Tattoos Q&A
DOES GETTING A TATTOO HURT?
YES! Getting a tattoo is a painful process. It takes the application of pigment under the first epidermal layer of the skin. The bigger the tattoo the longer it will take to do, so small tattoos hurt less than large ones! But remember, people wouldn’t get a second tattoo if the first one hurt that bad.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAL?
A few days after the tattoo is completed, the skin around the tattoo starts to peel, similar to sunburn. Picking at the skin should be avoided, because doing so can damage the artwork and increase the risk of infection. 7 to 10 days after getting a tattoo, the peeling process should be completed, leaving the skin shiny, and slightly wrinkled. After two weeks, the tattoo should appear fully healed.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GET A TATTOO?
Although you can get a tattoo any time of the year, your skin gets a lot more abuse during the summer with swimming, tanning and just being exposed to the elements more. Wintertime is really the best season to get a tattoo.
HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT TO GO SWIMMING AFTER A NEW TATTOO?
Until the tattoo is fully healed, the area is vulnerable to the bacteria found in swimming pools and lakes. Waiting a minimum of three weeks to go swimming reduces the risk of irritation and infection, but if the tattoo has not completely healed, it is necessary to clean the area thoroughly after swimming.
DOES IT COST MORE FOR COLOR?
Color is not more or less. This also depends on the size and the detail of the tattoo. Small tattoos with 2 or less colors would be similar to one that only has gray shading. When doing multiple colors, the cost would be more because of the time that it takes.
HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN SHAVE THE TATTOOED AREA AGAIN?
As part of the preparation for your tattoo, the area may be shaved clean. After a few days, the hair will start to grow back normally but it is important that you not shave the area again until your tattoo is full healed – no matter how itchy the growing hair might be. When shaving a healing tattoo, you run the risk of damaging your artwork and causing painful scars if you cut raised skin or accidentally snag and remove scabs that are still healing. Chemical hair removers are just as bad (if not worse) – in addition to potentially damaging your artwork, chemical hair removers can cause painful chemical burns and rashes when applied to broken skin.
Wait until you can carefully run your fingertips over the tattooed area and not feel any peeling, scabbing, or swelling. When you can’t tell that you’re touching your tattoo with your eyes closed, you should be good to go (usually 2-3 weeks).
Wait until you can carefully run your fingertips over the tattooed area and not feel any peeling, scabbing, or swelling. When you can’t tell that you’re touching your tattoo with your eyes closed, you should be good to go (usually 2-3 weeks).
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET A TATTOO?
The cost varies on the size of your tattoo, the complexity, and where you put it on your body.
WHAT MAKES TATTOOS FADE?
There are many different factors that can cause fading. The most common is prolonged periods of direct sun light. Others are shades of ink used, the quality of pigment and quality of tattoo work. There are many factors that can cause your tattoo to fade; these are just a few of the main causes. Lighter colors tend to fade first.
CAN YOU GIVE BLOOD IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO?
People who have tattoos can give blood in many situations. Some states, such as Georgia and New York, do not oversee tattoo businesses as of 2014, and blood donors in those states must wait 12 months after the tattoo is inked due to hepatitis concerns.
CAN I BRING MY OWN DESIGN?
You are more than welcome to bring in your own design or pick one of our hundreds of thousands of designs that line our walls. If you already know what you want, great, it is very simple to convey your idea to our artists. The easiest way is with a picture. It doesn’t matter what the picture is on (keychain, t-shirt, book, drawing…etc.). Even if you can’t draw, our guys still love to do the custom work. Just describe it well or even bring in a stick drawing. Tattoo artists can turn it into your dream tattoo on paper right before your eyes!
CAN I GET A TATTOO OVER A SCAR/STRETCH MARK, ETC?
It depends on several factors such as the size, type, and age of the scar. If you wish to minimize or draw attention away from it, one option to consider instead is to incorporate a design around your scar.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY APPOINTMENT?
Get some rest, stay hydrated, take a shower, and eat something before your session. Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment. And relax! You’re about to have an amazing experience.
