FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question isn't answered below, message us on Instagram @headrush_whitby or call (905) 444-8288.
Booking & Pricing
How do I book?+
Use the booking form on /booking, message us on Instagram @headrush_whitby, or call (905) 444-8288. The 30-minute consultation is free.
Do I need a deposit to book?+
No deposit is required for the consultation. After consultation, a deposit secures your session and applies 100% to your final cost.
How much will my tattoo cost?+
Studio minimum $135 (HST included). Hourly rate $180–$250/hr depending on the artist. Flat-rate and full-day options available. Final quote at consultation. See /pricing for full ranges.
Is HST included?+
Yes — every quote and every deposit number on this site includes HST.
The Tattoo Process
What happens at the consultation?+
You sit down with your artist for 30 minutes, walk through your idea, discuss placement and sizing, and leave with a clear plan and an exact quote. No deposit required at this stage.
How long does the design take?+
For most pieces your artist has the design ready 1–2 days before your session, and you approve it before any ink touches your skin.
Can I see the design before it goes on?+
Always. We place the stencil and you approve the size, position, and design in the mirror before we start.
What's the longest session you do?+
Most sessions cap at 6 hours — past that, your skin starts to swell and stops taking ink cleanly. For larger projects we book multiple sessions or a full-day option.
Aftercare
How long does a tattoo take to heal?+
Surface healing takes 2–3 weeks. Full healing of the deeper layers takes 2–3 months. Follow your artist's aftercare instructions — see /aftercare.
Can I swim / go to the gym after a tattoo?+
Avoid soaking the tattoo (pools, baths, hot tubs) for at least 2 weeks. Sweat from the gym is fine after about a week, but wipe the area down and avoid friction on the tattoo.
When can I be in the sun?+
Keep the tattoo out of direct sun for the first 4 weeks. After full healing, always use SPF 30+ on any exposed tattoo — sun is the #1 cause of fading.
Cover-ups & Touch-ups
Can ANY tattoo be covered up?+
No — some need a few sessions of laser lightening first, some need a different placement, some can be covered immediately. We give you an honest answer at consultation. See /services/cover-up-tattoos.
Do you offer free touch-ups?+
One free touch-up within 90 days of the original session if anything didn't heal cleanly. Touch-ups beyond 90 days, or on hand/foot/face work, are charged at the studio minimum.
Health & Safety
Is your studio licensed and inspected?+
Yes — fully licensed by Durham Region Health Department, inspected regularly. All needles are single-use, sterile, and disposed of in proper sharps containers after each client.
Do you tattoo if I have a skin condition?+
It depends on the condition. Tell us at consultation — we can tattoo around or away from active flare-ups in many cases, but some areas we will not tattoo.
Can I get a tattoo if I am pregnant or nursing?+
No — we do not tattoo anyone who is pregnant or actively nursing. Health Canada guidance.
About HeadRush
Where are you?+
215 Dundas St E, Whitby, Ontario. Free parking behind the building, metered street parking on Dundas. See /contact for hours and directions.
How long have you been open?+
HeadRush has been operating in Whitby as a custom-only studio for years — see /about for the full studio story.
Do you sell gift cards?+
Yes — message us on Instagram or call the studio to purchase. Gift cards never expire and can be applied to any session or piece.
Still have a question?
Book a Free Consultation