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Frequently Asked Questions

A Legal Disclaimer

The explanations and information provided on this page are only general and high-level explanations and information on how to write your own document of Terms & Conditions. You should not rely on this article as legal advice or as recommendations regarding what you should actually do, because we cannot know in advance what are the specific terms you wish to establish between your business and your customers and visitors. We recommend that you seek legal advice to help you understand and to assist you in the creation of your own Terms & Conditions. 

Terms & Conditions - The Basics

Having said that, Terms and Conditions (“T&C”) are a set of legally binding terms defined by you, as the owner of this website. The T&C set forth the legal boundaries governing the activities of the website visitors, or your customers, while they visit or engage with this website. The T&C are meant to establish the legal relationship between the site visitors and you as the website owner. 


T&C should be defined according to the specific needs and nature of each website. For example, a website offering products to customers in e-commerce transactions requires T&C that are different from the T&C of a website only providing information (like a blog, a landing page, and so on).     


T&C provide you as the website owner the ability to protect yourself from potential legal exposure, but this may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, so make sure to receive local legal advice if you are trying to protect yourself from legal exposure.

What To Include In The T&C Document

Generally speaking, T&C often address these types of issues: Who is allowed to use the website; the possible payment methods; a declaration that the website owner may change his or her offering in the future; the types of warranties the website owner gives his or her customers; a reference to issues of intellectual property or copyrights, where relevant; the website owner’s right to suspend or cancel a member’s account; and much much more. 

 

To learn more about this, check out our article “Creating a Terms and Conditions Policy”.

Tattoo FAQs
How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?
Patriots offers tattoo services to clients ages 16 and older. Clients ages 16–17 must have a parent present throughout the procedure.
Can I get a tattoo if I'm under 18?
Yes. Clients ages 16–17 can receive tattoos with a parent physically present and involved in approving the design, size, color, and placement.
What identification do I need for my tattoo appointment?
All clients must bring a physical, state-issued photo ID. Military IDs are also accepted.
What identification is required for minors?
Clients ages 16–17 must bring a state-issued photo ID, birth certificate, military ID, passport, or a school-issued ID accompanied by a birth certificate.
The parent must also bring a physical, state-issued photo ID. Guardianship or custody documentation is required if the parent and minor have different last names and addresses.
Does my parent need to be present for a tattoo touch-up?
Yes. Clients under 18 must have a parent present for all tattoo services, including touch-ups.
How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?
Please arrive having eaten a full meal and being well hydrated. This will help make the experience more comfortable.
How do I care for my new tattoo?
Your tattoo artist will explain their specific aftercare instructions during your appointment. Following these instructions is essential for proper healing.

Piercing FAQs
How old do I have to be to get a piercing?
Patriots begins piercing clients at age 8. The types of piercings available depend on the client's age.
What piercings can minors get?

  • Ages 8–15: Ear lobe piercings

  • Ages 15–17: Ear piercings (including cartilage), nose, septum, lip, eyebrow, and navel piercings

Minors must be willing and enthusiastic about receiving their piercing and understand the decision and aftercare requirements.
Do I need a parent present if I'm under 18?
Yes. A parent must be physically present throughout the procedure. Parental presence is also required for other services, including jewelry changes and purchases.
What identification do I need for my piercing appointment?
All clients must bring a physical, state-issued photo ID. Military IDs are accepted.
For minors, a birth certificate, military ID, passport, or school-issued ID accompanied by a birth certificate can also be used. The parent must bring their own state-issued photo ID.
If the parent and minor have different last names and addresses, guardianship papers or proof of custody are required.
Can I bring my own jewelry for a new piercing?
No. All initial piercings use autoclave-sterilized, implant-grade titanium (ASTM F-136) jewelry selected to provide the proper fit for healing.
Can I use my own jewelry for a jewelry change?
Possibly, but the decision is entirely up to the piercer. Outside jewelry may be unsuitable due to metal quality, sizing, style, or concerns about piercing health.
Can everyone get the same types of piercings?
No. Many piercings are anatomy-dependent. Your piercer will assess your anatomy and explain which piercings are most likely to heal successfully.
Common anatomy-dependent piercings include industrials, septums, daiths, forward helixes, navels, dermals, and vertical lip/labret piercings.
How long does a piercing take to heal?
Piercings typically take between 3 and 12 months to heal completely, although healing may take longer if issues occur.
Do I need to downsize my piercing jewelry?
Many piercings require downsizing for proper healing and long-term comfort. Your piercer will explain when downsizing is needed.
Patriots offers downsizing services for piercings performed at the shop for $20.
Can Patriots change my piercing jewelry?
Yes. Patriots offers jewelry-change services for piercings performed at the shop.
A change fee applies for inserting or removing one piercing. For multiple piercings, the first is full price and each additional piercing is half price.
Can Patriots change jewelry from a piercing done elsewhere?
Piercings performed elsewhere, especially amateur or poorly performed piercings, may not be suitable for jewelry changes.
What should I do if I lose my piercing?
Patriots recommends waiting a minimum of one month before having the area re-pierced.
Should I remove my jewelry while my piercing heals?
No. Initial jewelry should remain in the piercing throughout the entire healing process until the piercing is completely mature. Piercings can close very quickly without jewelry.
What if I have questions or concerns about my piercing?
Please contact Patriots by email at curt.c.taylor@gmail.com or by phone at 703-246-9446 during business hours (1–8 PM daily).
Many piercing concerns require an in-person visit so the piercing team can properly evaluate the issue.

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