Tattoo parlor: Business proves recession proof

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SALEM - Hawaiian Joe's Tattoo parlor is holding a 10 - 10 sale today beginning at noon.

Located above the Kitchen Klassics store at 657 E. State St. the business is owned by Reggie Robinson and has been in its new location since March.

Today's sale offers any above-the-waist tattoo for $10 for the 10-hour span from noon until 10 p.m. It includes single-needle piercing too.

Robinson, who got into tattooing through music and playing lead guitar with "too many to count" bands, has five artists working at Hawaiian Joe's Tattoo. They represent a total of 47 years in the business. Robinson said he's been tattooing for 16 years.

Artist Bob McElroy of Salem has three years experience while Ron Simpson of East Palestine has nine years, Scott Guappone of Salem has eight years experience and Tony Helisek of East Palestine has 11 years. Hawaiian Joe's Tattoo hours are 2 to 10 p.m. seven days a week and appointments are "at all hours."

Just about any kind of tattoo you can think of can be drawn, from old school to new.

Old school, according to Hawaiian Joe's Tattoo artists, refers to pin-ups and heart and rose type tattoos while the new school is more defined and attains more detail "with a more artistic approach."

The most popular tattoo area is the upper arm, Robinson said, the deltoids and biceps while the average tattoo is drawn with three to four colors. But color possibilities are almost limitless with a blend of the 12 basic colors that are available.

The upper arm can withstand the modest discomfort of the tattoo procedure better, Robinson said.

It's the most popular for both males and females.

"It's the part that hurts the least," he said, but one person said the pain isn't as severe as people think it is - it's more of a discomfort than anything else.

Tattoos can take from 20 minutes to 16 hours and multiple sessions, Robinson said, explaining that body piercing is much quicker because a single needle is used. The most popular piercing areas, both for males and females are ears, nostrils, tongue and the nipples.

Robinson said setting up for a piercing takes longer than the actual procedure.

The cost can range from a minimum of $50 up $5,000 or $6,000 depending on the size, shape and complexity, he said, adding that business has been good.

"It's recession proof. People want to get something you can't repossess," he said.

Hawaiian Joe's Tattoo is licensed by the state.

Larry Shields can be reached at lshields@salemnews.net