Does a tattoo hurt? 

 

For first timers, wanting a tattoo is always fun until the overthinking process kicks in. Yes, it will hurt but pain is relative. Everyone has different pain thresholds but do not panic. The last thing you want to do is watch YouTube videos and work yourself up into a frenzy. My advice is, relax, start off with a small tattoo idea and perhaps that way you will be better prepared for a bigger tattoo in future.

 

How long does a tattoo take?

 

It all depends on the size and design of the tattoo. If a tattoo is of a larger scale or has more detail in the design then you will evidently be tattooed for a longer time. Equally if the placement of the tattoo is in a tender spot then I might spend more time making sure it’s a perfect tattoo.

 

How much does it cost? 

 

A tattoo is quoted by piece and this way I can calculate how long the tattoo will take and how much attention to detail it requires, the more detail or work required the longer the sitting. Prices are always relative to each design. 

 

Can I bring someone with me when I get tattooed?

 

Yes. You can bring one other person with you while you are getting tattooed providing they are over the age of 18. So no children please.

 

I would like to talk about getting a tattoo but would like more privacy, how do you go about this?

 

I am always open to discuss tattoo ideas in areas where you may feel exposed or sensitive to discuss the tattoo idea openly. I am more than happy to discuss covering up old tattoos that you may feel embarrassed to get rid of, working over scar tissue or working with surgically treated areas. If this is the case I prefer to discuss the tattoo with you in a free consultation on a one to one basis and once we have the conversation we can then gage where to go from there. 

 

How do I know if my tattoo is infected?

 

If your tattoo is noticeably scabbing then that is just a normal part of a tattoo healing. However the warning signs of an infection are mainly green forms of crust or puss on the tattooed area, red lesions on or around the tattoo area. If this is the case do seek medical advice from a doctor. 

 

What are some things I should expect while my tattoo is healing?

 

The main steps of a tattoo healing are, 

 

• The scabbing stage, usually if the tattoo was a bold or design that required a lot of black or colour packing then there is the possibility it will scab. This is normal, do not over cream your tattoo in panic, just let the tattoo breathe, apply thin layers of tattoo cream to help keep it moisturised, but let the skin fall. Do not pick it as this will cause gaps in the pigment of your tattoo. 

• Itching. Tattoos do itch, it’s the natural response of your body healing the tattoo and sometimes the itch comes from your hair growing through the tattoo if the tattooed area was shaved. You are more than welcome to slap it, avoid scratching or picking at it as this will cause more trauma. Applying tattoo cream helps soothe the skin. 

• Swelling is normal on fresh tattooed skin. If you are able to take some ibuprofen to help reduce prolonged swelling. However swelling does reduce naturally, bear in mind that certain areas swell more than others. 

 

Do colours in tattoos fade?

 

No. Pigments in inks are designed to stay and will always stay providing you take care of your tattoo! If you are thinking of having a splash of colour, or want to go full steam ahead with a colour tattoo then do not hesitate to do so. I will always give you an aftercare form providing you with details on how to look after your tattoo the best way possible so it heals and stays looking sharp for as long as it can! 

 

What’s the best way to look after your tattoos?

 

Wash you tattoo with skin friendly soap e.g Sanex with warm soapy water twice or three times a day( Do not use perfumed products such as Lynx.) Then pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel, you want to avoid rubbing it. Apply a very thin layer of tattoo cream to ensure the tattoo is nourished. Do not cake the tattoo with lots of cream as this prevents the skin from breathing! Repeat this process for three weeks or until tattoo looks well healed. 

 

What are some tips on making sure my tattoo stays looking it’s best?

 

The best tips to make sure your tattoo stays beautiful are... use natural tattoo after care creams or natural cocoa butter, a thin layer goes a long way! If you are a sun lover, then please use factor 50 on your tattoos to prevent them from fading or changing pigmentation once the tattoo is fully healed. Another tip is, do not pick your tattoo while it’s in the healing stage! Tattoos can be itchy, we advise slapping the tattoo and avoiding picking any scabs or layers of skin that are coming off, let the skin shed naturally and keep applying thin layers of cocoa butter or tattoo cream three times a day to help the tattoo feel nourished.

 

Can I still get a tattoo if I have a holiday booked to a hot destination? 

 

I advise to plan well in advance for a tattoo if you are planning to go away especially if it is somewhere hot. Sun exposure on a fresh tattoo is a big no no, therefore if you can please book a tattoo 6-8 weeks before you go away so that the tattoo has time to heal properly and in turn you can enjoy your time away without having to stay indoors. Equally even if you aren’t planning on going away, for booking a tattoo in the summer, we again advise limited time in the sun on a fresh tattoo and to apply factor 50, once it is fully healed.

 

Can I go swimming with a fresh tattoo? 

 

No. Chlorine will damage your tattoo and the cleanliness of swimming pools or sea water is never guaranteed therefore to eliminate any chances of your tattoo getting infected please do refrain from swimming for at least 3-6 weeks after your tattoo.

 

Can I go sunbathing or use a sun bed?

 

No. UV rays will damage your tattoo, even if in your mind you think you are only in the sun bed for a small amount of time, it is still damaging your skin which is still an open wound until it is healed. Again sunbathing once the tattoo is fully healed is okay but just bare in mind over time the saturation of the tattoo will be affected.

 

Can I use make-up over my tattoo?

 

Once the tattoo is healed you are more than welcome to use make up over the tattoo whether this is for concealing purposes for work or being in a professional environment etc. However while it is healing make up on a tattoo is a big no no, you have to keep the tattooed area super clean to ensure it heals well. This also applies for skin tanning products, please refrain to use these products on tattooed skin to ensure the tattoo can heal perfectly.

 

Am I able to have a shower after getting a tattoo?

 

Yes, taking a shower is absolutely fine so long as you use warm water and a skin friendly shower gel such as Sanex or Simple so the soap isn’t too harsh for your new tattoo. Baths are not advised as soaking a new tattoo prevents the tattoo to heal properly, the new ink is unable to set into your skin and therefor the new ink will scab of prematurely. Nevertheless if your new tattoo is on a body part that you have leave out of the bath, then by all means enjoy your bath.