Are Tattoos Safe?

Yes, as long as you go to a reputable artist that is following all recommended safety precautions.

What should I expect when I go to get my tattoo?

I've got it all laid out for you, step by step, with photos at The Tattoo Process.

Does it hurt?

Pain is really relative. Everyone has a different tolerancy to pain. I'm not going to kid you, though it does hurt. 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 hurt 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.

Can I use some kind of numbing cream?

These kinds of products are really not recommended.

How much is it going to cost?

When it comes to tattoos, you get what you pay for. Yes, there are plenty of people tattooing out there that will ink you cheap, and you'll be crying to a real artist to have it covered up. 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.

Should I tip my tattoo artist?

Tipping is a really nice gesture! But, there are no real solid ground rules for tipping.

What should I get? And where?

This is all a matter of personal taste. You can get whatever you want, and whatever your artist is willing to do. 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.

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. Winter time is really the best reason to get a tattoo.

Is it OK to 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, reschedule for when you're feeling well again.

Where can I find pictures of (skull, teddy bear, lion, etc.) tattoos? 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 are wanting 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.

My friend just bought a tattoo kit and wants to practice on me. Should I let them?

NO! Your friend could be putting both of your lives in danger by foolishly trying to learn this at home.Tell them they need to get a proper apprenticeship, and they can start practicing on you when their mentor (master) feels they are ready.

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Aftercare

Now, you have your fresh new tattoo, and you want to take good care of it! From this point on, your artist is not responsible for any infection or problems you may have with your tattoo if you don't take proper care of it. It is very important that you follow these guidelines.

Leave the bandage on for a minimum of three hours. It is even better if you can just keep the bandage on overnight.

Leave That Bandage Alone! Your artist took the care to cover up your new tattoo for a very good reason. Excitement of having a new tattoo will make you want to remove the bandage so you can show your friends, but your friends will just have to wait until tomorrow morning.

Wash and Treat After you remove the bandage.

Use lukewarm water and antibacterial soap to gently wash away any ointment and to completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your hand is your best tool in this case. Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a CLEAN towel or paper towel to get it completely dry. Follow with a very light application of ointment. Bacitracin would be the first choice in ointments, but if you don't have any, A&D vitamin enriched ointment (medical grade - not the kind used for diaper rash) is also acceptable.


**Do not use Neosporin.**

This is a wonderful product for cuts and scrapes, but not for tattoos. Some can have an allergicreactionto the Neosporin, which causes little red bumps. When the bumps go away, so does the ink, and you end up with a polka-dotted tattoo. Continue this procedure at least twice a day for two or three days. After that, continue to keep it clean, but you can use lotion when needed instead of ointment, to keep the skin soft.

Scabbing and Peeling.

After a few days, you will notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Excessive scabbing indicates a poorly-done tattoo, but a little is sometimes normal and no need to panic. You will also start to itch, just like a sunburn when it begins to heal. The advice here is, don't pick, and don't scratch! If the skin itches, slap it. If it is peeling, put lotion on it. And if it is scabbing, just leave it alone. Your tattoo is almost healed, and now is not the time to ruin it!

Protection from the sun.

After your tattoo, you should not expose it to direct sunlight for 2 weeks. You should also not use any type of tanning beds or any other devices that emit UV rays to simulate sunlight.

Swimming and Soaking.

After your tattoo, you should not swim or soak in a bathtub, hottub etc... for 2 weeks

PIERCING FAQ

Are Piercings Safe?

Most of them, especially when performed by a professional. There are some areas of the body that can be severely damaged if not pierced correctly. A professional piercer has to know how to avoid harmful mistakes.

What Should I Expect When I Go to Get My Piercing?

Different piercings have different procedures, ask your piercer if you have any questions.

Does it hurt?

Yup - they do. Some more than others. Some people are more or less sensitive than others, so there is no way to really say how bad a piercing is going to feel to you. But, the point is this - could you handle a really bad pain for 30 seconds? Well, most piercings last even less time than that, and most piercings are not that bad. Yes, they hurt. But it's over so fast, you really don't have much time to think about it.

Can I use some kind of numbing ointment?

Some piercers will use an ointment similar to Orajel for tongue piercings, but we do not.. Other piercings are done flat out. It's not worth the bother, time or expense of some pain-reducing agent for something that is only going to last a few seconds.

How Much Does it Cost?

There are a lot of factors that determine price of a piercing. The type and location of a piercing will obviously make a difference. A genital piercing will cost more than an eyebrow. The best thing you can do is call your piercing studio of choice and ask them how much it would cost. Tattoo prices can't be given over the phone, but piercing prices can. So, give us a call!

Should I tip my piercing artist?

Tipping is a really nice gesture! But, there are no real solid ground rules for tipping.

What should I get? And where?

This is really up to you. No one can make that decision for you. You might, however, find out what the rules are at your place of employment. It would be a real pain to go through the trouble (and money) to get a piercing, only to have your employer demand you remove it. Or you might decide that the company's policy of wearing band-aids over piercings goes against your good fashion sense. Other than that, get what you want. It's your body.

I work out/exercise regularly. Will this hurt my piercing?

As long as you're keeping your piercing clean, it should not be harmed by your workout routine. Sweat can, however, irritate a piercing and introduce germs and bacteria into the wound. It's important that you shower and clean the piercing well after your workout is complete.

Is it OK to get a piercing if I'm sick?

Getting a piercing (or 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 piercing, 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/piercing studio and risk passing the germs onto others,

particularly your artist. If you have an appointment, reschedule for when you're feeling well again.

I've always been told to rotate my jewelry when cleaning, but now I'm hearing that this

is wrong. Which is it?

The reason some piercers advise rotating the jewerly is to keep it from adhering to the skin during the healing process, and to ensure that the entire piece of jewerly and the pierce (hole) itself are thoroughly cleaned. The reason for advising against this practice is because too many people rotate unclean jewelry and push the crusties, dirt and germs right back into the piercing. The latter can be avoided simply by ensuring that the jewelry is completely cleaned (per your aftercare instructions) before spinning or rotating the jewelry. however, in my own experience, I do find that it seems most effective to just wash the piercing thoroughly and not worry about rotating the jewerly unless you notice it trying to stick.

Ew! What is this dry, yellow, crusty stuff around my piercing?

Don't worry, this is perfectly normal, and appropriately nicknamed "crusties". Crusties are just the result of your body trying to heal itself. Dead blood cells and plasma surface, and then dry when exposed to air. They do need to be cleaned carefully and thoroughly whenever you notice them. After a couple weeks, you will see less or possibly even none of the crusties.

It's only been a few weeks, but my piercing feels great! Can I stop the aftercare regimen?

I would strongly advise against that. It's great that your piercing is doing well, and it is tempting to slack off on the aftercare at this point. But as soon as you do, problems will sneak up on you overnight. If your piercing is doing really well, you need to keep it on this course by continuing your aftercare regimen for the recommended duration.

I think my piercing is infected. Should I take the jewerly out?

No, the last thing you want to do is remove the jewelry. If your piercing actually is infected, and you remove the jewerly, the bacteria and puss can get locked inside if the hole closes up. The solution to healing an infection is removing it - you need to keep the pierce open in order to allow the infection to drain. Infection can lead to other serious problems, so you should see your piercer or doctor to get recommendations on how to handle it.

My friend just bought one of those at-home kits and wants to pierce me. Should I let them?

NO! Your friend could be putting both of your lives in danger by foolishly trying to learn this at home. Tell them they need to get a proper apprenticeship, and they can start practicing on you when their mentor (master) feels they are ready. I will repeat from the top of this page with, "A professional piercer has to know how to avoid harmful mistakes.

FAQ information provided by http://tattoo.about.com

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Aftercare

Please ask one of our piercers anyadditional questions you may have about your new piercings.

They will provide you with the necessary information and/or supplies.