Frequently asked questions
Booking and deposit, preparation, pain, price, design, cover-ups, healing and getting here: answers from Hyper Tattoo Gallery in Wrocław.
These are the questions we are asked most often: about booking, deposits, preparing for your session and what happens afterwards.
Booking and deposit
We book through messages on WhatsApp and Instagram. The date is yours only once the deposit is paid and we confirm it, and the deposit is deducted from the price of the tattoo. The rules on cancellations, rescheduling and lateness are in the studio rules.
Preparation
The most important part starts 1–2 weeks before your appointment: moisturizing the skin where you’ll be tattooed and protecting it from the sun. Get a good night’s sleep the night before and eat a proper meal before your visit; for 24 hours before your session, avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medication. You’ll find the full list on the Tattoo aftercare page, in the “Before the session” section.
During the session
At the start, you show your ID, fill out a health declaration and sign a consent form for the procedure. Then the artist places the stencil, so you can see the design on your skin before they start tattooing. We take breaks whenever you need them.
Price
We don’t publish a price list with amounts, because the price depends on the size, body placement, style, amount of detail and number of sessions. We give you an estimated price before you pay anything. How we price a piece is explained in Pricing, and you can give a tattoo as a gift with a gift voucher.
Design
We draw every design from scratch, for a specific person and body placement. References, images saved from Pinterest or your own sketch are a starting point, and the artist adapts them to your skin so the design stays clear for years to come.
Cover-up
Alex handles cover-ups. We start every one with a photo of your current tattoo and an honest assessment, before we ask for a deposit. How we approach reworks is described on the Cover-up in Wrocław page, and you’ll find before-and-after photo pairs in the gallery.
Healing
We use one protocol: Tattoo Armor pads for the first night, Second Skin film for 5–7 days, then cream, and SPF 50+ once the tattoo has healed. The artist can adjust the details to your tattoo. You’ll find day-by-day instructions on the Tattoo aftercare page.
Studio and getting here
The studio is at ul. Życzliwa 13A, in Krzyki near Partynice, and works by appointment. The address and map are on the Contact page, and travel times from other cities are on our getting-to-Wrocław pages.
For tattooers
Collaboration with tattoo artists starts with five days of getting to know each other, and then we decide together on a monthly station. We invite artists from other countries to guest spots of up to a week. Prices and what the studio provides are described on the page for tattooers, and you can apply through the form.
Don’t see your question here? Message us on WhatsApp or Instagram — we’ll answer.
Frequently asked questions
Questions
How do I book a tattoo?
Write to us on WhatsApp or Instagram. Describe your idea, the body placement and the approximate size, and attach reference photos to your message. We'll match you with an artist, give you an estimated price and the earliest available dates.
How do you match an artist to my idea?
We look at the style, scale and character of the design. Alex handles realism, hyperrealism, black and grey, and cover-ups, while Nastia handles fine line, botanical work, micro-realism, graphic designs, minimalism and lettering. Both of them do color work and animal subjects, so in those cases we choose based on the character of the design. If you already have a favorite artist, tell us in your first message.
How far in advance should I book?
The earlier, the better, because dates fill up. For large projects and Alex's complex cover-ups, it's best to write 4–8 weeks before the session you have in mind. We'll give you the earliest available dates along with your quote.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes. Your slot is only reserved once the deposit is paid and we confirm it, and the deposit itself is deducted from the price of the tattoo. If you cancel at least 14 days before the session, we'll refund it or move it to a new date. If you cancel later, the deposit is forfeited.
What if I'm late?
If you can see you won't make it on time, message us right away. If you're more than 30 minutes late without letting us know, the artist may shorten the session to the time that's left or cancel it, in which case the deposit is forfeited. The details are in the studio rules.
What if the studio cancels my session?
If we or the artist cancel the session, for example because of illness or technical reasons, you can choose a full refund of the deposit or move the session to a new date. Either way, there are no extra fees.
How should I prepare for my session?
For 1–2 weeks before your session, moisturize the skin where you'll be tattooed with a cream like Bepanthen. Get a good night's sleep beforehand and eat a proper meal before your appointment. Dress comfortably, preferably in dark clothes with easy access to the area being tattooed, and for a longer session bring water and a snack.
What should I bring to my session?
A photo ID, water, a light snack and something sweet to keep your energy up. A session with Alex can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, so headphones and something to watch will come in handy. For larger pieces, wear dark clothes, since pigment and cream can leave marks.
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo?
We only tattoo adults. Bring a photo ID to your session — without it we won't start. We do not tattoo minors, even with parental consent.
Can I drink alcohol or take medication before my session?
For 24 hours before your session, do not drink alcohol and do not take aspirin or other blood-thinning medication. If you need something for pain, ibuprofen or paracetamol are fine. Please let us know before your session about any regular medication, chronic conditions, allergies, or pregnancy.
Can I sunbathe before my session?
Better not. A fresh tan, a sunburn or irritated skin where you're getting tattooed can mean the session has to be rescheduled. For 1–2 weeks before your appointment, keep that area out of the sun and moisturize it every day.
When should I tell you about health conditions, allergies or pregnancy?
At least 7 days before your session. This also applies to blood-thinning medication and any other contraindications to getting a tattoo. The artist may refuse to work if the health declaration or the condition of your skin points to contraindications.
How long does a session take?
It depends on the design. A small tattoo usually fits into one short visit, while a large realistic piece may take several full-day sessions. Alex's sessions usually last at least 6 hours. You'll get the approximate time along with the quote.
Does getting a tattoo hurt?
A little, but most people handle it better than they expected. The sensation depends on the placement: areas near bone, the ribs or the feet are usually more sensitive than the forearm or thigh. Fine line is done with a thin needle, so many people get through a fine line session quite calmly. You can always ask for a break if needed.
Can I take a break during the session?
Yes, we take breaks whenever you need them: for water, a snack or just to stretch your back. If anything worries you during the session, say so right away — there are no silly questions.
Will I see the design on my skin before we start?
Yes. The artist places the stencil and checks how the design sits on your body before starting to tattoo. At that stage you can still ask to have it moved.
Can I bring someone with me?
One calm companion is usually not a problem. Other artists are working in the studio at the same time, so for a longer session let us know in advance — we will work out what is comfortable for everyone.
What do I sign at the studio?
Before your session, you complete a health declaration and sign a consent form for the tattoo. Consent to publish photos of your tattoo is separate and voluntary — without it, we do not publish anything.
How do you handle hygiene?
We work only with single-use tools, and all materials that touch the skin are single-use. Every artist who tattoos here follows the studio's hygiene procedures. A specialist company collects the waste after each session.
How much does a tattoo cost?
We don't have a set price list because the cost depends on the size, body placement, style, amount of detail and number of sessions. Send us a description and photos and we'll reply with an estimated price before you pay anything.
When do I pay for the tattoo?
You pay a deposit when you book and the rest on the day of your session: the price of the tattoo minus the deposit. For projects spread over several sessions, we agree on how payment works before your first visit.
Can I get a quote without coming to the studio?
Yes, that's how it usually works. Just send a message on WhatsApp or Instagram with your idea, reference photos, the body placement and the approximate size. A quote doesn't commit you to anything.
Can I come with my own design?
Yes. The artist will assess whether the design works well on skin at the chosen size and suggest changes if any element might blur over time. We always adapt the design to the body placement.
Will the artist draw a design just for me?
Yes, every piece is original. You send your idea and references, and the artist draws the design from scratch for your body and the placement you've chosen. We don't copy other tattooers' work — a photo of someone else's tattoo can only be a starting point.
When will I see the design, and can I change it?
You agree on the main idea and composition with the artist before the session, and you refine the sketch together. Nastia usually sends the design a few days before the session, so there's plenty of time for changes. Small changes to details are possible, but a major change to the design, size or placement on the day of the session may mean rescheduling.
Do you cover up or remove old tattoos?
Cover-ups, yes — that is one of our specialties. Send a photo of your current tattoo and we will assess the options before you pay a deposit. We do not do laser tattoo removal.
Will you take on a cover-up another studio turned down?
We'd be happy to take a look. Difficult cover-ups are Alex's main specialty: old, dark, heavily saturated tattoos and awkward placements. Send a photo of your current tattoo in daylight, and we'll tell you honestly what can be done.
Does a cover-up have to be bigger than the old tattoo?
Usually, yes. To cover an old design effectively, the new one needs darker areas and a larger surface — sometimes an armband turns into a full sleeve. Alex will give you the minimum size after seeing a photo.
How do I take care of a fresh tattoo?
The first night, the tattoo stays under Tattoo Armor protective pads. In the morning, you wash it with lukewarm water and mild soap, then apply Second Skin film for 5–7 days. Once it's off, apply a thin layer of cream 1–2 times a day, and after the tattoo has healed, protect it with SPF 50+ sunscreen.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
Once the Second Skin film comes off, the tattoo is largely healed, but your skin still needs a few more weeks without sun, tanning beds and friction. We can't predict exactly how long full healing takes, because everyone's skin heals at its own pace.
What if my tattoo needs a touch-up after it heals?
With good aftercare, a tattoo stays sharp for a long time. If after healing a particular area has not taken the pigment well, send us a photo in daylight — the artist will assess whether a touch-up is needed and suggest a date. We do touch-ups on work done in our studio.
Where is the studio?
At ul. Życzliwa 13A in Wrocław, in the Krzyki district near Partynice, in the southern part of the city. The studio is on the upper floor, and we'll send exact directions to the entrance along with your appointment confirmation.
Is there parking at the studio?
Yes, there are four studio parking spaces by the building. Ask when you book whether one of them will be free on the day of your session.
Can I just walk in?
We work by appointment, so message us on WhatsApp or Instagram before you come. That way the artist has time just for you, and your design is ready before the session.
I'm coming from another city. How should I plan my session?
Set aside the whole day for your session and don't plan anything else for it, especially for a longer piece. We've collected travel times from other cities on our getting-to-Wrocław pages, and we'll send directions to the studio along with your appointment confirmation.
Can I work at Hyper as a tattooer?
Yes. We start the collaboration with at least five individual days in the studio, which is time for both sides to get to know each other. After that, we decide together whether we'd like to continue the collaboration on a monthly basis. You'll find prices, what's included at the station and the application form on the page for tattooers.
What does a guest spot at Hyper look like?
We offer guest spots to tattoo artists from other countries, for up to one week. You come and work at one of the studio's stations, you get your own guest page with your portfolio and visit dates, and access to the studio calendar for the length of your stay. We're always happy to host talented artists who want to work in the most beautiful city in Poland.