Tattoo & Piercing FAQs
How do I schedule an appointment or a free consultation?
There are several ways to make an appointment at MD Tattoo Studio.
• Click here to Book an Appointment, complete the form, and submit it.
• Email us at bookings@mdtattoostudio.com.
• Call or text us at 805-910-1444
• You can also call the shop or come on in. Walk-ins are always welcome.
What are your business hours?
Tue–Sat 11 AM–7 PM; Sun 11 AM–5 PM.
Where are you located?
1655 E Thousand Oaks Blvd #103, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362—first floor under the salon suites, between Butler’s Pizza and Ubatuba.
Do you have private tattoo rooms?
Yes, we have two tattoo rooms that can be made private upon request, and our piercing room is in a private space that can be closed for a more intimate experience.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Venmo, and Afterpay.
What is Afterpay?
Afterpay is a buy now pay later option that lets you split your purchase into four interest free payments. Just download the Afterpay app to check approval.
Do you accept Afterpay for tattoos and piercings?
Yes, we accept Afterpay for tattoos and piercings. Once you’re approved in the app, you can use it right at checkout.
Do you take walk-ins?
Yes, walk ins are welcome on a first come first serve basis, and we can usually accommodate them, but appointments are definitely recommended.
How much will my tattoo cost?
Pricing depends on size, placement, detail, and whether it’s color or black and grey. Our shop minimum is $100, Ani’s fine line work starts at $150, and hourly rates range from $250 to $350 depending on the artist.
Do you offer free tattoo consultations?
Yes, absolutely. We love consultations. We can go over design, pricing, ideas, and placement, and answer any questions so you feel fully informed and ready to book your appointment.
Do you do tattoo cover ups?
Yes, we specialize in tattoo cover ups and love doing them! Our Thousand Oaks studio has been creating award winning cover ups since 2008, helping clients replace tattoos they no longer want with designs they truly love. Click here to view some of our recent cover up tattoos.
Do you fix bad tattoos?
Yes, we love fixing tattoos and we have several artists who specialize in it. If you are searching for a coverup tattoo artist in Los Angeles or near our shop in Thousand Oaks in Ventura County, we would be glad to help. We take pride in transforming old tattoos into designs you can truly love. Click here to view some of our recent tattoo fixes.
Do you tattoo minors?
Unfortunately, we cannot tattoo anyone under 18, even with a parent’s consent. California law requires all clients to be at least 18 years old, and we have to follow those rules.
What can I do to prepare for my tattoo appointment?
Eating a good meal before getting tattooed is key. Try to avoid alcohol or blood thinners for at least 24 hours beforehand. Wear comfortable clothing, such as sweatpants, so you can relax during your session. Also wear something that gives your artist easy access to the area being tattooed.
For longer sessions, it also helps to bring snacks to keep your energy up, water, and something to keep you entertained, like headphones or a book. Moisturize your skin in the days leading up to your appointment, but skip lotions or oils the day of your tattoo. If you get cold easily, bring a sweater because the shop can get a little chilly from time to time.
What are the tattoo aftercare instructions?
Healing times vary between 1½ to 3 weeks. Leave the clear tattoo bandage on for 24 to 72 hours. Remove the wrap slowly, then gently wash your fresh tattoo (the first cleaning is recommended in the shower). If advised by your artist, apply a new bandage and keep it on for 7 days from when you received your tattoo. Then remove the wrap, clean the tattoo, and for the following week or two—or until it is fully healed—keep the tattoo clean and apply a thin coat of Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm.
If you do not reapply a new bandage within the first few days, follow the traditional tattoo aftercare steps below:
Wash your tattoo with warm water and Hustle Butter Tattoo Soap (or a fragrance free antibacterial soap). Using your hands, gently clean your tattoo, rinse, and pat dry. During the first couple of cleanings some ink may wash off—this is normal. Wash your tattoo 2 to 3 times a day until healed. For easy cleanings, Wipe Outz Cleansing Tattoo Wipes can be used at home or on the go.
After each wash, apply a very thin coat of Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm 2 to 3 times daily. Always apply thin coats.
On the 3rd to 5th day, your tattoo may dry out and peel like a sunburn—this is normal. Continue using the balm daily until fully healed.
Do not pick, peel, scratch, or shave your tattoo. Do not touch it unless your hands are clean—and do not let others touch it. Do not expose your tattoo to the sun during healing. Stay out of pools, oceans, lakes, bathtubs, and tanning beds until healed. Avoid restrictive clothing. If your tattoo sticks to anything, soak with warm water to release. Avoid activities like swimming, gardening, or handling pets for about 2 weeks.
Signs of infection include redness, swelling, tenderness, red streaks moving toward the heart, fever, or pus-like drainage. If you experience these, seek medical care.
Any questions or concerns? Click here to contact us or come in anytime during business hours.
Can I purchase tattoo aftercare at the shop?
Yes. We carry Hustle Butter Tattoo Balm in three sizes starting at $5. We also have MD Wipe Outz Cleansing Tattoo Wipes for easy cleaning, and MD Wipe Outz Numb lidocaine infused wipes that can be used during tattoo sessions to help ease pain. You’ll also find Recovery Derm tattoo bandages and Mad Rabbit sunscreen. We have all the essentials you need to heal and protect your tattoo.
Do you do piercings in Thousand Oaks?
Yes, we offer a full range of professional piercings along with a large selection of high quality body jewelry. All piercings are performed by our experienced piercers, Shellèy and Verin, at our Thousand Oaks studio.
Do you pierce minors?
Yes, we pierce earlobes starting at age 7 and most other piercings like nose or navel at 15. A parent or legal guardian must be present with the child’s birth certificate or passport and matching ID. Parent Connect is also accepted.
Do you use a needle or piercing gun?
We always use sterile, single use piercing needles. Piercing needles are safer and gentler on the body than piercing guns, which can cause unnecessary trauma. With needles you get better precision, less risk of complications, and faster healing.
What type of jewelry do you use for initial piercings?
For all initial piercings we only use the highest quality jewelry, including implant grade titanium and 14kt or 18kt solid gold. These materials are safe for healing, long lasting, and look beautiful from day one.
Can I get pierced in a private room?
Our piercing room is clean, modern, and bright. It can be closed for privacy to make your session comfortable and relaxed.
What are the piercing aftercare instructions?
Healing times vary depending on the piercing, but most take several weeks to months. Always wash your hands before touching your piercing. Clean the area twice a day with sterile saline solution or a piercing aftercare spray, and gently remove any crust with a clean cotton swab or gauze. Avoid alcohol, peroxide, or harsh soaps as they can irritate the piercing.
Do not twist or turn the jewelry, and avoid swimming pools, lakes, hot tubs, tanning beds, or direct sun until healed. Keep bedding clean and avoid makeup or lotions near the piercing. Leave the starter jewelry in until your piercer says it’s safe to change.
If you notice swelling, redness, unusual pain, or discharge, contact a medical professional.
Any questions or concerns? Click here to contact us or come in anytime during business hours.
We are located conveniently right off the 101 freeway on Thousand Oaks Boulevard.
For your nourishment during a session, just outside our doors is Butler’s Pizza and Ubatuba Acai. If you need some caffeine, a short walk across the street is an amazing coffee shop Café Ficelle.