having questions?
The decision to get a tattoo is a big one – particularly if it’s your first; you might have few questions about tattooing. Here are some FAQs designed to help you through the process and make the decision that’s right for you.
Q: Does It Hurt To Get A Tattoo?
A: This is the first question in this FAQ because it's usually the first question that people ask.
The answer is yes. Having needles pierce your skin does hurt.
But what you really want to know is, "How MUCH does it hurt, and can I handle it?" Actually, getting a tattoo is not very painful nowadays because modern tattoo equipment is such that the needles go in and out of your skin very quickly. You’ll be completely able to carry on a normal conversation while getting your tattoo.
The pain comes from the cluster of needles on the tattooing machine piercing your skin very rapidly. This sensation, however, doesn't feel like the poking pain of an injection - it's more of a constant vibration. You will be amazed at how quickly your body releases endorphins (pain killers), which dullens the pain significantly.
The pain will also vary according to where on your body you get worked on. Skin right above bones tends to be more painful than other areas. So getting a tattoo on the fleshy part of your arm probably won’t hurt much at all, but directly over your ankle bone or collar bone may be more painful – though still quite bearable.
Tattoo designs can also make a difference with regard to how it feels. Tattooing lines produces a different sensation from ‘filling in’, or tattooing blocks of color. Interestingly, though, there’s quite a lot of disagreement over which hurts more! It seems to be a subjective reaction – some people find the lines more comfortable than the filling in, while others say just the opposite. Suffice it to say that neither is really all that painful.
NOTE: Do not drink alcohol or take drugs for pain relief purposes prior to your tattoo sessions. Both aspirin and alcohol thin your blood and promote excessive bleeding. Aspirin also decreases the clotting of blood, which will slow down your healing as well.
Q: Is It Safe To Get A Tattoo?
A: If you go to a professional tattoo shop where the proper tattoo equipment is used, getting a tattoo is very safe. Decades ago there was concern about getting hepatitis C from tattoos, but this is something all professionals are very conscious of nowadays.
New needles are used for each and every customer, so there is no chance of contracting a blood-borne disease. After your tattoo is finished, we properly dispose of the needles.
Allergies
The red reaction affects approximately 1 in every 100,000 to 300,000 people. It is characcterized by itching and sometimes swelling depending on how severe the case. This usually happens 3 to 5 years after the tattoo, although cases have been reported as early as a few months and as late as 20 years.
Remedies usually involve OTC lotion or in more severe cases, medication prescribed by a dermatologist. No one seems to know what causes it and is associated usually only with the color red.
Anything that the needles must go through to drive the ink into the dermis can be carried with the ink into the skin and some people are blessed with a high degree of reaction to foreign material. Most tattoo artists use a petroleum jelly based ointment as a lubricant on the surface of the skin and tattoo through that layer. In some persons, driving any of that into the skin sets up a foreign body reaction with lumps and itching. If that is the case, persuade your artist to tattoo "dry" without the ointment. It is perfectly satisfactory and no harder on the tattooer or tattooee.
Q: How Much Does It Cost?
A: Tattoo prices vary according to the size and tattoo designs. Of course, a larger and more complex design will cost more than a smaller, simpler one – that stands to reason. You usually pay for work either by the piece, or by the hour. The smaller pieces in the flash book are "standard stock" material that usually don't take me too long to do. Larger (or custom) pieces will usually be charged by the hour (unless we decide beforehand on the total price). If you bring your own design, I may charge anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars an hour.
However, remember that usually you DO get what you pay for. Also, I might charge for illustration time prior to beginning tattoo work. This might increase your price by an extra hour.
If you are on a limited budget, tell me how much you can afford. The best thing to do is to ask. Bring your design – or just describe it - and I should be able to quote you a price.
Price negotiation should be up front and straightforward, a part of your initial discussion before work begins. Sometimes you may be asked to put down a deposit.
WARNING: Once I quote you a price, *DON'T DICKER WITH IT!* The best way to get on the artist's bad side is to try to bargain with the price. If you think the price is too high, renegotiate the scope of the artwork - NOT the price.
If you are very pleased with the work and service, you are strongly encouraged to tip the artist. I personally recommend a tip for any work which you are pleased with, or any custom work where I spent time drawing up your illustration (since drawing time is usually not included in your price). Many tattooists think that the BEST TIP is good word of mouth. If you are happy with your tattoo, show it off to your friends and tell them where you got it done!
Q: What About Anaesthetics?
A: Some people say that taking a couple of analgesics before tattooing can take the edge off the pain. It is generally NOT recommended, as aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs tend to inhibit clotting. In short, you may find yourself bleeding like the proverbial stuck pig.
There are actually topical anaesthetics available. For instance, Bactine contains some lidocaine, and it is possible to buy benzocaine preparations over the counter. The drawback of these is that they do not work on unbroken skin, but if they are applied after the first pass with the needle, they can make a tremendous difference.
EMLA is reputed to be much better, and will work on unbroken skin, but it is not generally available in NZ.
Q: How Do I Overcome My Fear Of Needles?
A: I worked on many with a long history of needle-phobia, so I totally understand where you are coming from. But I have done many tattoos on needlephobics and that proves this fear CAN be overcome.
It's all in the mind, and how badly you really want the tattoo. I wouldn't really describe the pain as feeling like a needle. It doesn't go very far into the skin at all. It feels more like a hot vibrating sensation than anything else. And yes...if you have a fear of needles, watching can make it worse. But I will tell you that your lower back is a lot more sensitive than some other areas. Some of your less-painful areas are the back of your shoulder, your thigh, your hip, buttocks, and sometimes your upper arm.
Q: Can A Mole Be Tattooed Over?
A: 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.
Q: Can I Get Infectious Diseases From Tattoo Needles?
A: There has been some concern recently regarding transmittable diseases and tattoo shops. Just as in a dentist's office, as long as the area is strictly sanitized, your chances for infection will be greatly reduced.
Q: Can I Get Aids From Tattooing?
A: Obviously there is some concern about AIDS and tattooing because when you get a tattoo, you bleed. But the mechanism of transmission needs to be better understood. You are only at risk of infection if you come in contact with infected blood. Since it is only your skin that is being pierced during the tattooing process, only your blood is being exposed. This means that the only person at greater risk is the artist, because s/he is the only one coming in contact with someone else's (potentially infected) blood. This is why reputable (and sane) tattoo artist wears surgical gloves while working.
Another source of infection is through the use of infected tools. Needles and tubes need to be autoclaved before EACH AND EVERY time they are used. Ink should come from separate cups and not directly from the bottle. Any leftover ink should be disposed of and not reused under ANY circumstances.
HIV is also a very fragile virus that cannot survive long outside the human body, and is very easy to kill via autoclaving. If your tattooer maintains sterile conditions and proceedures, there is almost no risk of infection. I say "almost" because any risk, no matter how miniscule, is still a risk and must be recognized. That said, it is important to make sure the studio has a sterile conditions.
Q: Are There Any Medical Conditions That Will Preclude Me From Getting A Tattoo?
A: If you have hemophilia. It is possible to got a tattoo even if you are HIV+, however, you have to inform the artist, since it's the artist that is at more risk than you.
However, it is best to let the artist know if you have ANY medical condition, such as diabetes or epilepsy, in case of an emergency. If you have multiple allergies, you can always have the artist do a "patch test" on you with the colors you want prior to returning for a regular tattoo. This is similar to patch tests done for perms and hair coloring, and will help you determine if your body will react to some of the pigments.
Also, it is generally not considered a good idea to tattoo pregnant women.
Q: How Does Weight Gain/Loss Affect A Tattoo?
A: Tattoos can definitely be affected by stretch marks. Whether you will or won't get stretch marks is apparently determined genetically, so placement is a consideration if you are planning on getting pregnant.
If your skin stretches from weight gain and then shrinks back up without losing its elasticity (the loss of elasticity is what results in stretch marks), then I would expect that there wouldn't be much distortion of the tattoo, maybe none at all. Or, put the tattoo someplace that won't get stretched so much, like the chest area above the breasts.
The upper stomach doesn't stretch much, either, but the lower abdominal skin stretch quite a lot. (I've seen stretch marks on hips, thighs and arms as well - probably related to muscle gain from weight lifting as well as general fattening/thinning.)
Q: Can A Tattoo Be Removed?
A: There are several methods for "removing" a tattoo, listed below. However with all of these methods, you either still end up with a tattoo (albeit a better-looking one), a scar, or a skinnier wallet. In other words, it is much easier to get a tattoo in the first place than to get rid of one. If you are considering getting a new tattoo, think carefully before you do or you may end up re-reading this section.
*IMPORTANT* Most health insurance companies do not cover tattoo removal in their coverage. The removal of a small tattoo (2-inch square) could end up costing you over $1,000 and there are "hidden costs" to the concept of tattoo removal. The bottom line is, TATTOO REMOVAL IS VERY EXPENSIVE. This means that it is extra-important for you to consider CAREFULLY and spend a long time considering getting one in the first place.
Q: Can I Get Cover-Up?
A: There are different ways to get cover-up work, depending on the situation. A name can be tastefully camouflaged with a small design, making the name impossible to read.
If it's the entire thing you want covered, it could be covered with another design. It is easier to cover a lighter color with a darker color, although often the original work is done in a dark color. This means not just a good tattooist, but a really good artist; what they'll have to do is find a way to work the existing tattoo into a new design that will cover and disguise what's there. If you don't believe that good cover-up work can do magic, take a look at some of the before-after photos in some of the tattoo magazines. The artists know how to work with form and shape, to where the new tattoo looks nothing like the old one.
Q: Can I Get Touch-Up?
A: With the advances in technology, technique and the availability of new, brighter colors in the past few years, faded or blurred tattoos can look brighter and sharper than when they were new.
Some touch-up work makes the tattoo significantly better looking than it ever was, actually improving on the original tattoo.
Q: Can I Get A White Ink Tattoo?
A: Most artists use white ink to highlight certain parts of your tattoo design. However, white ink is a special color that requires the artist to work closely with you. The effect of white ink differs greatly among clients, and its visibility and retention on the skin has much to do with the natural coloration of your skin.
White ink seems to work best on very light-skinned people. Unfortunately, this means people with dark skin would not able to get a white ink tattoo on their skin to have a "photo negative effect" that looks like a negative of a dark colored tattoo on light skin. This is because the ink sits under your skin, and the layer of skin over the ink is tinted with your natural skin color. So if you have very dark skin, the white will be overwhelmed with your natural melanin.
Those who have very light skin however, may use white ink exclusively to get tattoo designs that are very difficult to discern at first glance. This might be an interesting option for ankle or wrist tattoos, or other areas where a regular non-white tattoo would show up too easily and possibly cause problems for the wearer.
Q: What Kind Of Colors Can I Get?
A: Concerned that you'll end up with a greenish tattoo with little bits of red or yellow? Worry no more! Today's inks run the entire gamut. Most tattoo inks are metal salt-based pigments that are not made specifically to be used under the skin, and have not been approved by the FDA for this purpose. The idea is that for most people, these pigments are inert and cause no problems. Some people have been known to have allergic reactions; any reputable artist should be willing to provide you with a small "patch test" of the colors you desire.
Some artists use acrylic-based pigments, which may be more troublesome than the metal-based pigments for some with sensitive skin. Best to ask your artist first.
Q: What Kind Of Design Should I Get?
A: What images do you think of when you think of a tattoo? Do you think of anchors, of roses or of skulls? While these traditional images are still available, you will be pleasantly surprised at the variety you will find today.
There are two basic types of tattoos: Flash, and custom. As you can imagine, "custom" means you have a design you like that you take in with you. "Flash" is the stock designs you see on the walls or in the books in the shop.
The main thing to remember is that you're not required to choose from the selection of flash in a shop - you're NOT limited to just an anchor, a rose or a skull. When it comes to today’s tattoo designs, the choices are almost endless!
Your first step is to browse some web sites – just do a Google search for “free tattoo designs”. Chances are, you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer variety – there’s tribal tattoos, Celtic tattoos, traditional ‘tattoo parlor’ designs, biker tattoos, Japanese tattoos, Chinese tattoos … the possibilities are endless.
Think about what inspired you to want a tattoo in the first place. Chances are, you saw a tattoo you liked on someone else – what style was it? What did you like about it?
Q: I’ve Heard Tattoos Don’t Look So Good Once You Start To Age. Is That True?
A: It’s true that skin and flesh may sag in some places as you age, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your tattoo will look bad. Just use your common sense. You know roughly where skin tends to sag as you get older, so don’t get a large tattoo in those areas. A small one is usually okay, though, and there are several places where you can get a tattoo that won’t change substantially over the years – such as your ankle, shoulder or upper arm. These are the most popular tattoo locations at any rate. Keep in mind that any tattoo may fade over time though, and you may need to get it re-inked. Colors tend to fade faster than black.
Q: I’ve Heard That Getting Tattoos Can Be Addictive. Is That True?
A: It isn’t true in the sense of a real addiction, but it is a fact that people who already have one tattoo are more likely to get another one … or more.
It is possible to get ‘hooked’ on the excitement of getting a tattoo, just as some people get ‘hooked’ on shopping, but that’s not a real addiction. Most people who end up with multiple tattoos do so simply because they like them.
Q: What Can I Do If I’m Dissatisfied With a Tattoo?
A: Unfortunately, your options are limited. Depending on the tattoo design, it’s possible that it can be added to and that might make the appearance of the tattoo more to your liking. Or you can look at tattoo removal methods – they are rather costly, but the results tend to be much better than they used to be.
The key, however, is to make sure that you’re getting the tattoo you want before the inking process actually starts. That’s why the tattoo artist will apply an inked stencil to the surface of your skin before he starts tattooing – you’ll get to see what the tattoo will look like and to adjust the positioning of it if you need to. The artist will then use the stencil lines as a guide.
Q: When Should I Not Get A Tattoo?
A: You shouldn’t get a tattoo if you’re drunk or high (and most tattoo shops have a policy in place about this; they’ll refuse to tattoo anyone who appears to be drunk or high or as a sign in one shop says, “just plain stupid”).
The other reason for not getting a tattoo is if you’re not sure. Wait until you do feel sure or just don’t get one. This is not a good thing to feel ambiguous about. There are no specific medical considerations, but use your common sense. If you’re sick, wait till you get better.
The sweetness of a well crafted tattoo long outlasts the sweetness of a cheap price.
The sweetness of a well crafted tattoo long outlasts the sweetness of a cheap price.
