needs to work on skin, not just look good on a screen. Your artist may suggest changes to size, spacing, placement, contrast or detail so that the tattoo works better and ages properly.
How long will it take to design and can I see the design?
Design time depends on the size and complexity of your tattoo. Your artist will show you the design before tattooing begins, and small changes can usually be discussed on the day.
Booking and Preparation
How do I book a tattoo or piercing?
You can book through Dark Neon's online booking system or contact the studio if you need help choosing an artist, service or appointment type.
Do I need a consultation before getting tattooed?
Not every tattoo requires one. Simple designs can often be arranged without a separate consultation, while custom, large-scale, cover-up or more complex tattoos usually benefit from discussing the project beforehand.
What should I do before my tattoo appointment?
Read our how to prepare guide. Generally for the most part, get a good night's sleep, eat a proper meal, stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area.
Can I drink alcohol before my tattoo appointment?
Avoid any alcohol or recreational drugs 24-hours from arriving to your appointment. Apart from affecting your judgement, alcohol can also affect the tattooing process.
What should I wear to my tattoo appointment?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives your artist easy access to the area being tattooed. Keep in mind that tattoo ink or other products may accidentally get onto clothing.
Should I shave the area before my tattoo?
We prefer that your artist prepare the area correctly at the studio if shaving is required.
Hygiene
How does Dark Neon keep tattooing and piercing hygienic?
We follow professional hygiene procedures, use appropriate single-use items where required and prepare work areas and equipment between clients.
Are tattoo needles reused?
Tattoo needles and cartridges intended for single use are opened for the client and disposed of appropriately after use.
Is getting tattooed or pierced safe?
Tattooing and piercing involve breaking the skin, so there is always some risk. Choosing a professional studio that follows appropriate hygiene procedures and following your aftercare instructions significantly reduces avoidable risks.
Why is aftercare part of tattoo and piercing hygiene?
A professionally performed tattoo or piercing still needs to heal after you leave the studio. Keeping the area clean and following proper aftercare reduces unnecessary irritation or infection and helps support normal healing.
Can I get tattooed or pierced if I'm feeling sick?
It's generally better to reschedule if you're unwell. Your body is already dealing with illness, and you may not feel comfortable sitting through the procedure or healing afterward.
Cover-ups
Can you tattoo over an old tattoo?
Whether a tattoo can be successfully covered depends on its size, colour, darkness, location and the type of new design you're interested in.
Does a cover-up tattoo need to be bigger than the original?
Your artist needs enough space to disguise the shape and darker areas of the existing tattoo while creating a new design that looks intentional.
Can a dark tattoo be covered with a lighter tattoo?
Light colours generally cannot simply hide very dark tattoo ink. Successful cover-ups usually require strategic use of darker tones, texture and composition.
Do I need laser removal before a cover-up?
Some tattoos can be covered directly. In other cases, a few laser-lightening sessions may give the artist more freedom and allow for a better final result.
Can you tell me whether my tattoo can be covered from a photo?
A clear photograph can help us give you an initial idea, but an in-person consultation may still be needed to properly assess the existing tattoo, skin and placement.
Tattoo & Piercing Pain
How painful is getting a tattoo?
Tattoo pain varies from person to person and depends heavily on placement, session length and the type of tattoo being done. Most people describe it as uncomfortable but manageable.
Which tattoo placements hurt the most?
​Areas with thinner skin, less padding, lots of nerve endings or close proximity to bone can feel more intense. Ribs, sternum, feet, hands, knees and certain joint areas are commonly considered more sensitive.
Do piercings hurt?
Piercings usually involve a brief, sharp sensation followed by some tenderness. The actual piercing itself generally happens very quickly.
​Which piercing hurts the most?
Pain tolerance varies greatly, and anatomy, piercing location and personal sensitivity all play a role.
Can I use numbing cream before getting tattooed?
Don't apply numbing products without discussing it with your artist first. Some products can affect the skin and may change how your artist prefers to work.