FAQ

Can I schedule an appointment?

Absolutely! Our artists each take one appointment at the beginning of their shifts. To schedule an appointment just call and ask to talk to the artist you want to work with. The artists all prefer to schedule their own appointments, that gives them an opportunity to discuss your ideas and have a dialog about your tattoo. If you don't live here in Louisville feel free to email tattoo@tattoocharlies.com or in Lexington email tattoocharlieslex@gmail.com with any details and your contact information. We'll get back to you ASAP. For same day availability please call either studio!

Do you take walk ins?

We love walk ins! After the artists finish their appointments, time permitting, they take walk ins. Due to covid restrictions please call ahead and ask what the availability and wait time is like. 502-964-8774 for Preston Hwy, 859-254-2174 for New Circle Rd in Lexington.

What is the minimum age to get a tattoo or piercing at Tattoo Charlie’s?

We do not tattoo anyone under 18, professional studios do not. Under 18, the skin is still growing and stretching. While the skin is still in such a rapid state of change even the most perfectly placed tattoo will likely end up crooked. A tattoo is also a very permanent change to your body. It is hard enough trying to pick a pair of shoes to wear for a year, much less a design that will be on your body for the next 70 or 80 years.

At the Preston Hwy and Lexington studios we offer ear lobe piercing for ages 6 and up. We offer ear cartilage, lip, nostril, and navel piercings for ages 16 and up. Written and notarized parental consent is required as well as one parents presence. For more information on minor piercing please click here.


Do you draw custom tattoo designs?

Sure thing! Most of what we do on a daily basis is custom, we love to do custom work. Come in and talk to any of our artists about your idea. We will work with you to make it into the piece of art you deserve.

Can I look at designs on-line or can you you email me designs?

Google can be your friend for getting inspiration! We do not email completed artwork. If you want to bring in your own design you are welcome to. We can take designs off of shirts, hats, cd covers, your artwork, or most anything else.

Do you offer apprenticeships?

We only offer apprenticeships when we are need of a new artist or piercer. Many places will charge you a few thousand dollars and give you a very basic training then kick you out the door. We've never done that. When we do take on an apprentice we also have a job opening for them and make them a welcome member of our family. Currently we are not in need of any new employees but it will be posted here if we do start seeking an apprentice.

I've heard your prices are high, what gives?

Compared to a scratcher (unlicensed home tattooer) we do charge more. The quality you expect to get from us is much higher though as well. We are also not a discount studio, we run a real business. We pay taxes, carry insurance, get inspected by the health department, and operate responsibly. We use the highest quality pigments and supplies from American manufacturers, never mystery inks from the flea market. We are also fully disposable. Many studios still use the older steel tubes for each tattoo. These are used over and over again and can still harbor bacteria even after being processed through an autoclave if not cleaned impeccably. In 1994 we switched to using disposable tubes for your and our safety.

Check out our artist portfolios and consider that your new tattoo or piercing will be with you the rest of your life, not just the rest of the month.

I am interested in a vegan tattoo, what’s the difference?

Many black pigments contain bone char to make them black. If you are a vegan, vegetarian, or just don’t want bone char in your body you are in the right place! All of the pigments we use are cruelty free and have no animal by-products. The only change we make for a vegan tattoo is in the skin prep, instead of A&D ointment we use a vegan friendly prep. A&D ointment contains cod liver oil. Our stencil paper, aftercare, and all other items used are vegan as is. Stop in anytime, be sure to ask if Buddy, the owner, is around as he became a vegetarian in 2001 and a vegan in 2011. He’d love to say hi!