FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question isn't answered below, message us on Instagram @headrush_whitby or call (249) 421-4655.
Booking & Pricing
How do I book?+
Use the booking form on /booking, message us on Instagram @headrush_whitby, or call (249) 421-4655. 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 Whitby opened in March 2023. See /about for the full studio story and the team behind it.
Do you sell gift cards?+
Yes — message us on Instagram or call the studio to purchase. Gift cards can be applied to any session or piece. Per Ontario consumer law, they have no expiry date.
Still have a question?
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