FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A Summary of most of the questions we are asked regarding our shops, artists, and services

717 Tattoo & Body Piercing
313 Second St.
Highspire, PA 17034
ph# (717) 939-7717

717 Tattoo & Body Piercing
4901 Jonestown Rd
Harrisburg, PA 17109
ph# (717) 652-7717

717 Tattoo & Body Piercing
6500 W Carlisle Pike Suite D
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
ph# (717) 620-8590

717 Tattoo & Body Piercing
444 Locust St
Columbia, PA 17512
ph# (717) 684-5252

717 Tattoo is open seven days a week, from 12pm through 8pm.  We are closed for most major holidays, and during state of emergency weather conditions.

Sometimes due to staffing issue we may have to open late or close early.  Please call ahead if needed.

If you are looking for a price on a certain piercing, please check this page: Piercing Price List. Occasionally we run specials and prices are subject to change.

If you're wondering how much a tattoo will cost you, please read through or guide to pricing found here:
How much do tattoos cost?

Please understand that there are a number of variables that come into play when pricing out a tattoo and it always best to stop into to see the artist you want to work with to discuss getting a final price estimate.

We are not insured to allow anyone under the age of 16 in our studio.

Please bring valid photo ID if you are 18 or older.  Our insurance allows us to pierce 16 and 17 years.  Pennsylvania state law requires parental consent for procedures on minors.  We require valid ID from both the minor and the parent/legal guardian.  If last names do not match on the ID, we requires proof of guardianship.  We do not make exceptions.  We reserve the right to refuse service to any minor based on our best professional opinion.  We will not tattoo minor's hands, necks, faces, or genitals etc.  We will not pierce minor female nipples or genitals.

An additional piece of advice -
We checked with four different insurance companies for coverage.  NONE of them allowed procedures on minors under 16.  If you find a studio who will pierce or tattoo your minor under the age of 16, we will advise you to ask for proof of liability insurance covering procedures at such a young age.  There is a chance these types of studios are either not insured, or breaking their insurance company's rules in order to make a buck.

We are not insured to allow anyone under the age of 16 in our studio.

Although sometimes referred to as semi-permanent, if can last for years before a color refresh sessions is needed. Micropigmentation is considered a low maintenance solution. The type of ink used for micropigmentation is different from traditional body tattooing ink, it is meant to fade over time. This is a good thing as it does allow for small changes to be made over time. Once your follow up procedure is finished and healed you can book your color refresh session every 1-3 years to keep it look its best.

Yes.  While it is a question we do get tired of hearing, it is certainly one most first timers  ask.  Tattoos hurt.  Some areas of the body hurt more the others.  Everyone has a different threshold for pain.  We cannot predict your pain response.  If you are unable to sit steadily for your tattoo, it will be hard for us to complete your piece successfully.  It is important to mentally prepare for your appointment.  We have found that clients who bring friends along to watch them get tattooed usually appear and act more uncomfortable than those who do not.  So if you are worried about the pain, do not bring a friend...it does not seem to help the pain go away!

Yes.  While it is a question we do get tired of hearing, it is certainly one most first timers  ask.  Piercings hurt.  Some areas of the body hurt more the others.  Everyone has a different threshold for pain.  We cannot predict your pain response.  If you are unable to sit steadily for your piercing, it will be hard for us to complete your piercing successfully.  It is important to mentally prepare for your piercing.  We have found that clients who bring friends along to watch them get pierced usually appear and act more uncomfortable than those who do not.  So if you are worried about the pain, do not bring a friend...it does not seem to help the pain go away!

Micropigmentation varies depending on your individual body chemistry, lifestyle and ethnic background. Every client heals differently. This is why each new service includes two sessions in the price. It is essential to assess color retention and shape. Permanent cosmetics is not an exact science but an art form. Some clients may not need their secondary session at all while other may need to come in for additional touch up sessions. The cost for this is $75.00 within 90 days from the last session.

Generally, for piercings, making an appointment isn't necessary. However, it is always best to call ahead just to make sure the piercers are available.  We have piercers on schedule 7 days a week at all locations, but occasionally they are out sick or on a lunch break.

Some of our tattoo artists are free for walk ins, others are booked out as far as six months.  We prefer a consultation if possible for tattoos, although smaller, simpler ones may not require one.  Occasionally our artists will be able to fit in a small tattoo in between their regular appointments.  We try to update our Facebook page with these availabilities when we can.

The best approach is to call or stop into the location your preferred artist works at.  Our tattooer schedules are on our tattoo artist page.  Then, set-up a consultation. From there, your chosen artist will either be able to get you in right away, or they will set-up an appointment for you at your earliest convenience. At this time, you will be expected to put down a deposit in order to reserve the spot.  We require a minimum of $50 for tattoo appointments, which is applied to the final cost of your tattoo.  Large pieces or session work may require a larger deposit at the artist's discretion

No. Consultations are always free! Click the button below to set on up!

What we expect of our customers:

 

It is more than fair for clients to expect, even demand certain standards from their tattooer or piercer. Cleanliness, skill, courtesy...these are some of the many traits 717 Tattoo tries to exemplify in each and every procedure.  With that in mind, here are some of the things we expect from you as a client.

 

1) Do not bring your children

We love kids, and we think art education is an extremely important component in a child's education. But our studios are no place for children. We have pictures of pierced genitals in our portfolios. We have nudity in our tattoo flash and reference books. Sometimes, we have trucker mouths. Furthermore, it is not fair to our other clients who also want to have a positive experience in our studio. And most importantly, our insurance does not allow for it. Please, leave your children with a loved one for your procedure...after all, you are spoiling yourself!

2) Do not bring food into our studio

It is important to eat before you get a tattoo or piercing. It is rude to bring your lunch into our studio. We do not have the space or proper furniture. We keep our studio clean, and your bag of Arby's does not help our studio smell good.

3) Come in clean

Sadly, we have to add this. If you do not shower often, make sure you shower before you come in. You will be in close contact with a tattooer or piercer. He or she will appreciate that you do not smell like a truck stop.

4) Do not haggle or barter

We will not trade you for an xbox. Our price is firm, we are not selling a car. If you came to us, it is because you trust us. Also trust that we are pricing our tattoos at a rate we consider fair. Remember, those $150 shoes or $200 cell phone will be useless in 2 or 3 years....you will take a tattoo to your grave. Please just skip our number in the phone book if you are simply making calls looking for the cheapest price for your tattoo. If you have a budget, please be forthcoming about it. We will do our best to help you find a tattoo you can both afford and enjoy.

 

5) Follow our aftercare advice

We think it is awesome that your Uncle Billy Bob has 17 & 1/2 tattoos that he received in jail or from a tattoo party, but that does not make him an expert on how to take care of our work. If you are unsure on aftercare, just call or stop in to see your artist.

6) Call us if there's a problem

Everyone has different metabolism. Variables in a home or work environment vary from one client to the next. Allergic reactions do occur. In short, if you have any problem or concern with your tattoo or piercing, please allow us to help to remedy that issue. Our advice and assistance throughout the healing process is included with every procedure, free of charge. If you are unsure, ask us.

7) We do not rush

Contrary to what some of the tattoo reality television shows would have you believe, we cannot finish your back piece in under an hour with commercials. Good tattoos take planning and time. Multiple dermals, surface works, below the belt piercings all involve planning and consideration. We will take the time to talk to you about the do's and don'ts, risks and rewards. We prefer consultations so we can meet with you, hear your idea, and brainstorm with you to make sure you are getting the best possible end result.

8) Thanks for reading!

If you read this, that means you give a shit, and caring about your tattoos and piercings is half the process in having a tattoo or piercing you can be proud of and enjoy for years to come.

Permanent cosmetics is an ancient art form and thanks to new techniques and the evolution of our industry and equipment it can be even more natural and realistic than ever before. Using the state of the art digital machine method, with sterile single use needles we are able to simulate hair stroke eye brows, beautiful lasting eyeliner, and natural looking lash enhancement and even reshape and define your lips. Micropigmentation is meant to augment your natural beauty and simplify your daily beauty routine.

All kinds of tattoo can be removed, including whole tattoos, parts of a tattoo, clearing an area for replacement artwork, disguising a previous solid color cover-up, or re-shaping eyebrows or lip color tattoos. Tatt2Away REMOVES ALL COLORS. It is all-natural and affordable and has a sensation similar to getting a tattoo. If a tattoo is buried deep in the skin, we may not be able to reach all the pigment. A haze of the tattoo may remain, and this is called ghosting.

Yes, but we will need to wait for about 3 months so your tattoo is completely healed before we can start the removal process.

Yes! The RevLite SI offers many advantages over other lasers, including the ability to widen or tighten the optic beam for removing small details from any tattoo.

The cost of the treatment will depend on the size of the tattoo. We have a $150 minimum per Tatt2Away treatment. Cost will increase based on the size of the treatment area. To get an exact price, setup a consultation today!

Each treatment session lasts 30 minutes to an hour. An 8 week period is necessary between treatments to allow the skin time to heal. For example, a tattoo requiring four treatments will take a minimum of 32 weeks to remove.

We will give you an indication of how many treatments are required during your free 15 minute consultation. Generally, the average sized tattoo requires between 4-5 treatments. This depends on a variety of factors, including skin type, the age of the tattoo, your age, amount of pigment or ink, the location of the tattoo, and history of other attempts to remove the tattoo.

We cannot guarantee complete removal. The lack of regulations on ingredients in tattoo ink, variables in skin type and the quality of the tattoo make it difficult to make this promise. Some colors respond better to laser treatment than others. Some pigment may be left in the skin which the laser cannot reach. This is called ghosting. However, we suggest you take a look at our before and after photos. The RevLite SI is the gold standard of Q Switch ND: Yag lasers. This is the most common type of tattoo removal laser on the planet, and the RevLite is the most respected brand name.

Most clients have said that it is comparable to getting the original tattoo or less. Some have found it to be annoying, or experience an occasional jab of pain. Generally, the closer to the bone, the more sensitive it will be.

Yes! It is important to find out what type of laser was used in your previous treatments, and we may need to wait a few months before we can start you on the RevLite SI

Wash, clean, and shave the area to be treated. Avoid oils, makeup, or lotions prior to your treatment. As with any body modification procedure we recommend you have something to eat at some point before your appointment. Wear loose/comfortable clothes. Ask questions!

We will discuss and recommend aftercare procedures after your treatment and give you written aftercare instruction sheets. We also keep aftercare instructions online HERE.

Yes we are. Check our employment section for more information http://717tattoo.com/employment/
If you are inquiring about a tattoo apprenticeship - please read this section. Thank you for your interest