Friday the 13th Tattoos: Flash Deals, Designs & Cost
Updated: 9 hours ago
Friday the 13th tattoos are one of the most beloved traditions in tattoo culture — an unofficial holiday where shops worldwide offer discounted flash tattoos to celebrate the supposedly unlucky date. What began as a local shop tradition has grown into a global phenomenon, transforming superstition into a celebration of community, affordability, and body art. This guide covers the history, typical prices, popular designs, what to expect, and aftercare.
📌 Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
What it is: An unofficial tattoo holiday where shops sell pre-drawn "flash" designs at deep discounts on Friday the 13th.
Origin: Popularized by Oliver Peck (Elm Street Tattoo, Dallas) in the early 2000s, building on Sailor Jerry's legacy.
Typical prices: $13, $31, $60, $111 — depending on the shop and design complexity.
The catch: Flash designs only (no custom work), walk-in only, first-come first-served, often long lines.
Popular designs: The number 13, black cats, bats, skulls, spiders, Jason Voorhees, witches, coffins.
Best for: First tattoos, collectors, and anyone wanting affordable, spontaneous ink.
Table of Contents
1. What Are Friday the 13th Tattoos?
Friday the 13th tattoos are a tradition in tattoo culture — particularly in Western countries — where tattoo shops offer discounted flash tattoos on Friday the 13th. (Source: StyleCraze)
Flash tattoos are pre-drawn designs displayed on a "flash sheet" — not custom creations. On this day, shops offer these designs at significantly reduced prices, typically featuring the number 13 alongside traditional and spooky imagery like black cats, bats, skulls, and broken mirrors.
The tradition transforms the supposedly unlucky date into a celebration of tattoo culture, drawing both experienced collectors and first-time clients. By deliberately getting tattooed on a day associated with misfortune, participants engage in a form of superstition reversal — turning bad luck into good through permanent body art.
2. The History & Origin of the Tradition
The Friday the 13th tattoo tradition has deep roots in tattoo history. (Source: NBC Boston)
The sailor connection. Sailors historically got the number 13 tattooed as a way to prevent misfortune — a protective talisman against bad luck at sea. This rebellious spirit carried into tattoo culture.
Oliver Peck's influence. The modern format is widely credited to Oliver Peck, former co-owner of Elm Street Tattoo in Dallas, Texas. Beginning in the early 2000s, Peck established a tradition of offering $13 tattoos (plus a mandatory $7 tip, totaling $20) featuring the number 13 and other traditional designs on every Friday the 13th. His legendary 24-hour marathon sessions — tattooing hundreds of people in a single day — turned a local shop tradition into an international phenomenon.
Sailor Jerry's legacy. Legendary artist Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins laid the groundwork, offering special flash designs at discounted prices during significant dates. His bold, clean American traditional style continues to influence the aesthetic of Friday the 13th flash sheets today.
The global spread. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, social media accelerated the tradition's growth — shops showcased their flash sheets online, and what began as isolated events became a global tattoo holiday with thousands of studios participating worldwide.
3. How Much Do Friday the 13th Tattoos Cost?
Pricing varies by shop, but the tradition revolves around the numbers 1 and 3. Here are the most common price points:
Price Point | Typical Design |
$13 | Small, simple design (the classic — often + $7 tip = $20) |
$31 | Slightly larger or more detailed flash design |
$60 | Medium flash design with more detail |
$111 | Larger or more complex flash piece |
$13–$31 | Common range for small traditional designs |
Many shops now offer tiered pricing — maintaining the traditional $13 (plus tip) for small, simple designs while adding $31, $66, or $111 options for progressively larger or more detailed work from the same flash sheets. Some shops charge a small setup fee (e.g., $7) on top.
Note: prices vary widely by city and shop. Some studios offer designs from $40–$200, while others stick strictly to the $13 format. Check your local shop's announcement before going.
4. Popular Friday the 13th Designs & Meanings
Design | Meaning |
The number 13 | The essential motif — superstition reversal, luck, tradition |
Black cat | The most beloved flash motif — superstition, mystery |
Bat | Night, the supernatural, Dracula lore |
Skull | Mortality, memento mori, spooky aesthetic |
Spider / web | Fear, the macabre, Halloween |
Broken mirror | Bad luck superstition, defiance |
Witch / cauldron | Magic, the occult, Halloween |
Coffin | Death, the macabre |
Jason Voorhees / hockey mask | The Friday the 13th film franchise, horror |
Crescent moon | Mystery, the eerie night |
Dice / 13 stars | Luck, gambling, chance |
Traditional rose / dagger / heart | Classic American flash, adapted with the 13 |
The number 13 is the most essential and iconic element — many shops require its inclusion in any design offered at event pricing. Black cats are perhaps the most recognizable and beloved flash motif, connecting directly to superstitions about these animals as harbingers of misfortune. Jason Voorhees designs celebrate the Friday the 13th film franchise, adding to the spooky atmosphere.
5. What to Expect: A Practical Guide
Friday the 13th events are high-volume, walk-in-only affairs. Here's what to know before you go:
Before you go:
Check the shop's flash sheet on social media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) — designs are announced in advance.
Arrive early — there's often a line out the door, and designs sell out.
Bring cash — many shops run cash-only or cash-preferred for flash events.
Decide your design in advance — with long lines, hesitation slows everyone down.
At the shop:
Flash designs only — modifications are typically limited or prohibited to keep things moving.
First-come, first-served — no appointments; it's a queue system (numbered lists or wristbands at busy shops).
Expect a wait — artists may tattoo 30–50+ people in a day.
Small, simple designs — most flash pieces are quick, so the line moves steadily.
The vibe:
Many shops create a festival-like atmosphere — music, decorations, and sometimes refreshments or giveaways.
It's a community event — waiting in line is part of the fun, a chance to talk with fellow tattoo enthusiasts.
Pro tip: Friday the 13th is a great opportunity for a first tattoo — affordable, small, and low-commitment. But remember: you're choosing from pre-drawn designs, not custom work.
6. Friday the 13th Tattoo Aftercare
Your Friday the 13th flash tattoo — even a small one — needs proper care to heal well and stay crisp.
Immediate aftercare (days 1–14):
Keep the tattoo clean; wash gently 2–3 times a day with a gentle, fragrance-free hand soap and pat dry — never rub.
Apply a healing ointment like Hustle Butter Deluxe or Aquaphor Healing Skin Ointment to keep the design moisturized without clogging the skin.
For shaded or detailed pieces, Saniderm Tattoo Bandages trap plasma and prevent the thick scabbing that can blur fine lines. Leave on 3–5 days.
Long-term:
Sun protection is critical — UV fades and blurs ink, especially on exposed placements. Use a high-SPF tattoo sunscreen like Mad Rabbit SPF 30 daily.
Moisturize regularly with an unscented lotion like Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion — hydrated skin keeps black ink bold and lines sharp.
Pro tip: The Perfect Tattoo Guide 2.0 helps you prepare properly and care for your ink — whether it's your first flash tattoo or your fiftieth.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
What are Friday the 13th tattoos?
They're a tattoo culture tradition where shops offer discounted pre-drawn "flash" tattoos on Friday the 13th — an unofficial holiday celebrating the supposedly unlucky date.
Why do tattoo shops do Friday the 13th deals?
The tradition was popularized by Oliver Peck in the early 2000s, building on Sailor Jerry's legacy. It brings in high volume, creates community, and makes tattooing more accessible and affordable.
How much do Friday the 13th tattoos cost?
Typical prices are $13, $31, $60, or $111 depending on the shop and design. The classic is $13 (often plus a $7 tip = $20). Many shops now offer tiered pricing.
Do I need an appointment?
No — Friday the 13th events are walk-in only, first-come first-served. Arrive early and expect a line.
Can I get a custom design?
Usually not. Flash events offer pre-drawn designs only — modifications are typically limited or prohibited to keep the high-volume day moving.
What designs are popular?
The number 13, black cats, bats, skulls, spiders, broken mirrors, witches, coffins, and Jason Voorhees designs from the Friday the 13th films.
Is Friday the 13th a good time for a first tattoo?
Yes — it's affordable, small, and low-commitment. Just remember you're choosing from pre-drawn designs, not custom work.
Do Friday the 13th tattoos hurt?
Pain depends on placement, not the event. Most flash designs are small and placed on comfortable areas (forearm, upper arm, calf), so pain is typically low to moderate.
8. References & Sources
About the Author
Leonardo Pereira — founder of Tatuagem Blog, has been researching and writing about tattoo art, symbolism, and aftercare since 2017. This guide was reviewed against tattoo culture and tradition sources, and content intent was aligned to real search behavior, verified in September 2026.
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