Scandalous, Spicy & Surprisingly Common—The Taboo Questions Tattoo Artists Get Asked

Let’s be honest: getting a tattoo is a vulnerable, exciting, and sometimes nerve-racking experience. You’re trusting someone with your skin, your story, and your pain tolerance—all while trying not to ask something “weird.” But let me tell you something that might shock you: tattoo artists have heard it all. From the slightly awkward to the downright scandalous, nothing surprises us anymore. Besides, we would argue there a few people you get closer to in this lifetime than your tattoo artist.

So in the spirit of honesty (and a little mischief), here are the most scandalous, taboo, and frequently whispered questions clients want to ask but often don’t. Or they have asked us in a weird way, and they got the questions answered everyone else was too scared to ask.

Spoiler: We’re not scandalized. We just wish more people felt comfortable asking. Let’s dive in:

1. “Can I get tattooed down there?”

You mean there there? Yep, it comes up. Genital tattoos, inner thighs, nipples, booty cheekies—all are fair game in theory. But not every artist offers these placements, and not every shop is equipped for that level of intimacy.

The real answer: Ask respectfully, understand that it’s not always a yes, and be prepared to follow specific prep rules (and hygiene expectations). If we say no, it’s not personal—it’s preference. If asked in a respectful way, we are typically willing and able to make accommodations for such requests and will plan accordingly to provide maximum dignity and respect while you are tattooed. All bodies are bodies around here. We see lots of them every week, so you are not going to be sexualized or treated inappropriately in our studio.

2. “Can I take a shot or pop a Xanax before my appointment?”

Ah, the infamous pre-tattoo shot or calming med. We get it. Nerves are real. But here’s the truth: alcohol and many medications thin your blood, which can increase bleeding, distort the ink, mess with healing, or even cause a safety concern. Also, we cannot guarantee how you will react to the pain associated with tattoos while under the influence.

The real answer: Come in sober (we would hate to have to cancel your appointment the day-of). Take deep breaths. Bring snacks. Hydrate. We’ve got you.

3. “Do you think my body is gross?”

This one hurts our hearts. Like, BIG sad face hurts. We hear it way too often from folks worried about their stretch marks, scars, rolls, hair, or loose skin. But listen: your body is not gross. It’s lived in. It’s real. And it deserves art. If you have skin on your body, you have a body built for tattoos.

The real answer: Tattoo artists see hundreds of bodies of all types. We don’t judge your body—we work with it. If anything, we admire its character. We love to decorate those extra curves, emphasize those adorable little freckles, or make a cool tattoo to make that scar look extra badass.

4. “Do you ever tattoo people you’re attracted to?”

Cue the blushes. Yes, tattooing is intimate. You’re close, focused, and sometimes working in quiet energy. But this is a professional service, not a date night. We also are LITERALLY working right next to our spouse. And, we really like loving one another and working together. So, no funny business.

The real answer: If your artist is respectful, their attraction (if it exists) stays out of the chair. If something romantic does happen, it’s after work is done and fully consensual. Be wary of artists that make advances in the professional setting, make suggestive comments, ask you to remove clothing in areas you are not being tattooed, recommend the tattoo/placement they think is “sexiest,” or ask for favors as a form of payment. We’re here for the ink, not to sneaky link.

5. “If I tattoo my partner’s name and we break up, will you cover it for free?”

Oh, honey. We love love. We do. But tattoo artists are not responsible for your heartbreak or rebound timeline. And, we hate to say “I told you so” when your heart hurts, but we told you not to get her name on the side of your face.

The real answer: We’ll happily help you cover it—but not for free. Good cover-ups take time, design skill, and patience (and we are pretty good at them here at The Gilded Needle). Don’t worry; we can spill the tea while we do your coverup.

6. “Have you ever messed up and hoped we wouldn’t notice?”

Oof. Fair question. We’re human. And while we strive for perfection, sometimes little things happen—like an extra dot, a slightly longer line, or a healed result that looks different than expected.

The real answer: If we make a mistake, we own it. Most artists will fix or adjust it at no cost because we care deeply about our work—and your trust. Mistakes don’t happen often, but we are humble enough to let you know when we would like to make an adjustment once you’re healed.

7. “Can I get tattooed while I’m on my period?”

Yes! A thousand times yes. There’s a persistent myth that menstruation disqualifies you from tattooing, but unless you don’t feel up for it, there’s no issue.

The real answer: You might feel more sensitive and swollen, but you’re absolutely welcome. Just let us know if you need breaks, chocolate, hygiene products, or a heating pad. We support womb solidarity.

8. “Do you ever turn people away for how they look or smell?”

Okay, real talk. Appearance? Never. But hygiene? That’s a thing.

The real answer: If someone comes in after a three-day festival with no shower, or their scent clears the room, we might gently reschedule. Not to be mean—just to ensure a safe, sanitary, and bearable environment. All the bacteria living on your skin and respiring those aromas would also love to have a festival of their own inside your fresh wound.

Come clean, come kind, come ready.

9. “Do people ever flirt with you during a session?”

Oh, absolutely. Some clients flirt hard. Some are subtle. And some try to shoot their shot mid-linework—which, frankly, is not the moment. In the DMs? There have been blocked buttons used in the process.

The real answer: Respect your artist’s vibe. If they reciprocate after the session, that’s between you two. But during the appointment? Keep it professional, flirty-free, and focused. As for our personal studio, we appreciate the flattery but please respect that we are a married couple and our relationship is integral to our artistic space…so, just don’t make it weird, bro.

10. “Can I ask for something... a little kinky?”

You’d be surprised how many clients ask for kink, fetish, or erotic designs—sometimes in private places, sometimes not! As long as the client is comfortable, and consenting to the design, we are down to get down and dirty with your design.

The real answer: Many artists are totally down for sexy or unconventional pieces. Others prefer to keep it PG. Either way: ask kindly, explain clearly, and respect their boundaries. You can also often intuit if an artist is comfortable with this style from viewing their body of work or doing a consult with them, if you are too nervous to just full send from the start.

You might get a “hell yes,” or a “not my vibe.” Either way, you’ll get honesty.

Final Thoughts: Ask the Question Anyway

Tattooing is personal. It’s physical. It’s emotional. It involves trust, skin, and sometimes nudity. We like to think of it as a king of sexy doctor’s office where there is equally less clothing, but you leave with way cooler stickers. So, OF COURSE you’re going to have some wild questions.

But please—ask them. Kindly. Directly. Without shame. And with some respect.

The worst thing that can happen? We say, “Nope, I don’t offer that.” The best thing? You get a “yes,” and the experience of a lifetime.

So whether you’re curious about thigh tattoos, tip etiquette, or why your artist lights up at certain designs and not others—it’s all fair game. The taboo questions are only taboo until someone answers them.

And in this studio? You’re always allowed to ask.