You're in Amsterdam, you've got a tattoo idea, and then that one question pops up: will I be able to explain this properly? A tattoo is personal. You want to say exactly what you mean, which style you love and what it means to you. At Piercings Works you don't need to worry about that: our team speaks six languages. In this post you'll find out why that matters and how to plan a tattoo when you're visiting.
Why clear communication matters
A tattoo is forever. So a small misunderstanding about size, placement or a word in a text can have big consequences. Think of a spelling mistake in a quote, a design that turns out slightly bigger than you expected, or a placement that's not quite what you had in mind.
That's why a good tattoo is all about a good conversation. Your artist wants to understand exactly what you're looking for: the style, the feeling, the details. And you want to ask about pain, aftercare and your quote without anything getting lost in translation. When you can do that in your own language, everything instantly feels more relaxed.
Which languages we speak
Our team speaks six languages: Dutch, English, Spanish, Italian, Croatian and Indonesian. Speak one of them? Then you can go through your whole tattoo journey, from first idea to aftercare, in that language.
Piercings Works was founded in 1998 and has been at Reguliersbreestraat 46, right by Rembrandtplein, since 2004. By now we have more than 2,000 reviews. Read more about our story on our About us page.
Getting a tattoo as a tourist: planning around your trip
A tattoo as a souvenir of your time in Amsterdam? Great idea! With a bit of planning it'll be a memory you love.
- Time it well. A fresh tattoo needs to heal in peace, which usually takes about 2 weeks. During that time, skip the sun and tanning beds (even with sunscreen), pools, the sea and other natural water, hot tubs and saunas. Heading to the beach after Amsterdam? Then get your tattoo at the end of your trip, or plan it so you can take it easy afterwards.
- Walk in or book. We're a walk-in studio, so you can simply walk in. You'll find our opening hours and contact details on our customer service page. Already know what you want, or want a specific artist? Then book a tattoo appointment in advance.
- Think about the design. A small or minimalist design can often be done in one visit. A large or realistic piece takes more time, and sometimes several sessions. Discuss this beforehand so it fits your travel plans.
- Eat well and skip the alcohol. Even on holiday: come to your appointment rested and sober.
You always get a personal quote, because every design is different.
Aftercare after you get home
Most of the healing happens at home, so it's important you fully understand the aftercare. That's why we're happy to explain it in a language you're comfortable with. A few general tips for the road:
- follow the aftercare instructions you get from us; everything is also in our tattoo aftercare instructions (PDF);
- touch your tattoo as little as possible and wash it twice a day with a mild, fragrance-free soap, then pat it dry with a clean towel or tissue;
- don't wear tight or dirty clothing over your tattoo, and don't put plasters or bandages on it;
- if you like, apply a thin layer of Bepanthen Wound Cream or another suitable tattoo aftercare cream with clean hands (regular Bepanthen only once your tattoo is fully healed);
- no sun or tanning beds (not even with sunscreen), no swimming pools, hot tubs, natural water or saunas while it heals; that usually takes about 2 weeks;
- once it has healed, always use a high SPF in the sun.
What to bring to your appointment
A little preparation saves a lot of time, especially if you're only in town for a few days:
- your ID;
- photos, sketches or screenshots of what you like;
- an idea of the placement and size;
- clothes that make that spot easy to reach.
Travelling with friends? Even better: besides tattoos we also do piercings, walk-in or by appointment. That way everyone goes home with a souvenir.
Age and ID
We only tattoo people aged 18 and over, and that applies to visitors from abroad too. Always bring a valid ID to your appointment. Friends coming along for a piercing? You can read the age rules for piercings on our page about the minimum age for piercings and tattoos.
See you soon at Reguliersbreestraat 46. In whatever language you like!