FAQs

Policies

Do you offer piercing services?

No. 3 Round is a Tattoos Only Shop

Where can I park?

1. Brewer Park Parking Lot (SAFEST OPTION)

Distance: 6–10 minute walk

  • Huge lot

  • Free municipal parking lot

  • No annoying 3-hour limits

  • Clients can stay all day without worry

2. Old Ottawa South Residential Side Streets (WEST OF BANK ST ONLY)

(Closest most convenient option)

Distance: 1–8 minute walk

  • Cameron Ave, Ossington Ave, and Grove Ave (west of Bant St only)

  • Many streets west of Bank St offer 3–12 hour parking

  • Often only “No parking on X days for cleaning” rules, not hourly limits

  • Side streets aren’t as heavily bylaw enforced the further away you park from Bank. A good block or two down the side street will do

  • The further away you park, the longer the signs allow you to park, the safer you are from bylow

3. Banks Street Parking (RISKIEST OPTION)

(Good for a quick visit)

Distance: 1-2 minute walk

  • 1 hour parking

  • No parking 3:30pm-5:30pm

  • Heavily enforced by bylaw

Clients can stay all day without worry

How do I book an appointment?

To book an appointment, fill out our consultation form and include clear details about your idea, size, placement, references, and preferred artist. This helps us understand your project before reaching out. Once reviewed, we’ll contact you with next steps, potential dates, and any follow-up questions needed to give an accurate estimate.

How much is a sleeve?

Sleeve pricing varies significantly based on style, detail, skin type, pain tolerance, and how many sessions you’re willing to do. The price estimate of a full sleeve and the number of hours required can only be estimated in person. A consultation allows us to determine complexity, flow, anatomy, and how much negative space versus detail will affect the total cost.

Do you take walk-ins?

Yes. We have at least one artist available for walk-ins each day. Availability depends on the size of the tattoo, how many people are ahead of you, and how long each design takes to finalize. Calling ahead is the best way to avoid long wait times and confirm whether your design is appropriate for same-day service.

How far in advance should I book?

Booking times vary depending on the artist and the time of year. Some artists book within days, while others have longer wait times based on demand. If you want a specific artist or a large project, booking early is recommended. Walk-ins are always an option for smaller pieces.

Can I get a quote online?

We can offer rough estimates online, but they may change once we see your placement, your skin, and the exact size you want. Photos and references help get closer to the correct cost, but in-person consults provide the most accurate quotes for all styles and complexities.

Do you require a deposit?

Yes, all appointments require a deposit that counts toward the final tattoo cost. Deposits ensure your artist can reserve the time needed to plan, draw, and execute your tattoo. Deposits are non-refundable and may be forfeited if you cancel without notice, change the design drastically without proper notice, or show up exuberantly late without notice.

Can I reschedule my appointment?

You may reschedule your appointment as long as you provide at least 48 hours’ notice. This allows us to fill your spot responsibly. Less notice may require a new deposit. Consistent last-minute changes may affect future booking availability.

Can I change my design before the appointment?

Minor changes are usually fine, but major changes—such as full redesigns, new concepts, or totally different styles—may require additional drawing time or a new deposit. If you need significant changes, contact your artist early so they can prepare properly.

What happens if I’m late?

If you are running late, please call us as soon as possible. Arriving more than 30 minutes late without notice can result in losing your appointment and deposit because it affects the schedule for the rest of the day. We will try to accommodate when possible.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, you can bring one respectful guest. Space is limited and we must maintain a calm, professional environment for clients and artists. Multiple guests create distractions and limit movement in the workspace, so we ask that only one person accompany you.

What should I do to prepare for my tattoo?

Make sure you eat a full meal, stay hydrated, and rest well the night before. Avoid alcohol, recreational substances and excessive caffeine for at least 24 hours. Moisturize the area leading up to your appointment, wear comfortable clothing that gives the artist access, and be prepared to sit for an extended time. 

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

Initial surface healing usually takes 2–4 weeks, depending on size, placement, and your personal healing speed. The deeper layers of the skin take up to several months to fully settle. Following proper aftercare instructions greatly improves the final result and reduces the risk of complications.

What aftercare do you recommend?

We provide printed or verbal aftercare instructions with every tattoo. Typically, you’ll clean the area gently, apply a thin layer of aftercare product, and avoid scratching, soaking, or exposing the tattoo to direct sun.Avoid soaking the area in water or other liquids for two weeks. Water running over the tattoo while you shower is fine.  Additionally, avoid hot showers, gyms, pools, hot tubs saunas and heavy sweating during the first week to reduce irritation.

Do your artists have different styles?

Yes. Each artist at 3 Round Tattoo specializes in a unique style, including realism, blackwork, fine line, neo-traditional, geometric, dotwork, and illustrative. Reviewing each artist’s portfolio will help you find someone whose work matches your idea. If you’re unsure, we can recommend the right artist based on your concept.

Do you offer touch-ups?

We offer complimentary touch-ups on tattoos done at our shop within the first six months if required. Touch-ups caused by poor aftercare or premature sun exposure may result in additional charges. Tattoos older than six months are subject to a small touch up charge

Can I get tattooed while pregnant or breastfeeding?

For safety reasons, we do not tattoo individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tattooing introduces small risks of infection and stress responses that can affect your body, and we follow best  practices to ensure the safety of all clients.

Do tattoos fade?

Yes, all tattoos fade gradually over time due to natural skin regeneration, sun exposure, lifestyle, and placement. Areas like hands, elbows, feet, and fingers fade faster. Using sunscreen, avoiding excessive sun, and following aftercare may help maintain the tattoo’s longevity and appearance.

Do you do cover-ups?

We do cover-ups, but each piece must be evaluated in person. Old tattoos with heavy saturation or dark lines may require laser fading before covering them successfully. We’ll be honest about what’s possible and recommend the most effective way to achieve a strong, long-lasting result.

Can you tattoo scars or stretch marks?

Tattooing over scars is possible depending on the age, texture, and depth of the scar tissue. Fresh scars should not be tattooed. Stretch marks can often be tattooed over, but placement and design matter. A consultation is required to determine what will heal best.

Do you tattoo hands, necks, and faces?

These areas are considered high-risk and high-visibility. Some of our artists will tattoo these areas, but approval is based on design, lifestyle, and long-term suitability. We prioritize responsible tattooing and may decline requests that are likely to age poorly.

Do you tattoo fingers?

Yes, but finger tattoos fade quickly due to constant friction, moisture, and exposure. They often require touch-ups and may never heal as cleanly as tattoos on other areas. Clients should understand the limitations before proceeding.

Can I use numbing cream?

You may use numbing creams, but they must be applied correctly and approved by your artist. Some products affect skin texture or reaction. If you plan to use numbing cream, tell your artist ahead of time so they can guide you on safe options and application timing.

Can you design something custom for me?

Absolutely. We specialize in custom designs and work closely with clients to build something personal and unique. You can upload references in the consultation form or bring them in person. Clear direction helps us create artwork tailored to your vision.

How old do I need to be?

You must be 18 or older with government-issued ID. We do tattoo minors 16+ with parental consent, your parent must be present for the duration of the session due to legal and safety standards.

Deposit Policy

Deposits secure your appointment and the artist’s drawing time. They are non-refundable under all circumstances. Deposits may be transferred once if at least 48 hours’ notice is given. Failure to show up, significant design changes, or late arrivals may result in losing the deposit and requiring a new one before rebooking.

Cancellations & Rescheduling Policy

We require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. This ensures our artists can fill the time slot with another client. Multiple last-minute cancellations may result in restricted booking privileges or higher deposit requirements in the future.

Design Policy

All artwork created by our artists remains the intellectual property of the artist. We do not release completed designs in advance of appointments, and we do not allow clients to take our designs to another studio. We welcome feedback and revisions, but major redesigns the day of the appointment may require additional charges or a new deposit.

Health & Safety Policy

3 Round Tattoo follows strict Ottawa Public Health guidelines. All needles and tubes are single-use and disposed of immediately. Stations are sanitized thoroughly before and after each client. We reserve the right to refuse service if a client appears ill, intoxicated, or unable to consent safely. Your safety and the quality of the tattoo are always the priority.

Touch-Up Policy

Touch-ups are complimentary for work done at our studio within the first six months, as long as the tattoo was cared for according to our aftercare instructions. Touch-ups beyond this period, or those required due to improper aftercare, will be billed at normal rates.

Guest Policy

Clients may bring one respectful guest. Exceptions are not made for children, additional friends, or pets due to safety, space, and sanitation requirements. Additional guests create distractions that can affect the tattooing process and overall shop environment.

Photography Policy

We commonly take photos of tattoos for professional portfolios and social media. If you prefer not to be photographed or want certain angles avoided, please let your artist know in advance. We respect privacy and will always honor client requests regarding photography.


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