Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

  • We are located at 223 East Main Street in Downtown Salisbury, Maryland, next to Pole Dance Paradise.

  • We are open Monday - Friday from 11 AM to 7 PM and closed on Sundays; we take our last appointment at 6 PM. Please note that not all of our artists are available at all times; call ahead to check availability!

    Check our Piercing FAQ for piercing hours.

  • Cash is preferred, but we do accept all major credit/debit cards and Apple Pay/Google Pay for transactions over $50. Our artists cannot accept tattoo payments through Cash App or Venmo, but they can accept tips!

  • Free street parking is available with a 2 hour limit on weekdays until 4 PM; it’s free after 4PM and all day on weekends. For longer sessions during the week, we recommend parking in the parking garage at 111 Circle Ave ($2/hour or $10/day).

  • Valid government-issued photo ID is required for all appointments. Driver’s licenses, military IDs, and passports are all acceptable forms of ID. We cannot accept birth certificates or any non-photo ID.

    For minor clients (piercings only), we require a parent or guardian to be present that is listed on the child’s birth certificate. We require a copy of the birth certificate with the present parent's name listed, and that parent's ID as well.

  • Yes, you're welcome to bring a friend or two for support! We just ask that you limit it to one or two guests at the artist’s station to help keep the space comfortable, focused, and distraction-free. Your artist’s priority is performing your service safely and efficiently, and a calm environment helps make that possible.

  • You're welcome to stop by with older children or pets, but there are a few important guidelines in place for everyone's safety and comfort.

    • Due to health and safety regulations, pets are not permitted beyond the reception area and are not allowed on the studio floor.

    • Children are not permitted on the studio floor at any time (unless they are having a piercing performed).

    • Children 12 and older may wait in the reception area unaccompanied, but they cannot accompany you to the artist’s station.

    • Children under 12 must be supervised by an additional adult in the waiting area only at all times. Infants are not permitted to accompany you on the studio floor, even in a car seat!

    • If you do not have an additional adult present to supervise small children, we will have to reschedule your appointment for a time when you are able to make childcare arrangements.

    These guidelines help us maintain a safe, sterile, and focused environment for both clients and artists.

Tattoos

  • Walk in-availability varies daily; check our Instagram or call to make sure we’re available!

    We highly recommend making an appointment to guarantee your spot. All custom tattoo appointments must fill out an tattoo request form: Tattoo Request Form

    Once you submit your form, we’ll review your request and match it with the right artist. You’ll hear back within 1 - 3 business days. If it’s a clear fit, we’ll reach out via email to get you scheduled and send you the deposit link. If not, we may recommend a quick consultation, which we can schedule in-person or virtual.

    (If we are not able to take on your project, we will gladly recommend artists in the area that may be a better fit for you!)

  • Our apprentice Emily is currently offering $30 Tiny Tattoos on Mondays! (Cash only)

    Check out the flash sheet here!

    Keep an eye on our socials for events and specials.

  • We do NOT tattoo minors, even with parental consent.

  • Tattoo pricing can vary a lot depending on the size, style, placement, and level of detail. Because every piece is custom fit to your body, we need specific information before we can give you an accurate quote. Think of it like asking how much groceries cost—it really depends on what you’re getting.

    To get started, you’ll need to fill out our Tattoo Request Form. In some cases, we may also ask you to come in for an in-person consultation if we need more details before pricing your design.

    Our shop minimum is $100, and a minimum non-refundable $25 deposit is required to book your appointment. Larger or more complex pieces may require additional deposit amounts or multiple sessions, which your artist will discuss with you after reviewing your request.

    We do not provide quotes over the phone, email, or social media. Submitting the Tattoo Request Form is the best way to get the process started!

  • While we do have a phone, we use it mainly for clients to call to notify us of last minute cancellations or lateness, or for urgent matters like aftercare questions. We do not give price quotes or schedule any appointments over the phone.

  • We respect our artists’ personal time and boundaries; all appointment requests and questions about your appointment must be directed to the CryBaby Instagram, Facebook, email or phone number.

    Do NOT contact our artists directly on their personal social media pages (unless specifically asked to by said artist). Failure to respect this policy will get you blocked and may result in a ban from our shop.

  • Yes—your artist will create a custom design for you ahead of your appointment. A non-refundable deposit is required to book, which is applied toward the final cost of your tattoo and also covers the drawing fee. This includes up to three design variations.

    If you request additional revisions beyond those included, an additional deposit may be required to account for the extra time and work involved. Your artist will communicate with you throughout the process to ensure you’re happy with the direction of the design before your session.

  • We understand that ideas can evolve, and you're absolutely welcome to change your mind. However, significant changes to your original design may require rescheduling your appointment and placing an additional deposit. This is to account for the extra time your artist will need to revise or completely redraw your design, and to ensure their time is fairly compensated in the event of a scheduling change.

    If you're considering a change, please contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss your options and make any necessary adjustments to your booking.

  • We understand that life happens and you may need to reschedule, but our artists’ time is valuable and no-shows and last minute cancellations mean that your artist is not compensated for their time that day, if they don’t have time to schedule another appointment.

    Due to an unfortunate increase in last-minute cancellations, no shows or cancellations with less than 3 business days notice forfeit deposits, no exceptions. You will subsequently be required to put down a new deposit in order to reschedule your appointment.

  • Creative sessions are discounted tattoo appointments starting at $300, during which the artist has the freedom to design and tattoo a piece of their choosing within their preferred style. Clients select a general style from the artist’s offerings, and the artist then creates a custom design that reflects their artistic vision.

    You will have the opportunity to view the design before the session; however, significant revisions are subject to the artist’s approval. Session length may vary based on the size, placement, and budget of the piece.

    At this time, Peach is offering creative sessions in glitter tattoos and American traditional styles.

  • Your artist will provide you with personalized aftercare instructions at the end of your session based on your tattoo’s placement and style. If you have any questions afterward or need a refresher, you can always refer to our full aftercare guide here: CryBaby Tattoo Aftercare.

  • No—it's important to avoid swimming in pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, and hot tubs until your tattoo is fully healed. These bodies of water can expose your fresh tattoo to bacteria, chemicals, and debris that may cause irritation, infection, or fading. Healing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but this can vary based on your skin, placement, and how well you're following aftercare instructions. Stick to gentle cleansing and moisturizing, and wait until your tattoo is fully healed before getting back in the water. When in doubt, ask your artist!

Piercings

  • Our piercer accepts walk-ins or appointments! Piercings are available Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday from 11 AM - 6 PM.

  • Yes, we do select piercings for minors! For earlobes, they must be old enough to verbally consent and sit through the piercing, typically a minimum of 5-6 years old. Please note: we won’t force anyone to go through with a piercing, and will stop the service immediately if your child withdraws consent at any time.

    These piercings are available for 13 and up only:

    • Ears (other than lobes)

    • Nostril

    • Septum

    • Lip

    • Eyebrow

    We will NOT do the following piercings on any minors, even with parental consent:

    • Navel/belly button

    • Dermals/implants

    • Oral piercings (tongue, smiley)

    • Any “below-the-belt” piercings

    Our piercer reserves the right to refuse service at their professional discretion. They will evaluate your child's temperament, cooperation, and ability to care for existing or previous piercings to determine whether they feel comfortable proceeding with the piercing. 

    All minor clients must have a parent or guardian present that is listed on the child’s birth certificate. We require a copy of the birth certificate with the present parent's name listed, and that parent's ID as well.

  • Pain is always subjective—what feels intense to one person might be totally manageable to another. Most piercings involve just a quick, sharp pinch and are over in seconds.

    At CryBaby, our professional piercers work efficiently and talk you through the entire process to help you feel as comfortable as possible. If you’re nervous, let us know—we’re here to support you every step of the way.

  • At CryBaby Tattoo, we follow the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) guidelines to ensure the safest and most effective healing process for your piercing.

    Aftercare instructions can vary based on the type and location of your piercing, so we always recommend reviewing the APP’s official aftercare guide here: safepiercing.org/aftercare

    You'll also receive personalized aftercare instructions at your appointment, but if you ever have questions or concerns during the healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out or stop by!

  • We recommend avoiding swimming in pools, oceans, lakes, hot tubs, and other bodies of water until your piercing is fully healed. These environments can introduce bacteria that may lead to irritation or infection.

    Healing times vary depending on the piercing, so be sure to follow the aftercare guidelines we provide and check the APP's recommendations here: safepiercing.org/aftercare

    If you’re not sure whether it’s safe to swim, feel free to ask your piercer!

  • No. These products are far too harsh for healing piercings. They dry out the skin, damage healing tissue, and can lead to increased irritation or prolonged healing times. Instead, stick to sterile saline or a piercing aftercare solution recommended by your piercer or the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). Check out their aftercare guide here.

  • No. Twisting or turning your jewelry was once thought to help prevent it from “sticking,” but we now know it can actually cause more harm than good. Rotating the jewelry disrupts the healing tissue, introduces bacteria, and can delay the healing process. Just leave your jewelry in place and clean around it as directed.

  • Absolutely not. The idea of threading anything through your healing piercing—whether it’s actual floss or another material—is extremely unsanitary and can introduce bacteria, cause tearing, and set back the healing process. Piercings do not need to be “flossed”; proper external cleaning with saline is more than sufficient.

  • Not for long-term wear. Acrylic and plastic jewelry are porous materials, which means they can harbor bacteria and are difficult to clean thoroughly. They can also become brittle or crack over time. While plastic jewelry might be acceptable for very short-term use (such as during a medical procedure where metal is not allowed), we always recommend implant-grade metals or glass for safe, hygienic healing.

  • Not all bumps are keloids. In fact, true keloids are rare and genetically inherited. What many people mistake for a keloid is usually a hypertrophic scar or a pressure bump, which is much more common and often a result of trauma, improper jewelry, or irritation during healing. If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, our piercers are happy to assess it and guide you toward proper care.

  • You should wait until your piercing is fully healed before changing your jewelry—this can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the location. Changing it too early can cause irritation, prolong healing, or even lead to infection. Always check with your piercer before making any changes, and consider having your first jewelry change done professionally to avoid complications.