Tattooing
Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt?

How much does it cost?

How long does it take?

Will my tattoo be done in one sitting or several?

How permanent is it?

Can a tattoo be removed?

Can a tattoo be covered up by another one?

What should I consider before getting a tattoo?

What should I do to prepare?

What should I avoid before the tattoo?

What should I avoid after the tattoo?

What should I do when I get home with a new tattoo?

Answers

Does it hurt?
Yes, but according to some, "not if you really want it!" The pain has been described by some as burning sensation; others say it feels like a rubber band being snapped against the skin. The sensation will vary between people, depending on the location of the tattoo and their tolerance for pain. Some say solid areas (as in tribal tattoos) or certain colors hurt more. The good news is that it really only hurts while the tattoo is in progress. Once the artist stops it just feels like a minor scrape. Has your doctor ever said, "You may experience some mild discomfort" before a procedure? Well, this probably won't hurt nearly as much as whatever he did!

How much does it cost?
Cost depends on the size of the piece, the amount of detail in it, the number of colors used, and its location on the body. Our shop minimum is $40 for a tattoo, to cover setup and supplies. Very small, simple pieces may be done for the shop minimum. Prices are usually quoted in advance for the entire piece. Very large pieces may be quoted at an hourly rate and performed in multiple sessions.

How long does it take?
Small, simple tattoos may take only a few minutes. The average tattoo takes 30-45 minutes. Larger ones can take several hours and may be broken into multiple sessions.

Will my tattoo be done in one sitting or several?
Your tattoo will be done in one sitting if it is small to average in size and complexity. If your tattoo is large or highly detailed we recommend breaking it into at least two sessions 7-10 days apart. Typically line work will be done in the first session, and shading and/or color will be done in subsequent sessions. This approach is less stressful on the client's skin and allows for better healing, resulting in a better quality tattoo.

How permanent is it?
Permanent. It does not wash off or go away. It may fade or blur somewhat over a period of many years--especially if exposed frequently to high levels of sunlight. It is not unusual for people to have the colors or lines touched up occasionally. Touched up or not, it will be with you the rest of your life.

Can a tattoo be removed?
Yes, generally they can be removed by laser treatments. But it is no picnic! Besides being expensive, those who have had tattoos removed described the pain as excruciating, ten times worse than getting the tattoo. As many as 8-10 treatments may be required. Results vary, and sometimes 100% removal is not achieved.

Can a tattoo be covered up by another one?
Yes, many can. The smaller and lighter a tattoo is, the easier it is to cover. The artwork used to cover it must be chosen carefully so that the old tattoo will be completely obscured. You will need to consult at length with the artist to find something suitable.

What should I consider before getting a tattoo?
Do you really want it? I mean, really really want it. And will you want it 10 years from now? 40 years from now? Be sure, because in all probability you will have it the rest of your life. The classic mistake is getting a girlfriend's or boyfriend's name tattooed, then later breaking up with them and hating the mark you've left on your skin. It's the number one reason for cover-up tattoos! You should also consider the employment implications of tattoos which are visible at work. That applies to your current job as well as any future jobs or interviews.

What should I do to prepare?
Select or create an image that you really, really like. Come to the shop clean. Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably something expendable in case ink gets on it (usually it won't). If you have hair in the area to be tattooed you may wish to shave it, otherwise the artist will do that for you. Some believe that the experience is more comfortable if you're already feeling good--not tired or hungry. Bringing a non-alcoholic drink may help.

What should I avoid before the tattoo?
Do not take aspirin, drink alcohol or consume anything else that thins the blood. This may lead to excessive bleeding, which pushes ink out and makes the tattoo more difficult (and painful) to perform.

What should I avoid after the tattoo?
Do not take aspirin or drink alcohol for the rest of the day. Do not expose a fresh tattoo to chlorine (swimming pools or hot tubs), sea water, dirt or strong sunlight. Do not scratch or pick at it. Do not scrub the tattoo when washing it. Do not wear tight clothing which rubs the tattoo.

What should I do when I get home with a new tattoo?
If you have a bandage or dressing, leave it on for 1-2 hours. It is okay to leave it on longer if you can't tend to it in that time frame. When you take it off, very gently clean the area with anti-bacterial liquid soap.