Tattoo FAQ

 

Are Tattoos Safe?
Yes, as long as you go to a reputable artist that is following all recommended safety precautions. Find out what these recommendations are by going through our Safety Checklist. Remember that no matter how good or bad an artist may be or how bad you really want a tattoo, improper sterilization is NOT WORTH THE RISK. There are bllod borne diseases like HIV, Hepatitis and syphilis that are life treatening and can spread without adequate precautions. Getting a tattoo can be COMPLETELY SAFE as thousands of people have tattoos applied each year. Professional tattoo studios have been in the forefront in implementing proper sterilization techniques for years, long before it was cool to get a tattoo.

 

Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt?
Pain is really relative. Everyone has a different tolerance to pain. I'm not going to kid you, though - it does hurt. It’s just not that much. Some have compared it to a "hot scratching feeling". But, people would not be returning again and again for tattoo after tattoo if it hurts that bad! Most of us are not into pain, but the beauty of the tattoo and the pride associated with wearing it far outweighs a little pin-stick here and there.

 

What should I expect when I go to get my tattoo?
Once you have decided on your tattoo design and your artist, you will be required to show valid identification for proof of age. You may also be asked for your address and phone number, so your artist can contact you in the future if necessary. In most studios, payment must be made before services are rendered. It is up to each studio to decide which methods of payment they accept.

After the paperwork is sortedout, you will be seated in the tattoo chair. Sometimes this is in an open work area, and sometimes a private room depending on the location of your tattoo. If you are shy and don't want others to watch, you can request a private room, but be sure you have done this in advance. A lot of studios use dentist-style chairs, some use regular table chairs, and some use benches. Your artist will do his or her best to make you comfortable for the tattoo you have chosen.

Now it is time for the preparation. The area of your body you have chosen for your tattoo will be cleaned, usually with rubbing alcohol. Then, any hair will be removed from the area by shaving it with a new disposable razor which will be discarded after being used. It will be cleaned again to make sure it is smooth and ready for the transfer.

Most studios today use a thermal-fax to make their stencils. This saves hours of tracing time by simply inserting your tattoo design into the machine, and it transfers it onto a special thermal paper in seconds. Once your stencil is ready, it's time to create the transfer onto your skin. Some artists will use soap or water to moisten the skin, and some will use stick deodorant. This aids in making the design transfer onto your skin. When the paper is pulled away from your skin, it will leave you with a bluish outline of your future tattoo.

Then your artist will start preparing their tattoo machine. The inks will be placed in little tiny cups called "ink caps", and the needles and tubes will be removed from their sterile pouches and placed in the machine. Clean, distilled water will be poured into a cup for cleaning the needles during the tattoo process and to change from one color to the next. Some A&D ointment or Vaseline will be placed on a clean surface for your use only.

Now it is time to get down to serious business! A little ointment will be placed over your transfer design for a few reasons. One is that it helps keep the transfer on longer without accidentally rubbing it off, and it also helps the needle to slide along the skin more smoothly, which is certainly going to be more comfortable for you. After the ointment is applied, it is time for the first line. If you're nervous, don't hold your breath. Some people have passed out during a tattoo, and trust me - it wasn't the pain, it was the panic! Take a nice, slow, deep breath and try to relax. The first minute or so will be the roughest. After that, your skin will kind of get used to it and the pain will begin to subside.

Once all the line-work is done, it's time to get creative with a little shading and possibly color. Depending on the size of your tattoo, your artist may switch to a different type of needles called magnums (or mags) which are designed for coloring and shading. They may even switch tattoo machines altogether. The shading and coloring can go along quite quickly, and before you know it...you've got a complete tattoo.

Your artist may like a picture of your tattoo for their portfolio. They'll clean it up real good, and sometimes even apply a hot towel to it first. Then they'll take a picture, and this is a good time for you to get a shot, too, if you brought a camera along. Taking a photo after the protective ointment is applied causes a glare, so it is best to do it now. If for any reason you do not want the artist to take a photo, just say so. You are not under obligation to let them.

Now that your tattoo is finished and clean, it needs to be treated just like a wound. A protective layer of ointment will be applied to the tattoo to prevent invasion of airborne bacteria that can cause infection. Then a bandage will be applied, and it will be taped up to make sure it is secure. It is important that you keep this bandage on for the amount of time your artist instructs, which brings us to our last step: aftercare.

Your artist will now give you aftercare instructions. These should be given both verbally, and on a piece of paper for you to take home with you. It is important that you listen and follow the instructions you are given. From this point on, it is your responsibility to make sure your tattoo is well taken care of. The artist cannot be blamed if you get an infection because you didn't follow directions.

 

How Can I Find Pictures of a Specific Tattoo?
If you're getting a tattoo, especially as an expression of your individuality, why would you want a tattoo just like someone else's? Instead, find other pictures of what you're looking for and have your artist draw up a custom design for you. Example: If you want a tattoo of a penguin standing on a glacier, find real photos of penguins and glaciers. If you want a tattoo of a blue rose wrapped around a cross, find pictures of real roses and crosses that you like. If the pictures don't show exactly what you want, just take them to your artist to use them as guidelines and tell them what changes you want made to the original pictures. A real artist will welcome the challenge of a custom piece.

 

How Much do Tattoos Cost? Why are they so expensive?
When it comes to tattoos, you get what you pay for. Prices are established according to a "sterilization fee" or "base cost" - each studio has to cover the cost of medical supplies like disinfectants & autoclave disposables, and are also dependant on the size, color and amount of detail of the tattoo. If any studio does it dirt cheap, they are probably using RECYCLED needles and EQUIPMENT on you. BEWARE. Yes, there are plenty of people tattooing out there that will ink you real cheap, and you'll be crying to a real artist to have it covered up. And not forgetting the health issues that may crop up several months or years down the road. Look for quality, and be willing to pay for it. NEVER haggle over the price of a tattoo. It is disrespectful to the artist. If you can't pay for quality, don't bother. This is not a bargain bin. It is a piece of art you will wear for life. Remember this "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten".

 

Are Tanning and Sunbathing OK with a Tattoo?
THE SUN IS YOUR TATTOO’S WORST ENEMY
It’s no secret that tanning isn't really good for your skin anyway, but it's even harder on your tattoos. Ultraviolet rays, while adding a nice bronze tone to your skin, drain the life out of a tattoo. The more you tan, the more the ink fades and slowly goes from brilliant to boring.
Does that mean your tanning days are over? Well, I guess that depends on how much you love your tattoos and want them to stay bright and looking their best.
If you absolutely must go soak up some rays, at least be sensible and use sun block. Find the highest SPF level you can find and re-apply often if you're going to spend a lot of time outside. If you just can't accept having pasty white skin and your goal is to go out and get some color, make sure you at least protect your tattoos with as much sunscreen as possible.

 

What Tattoo Should I Get and Where Should I Put it?
This is all a matter of personal taste. You can get whatever you want, and whatever your artist is willing to do. But bear in mind that tattoos should be chosen for a lifetime. You can choose a picture off the wall, or you can have them create a custom piece just for you. Your only limit is your own imagination. As far as where you should get it goes, just keep in mind what you do for work and the type of social circles you are in. You might want to consider placing your tattoo where it can be easily covered up with normal clothing.

 

Can I Still Get a Tattoo if I'm Sick?
Getting a tattoo when your immune system isn't at 100% isn't a good idea. You're going to need your strength and your white blood cells to heal your tattoo, something your body won't be able to do if it's already doing battle against virus and bacteria. Not to mention the fact that it's very inconsiderate to bring your illness into the tattoo studio and risk passing the germs onto others, particularly your artist. If you have an appointment, call and reschedule for when you're feeling well again.

 

Is my Tattoo Infected?
If you think your tattoo might be infected, don't sit around waiting for it to get worse! Signs of infection are severe pain, hot redness, swelling and/or a puss discharge (with or without the presence of blood). Infection that is not properly tended to can result in serious health consequences and even death. It is not something to be taken lightly. Contact your artist immediately and ask for his advice.

 

Can a Mole be Tattooed Over?
Although moles are usually benign and we go through life ignoring them, there is always the possibility that a mole could serve as an indicator of cancer. This makes the preservation of a mole important. One of the ways a mole can indicate a problem is by changing color. If it has been tattooed over with pigment, it may hinder your ability to spot any color differences. For your safety, it is best that a mole not be tattooed over.
However, a mole can be tattooed around. Sometimes moles are even incorporated purposely into the design to serve an artistic purpose. Be sure to keep an eye on your mole for any changes in size or color, and see a doctor immediately if it does.

 

Why is my Tattoo Peeling and Flaking Off?
Peeling and flaking of a new tattoo is perfectly normal. Before it actually begins to peel, the tattoo will look like it's covered with a whitish, cracking film. Then you'll see white or translucent flakes of old, dead skin start to peel off and some of the flakes may even contain some ink. Sometimes you can actually see a duplicate image of part of your tattoo peeling off - it's rather disconcerting, but it is also perfectly normal and there is no need to panic. It's a lot like a snake shedding its skin. Just add a little lotion (a LITTLE) to the tattoo to help keep it moist and encourage those flakes to come off. Do NOT scratch, pick or peel them. It will all be done in a few days and the color of your tattoo will start to return to normal.

 

How do I chose Tattoo Studios or Artists?

Your first impression of the studio should be it looks and smells clean. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The artist should be fully knowledgeable on the subject of tattooing, sterilization and able to answer any other questions. You need to judge the artist on their skills, training and knowledge in the work they are presently pruducing. Once you have inspected the studio, have spoken with the artist and feel comfortable that they meet your expectations for quality, the only decision you have left is to decide on the tattoo.

 

Does a Tattoo Restrict Physical Activity?
Physical activity (non-contact sports) is usually OK to continue when you get a new tattoo as long as you take extra good care of it. If you get sweaty, take a shower and clean it as soon as you can. If you're a body builder, just avoid lifting weights with that particular muscle for a few days so you don't stretch it too much. Keep it covered if it has to come in contact with any tight clothing that may rub during movement, but remove any covering as soon as your workout is completed.
Contact sports like football and wrestling, however, are much more potentially damaging for a new tattoo. In this case, a tattoo would really not be a wise choice unless it was possible to avoid the sport for at least a couple of weeks.

 

Is it Disloyal to Change Tattoo Artists?
Changing to a different artist that just happens to work in the same studio as your other artist can be really touchy. So, what should you do if you find yourself in this situation?
If you're not happy with the results you are getting, then by all means you should find an artist that you can feel comfortable with. We're talking about ink you will no doubt be wearing for the rest of your life, and you should never settle for less. But if they are a nice person and you are concerned about their feelings, here are some words of wisdom from some experienced forum members:
• "Collectors do just that. Collect, sometimes from one artist, sometimes from many. Besides, why would you give money to someone who you feel isn't doing their best?"
• "This is your body forever; if the artist isn't doing what you want you have every right to switch."
• "A short term regret is much better than a long term one, meaning an unwanted tattoo."