Q: Will it hurt when
I get a tattoo?
A: Simply
put, yes. There is always
some degree of pain involved
in getting a tattoo and
the amount really depends
on your level of tolerance.
If you are scared or have
a fear of needles, it is
fair to say that some of
the pain will come from
your fear of the process.
Q: Will the tattoo
artist use any type of cream
that will numb my skin?
A: Generally
speaking, these products
are not recommended. You
can ask your tattoo artist
for specific reasons.
Q: Are tattoos
expensive?
A: If you
want real quality work,
yes. Anyone can offer you
a deal on a cheap tattoo,
but this is going to be
a permanent part of your
body and you want it to
be something that you are
proud of. Basically, you
will get what you pay for.
When it comes to tattoos,
do not cut any corners when
it comes to cost and never
ask the artist to lower
his/her price.
Q: What time of
the year is best to get
a tattoo?
A: Many
people do not realize this,
but the sunny months of
summer can reek havoc on
a tattoo. Therefore, it
is often recommended that
people get tattooed during
the winter months when the
sun's rays are not as powerful
and, therefore, not as damaging
to the work.
Q: Is it OK for
me to get a tattoo if I
am sick?
A: If your
immune system is not 100%,
getting a tattoo is probably
not the best idea. You will
need the full strength of
your immune system to help
with the healing process
of your skin. It is recommended
to avoid the process if
you are under the weather.
Instead, call to reschedule
your appointment for a later
date when you will be feeling
better.
Q: If I have tattoos,
is it still OK to get a
natural suntan or visit
the tanning bed?
A: Even
though everyone desires
the perfect sun kissed tan,
especially in the summer,
exposing your tattoo to
UV rays/light is not a good
idea. This can cause the
color in your tattoo to
fade. When you are outside
in the sun, you can wear
sunblock to help protect
your tattoo from the sun's
damaging rays.
Q: If I have recently
gotten a tattoo on my leg,
when can I shave again?
A: Because
each individual's healing
process is unique, there
is no universal answer to
this question. Your tattoo
is pretty much a wound and,
like all wounds, it needs
to heal before you can safely
resume shaving. If not,
you will continually aggravate
the scab or any raised areas
that are present on almost
all tattoos. Some can resume
shaving within 5-10 days,
which is often when the
new protective layer of
skin has surfaced after
the final peeling stage.
It is best to ask your tattoo
artist about the exact stages
of the healing process and
what to watch for as an
indicator of when you can
begin shaving again.
Q: I have a friend
who recently purchased a
tattoo kit and they promised
me a really good deal. Is
this safe?
A: Absolutely
not. Your friend could very
well put your health in
danger by "practicing"
their skills on you. In
order to become a professional
tattoo artist, an individual
needs to get the proper
apprenticeship training
through a tattoo studio.
They must observe the process
and begin practicing on
material objects before
tattooing people. The apprenticeship
usually takes between 3-5
years, so there is no way
that this type of knowledge
can be learned in a kit.
It good starting point would
be to read our ebook
Learn to Tattoo in 12 Steps.
This could be the stepping
stone for a great career
in tattooing.
Q: Can I remove
the bandage after I get
a tattoo so that I can show
my friends?
A: Again,
this is not a good idea.
The bandage is there because
the tattoo artist realized
the potential for infection
if the wound were to be
exposed to open air. Leave
the bandage on according
to the instructions from
the tattoo artist.
