As summer winds down and everyone settles into their school routine, some are restless for a change. Body modifications like piercings and tattoos are increasingly popular as social acceptance grows – especially among college students. With college being the first time for many where they have the freedom to make such choices – and even for those who are a couple years in – the allure of a tattoo flash sale is compelling.

Two parlors in town, Tattoo Coven and Ink Slingers, are offering discount tats for Friday the 13^th.

Flash sales are special events when certain designs are offered by a tattoo shop at a discounted rate. The limited designs available appear on a “flash sheet,” hence the name of the sale. They’re often held around holidays when themed tattoos are in style.

“It’s an actual real popular time to do that, or Halloween, just because some of them are a little spooky and some of them are a little risqué,” said Nikki Breshears, co-owner and tattoo artist of Tattoo Coven.

Tattoo Coven, located at 525 S. Kimbrough Ave., opened this May. Breshears and fellow co-owner Sam Ross have been tattooing in Springfield for over five years.

If you’re looking for a cheap and fast first tattoo, this might not be the best choice.

“I never suggest that you get your first tattoo at a flash sale,” Breshears warned. She explained that flash sales bring in many people and the fast-paced nature can be nerve-racking.

“There’s already a lot of nerves when you’re coming in for something like that,” she said. If someone does decide to come in for their first tattoo anyways, she advises drinking lots of water and eating before arriving.

Breshears said that from start to finish, it is about a 20 to 30-minute process to get a flash tattoo.

“It also depends on how well the person sits and where it’s at. If we’re putting it in a harder location it takes time,” she said.

Another crucial aspect of getting a tattoo is aftercare. Properly wrapping, covering and cleaning your new ink keeps it from getting infected and helps it heal. Tattoos are a commitment!

Ink Slingers at 1355 E. Kearney St. also offers a Friday the 13^th flash sale: any design off their flash sheet is only 13 dollars. They are also the home of the 35-dollar tattoo. Flash sheets for both locations can be found on their respective Facebook pages.

Article written by Maclen Johnson