Tattoos - Frequently Asked Questions.
Does it hurt?
This is the first question in this FAQ because it's usually the first question that people ask.
The answer is yes. Having needles pierce your skin does hurt but what you really want to know is, "How MUCH does it hurt, and can I handle it?". It's not nearly as bad as what you might imagine. The pain comes from the cluster of needles on the tattooing machine piercing your skin very rapidly but this sensation however, doesn't feel like the poking pain of an injection - it's more of a constant vibration. You will be amazed at how quickly your body releases endorphins (your body's pain killers) which dulls the pain significantly.
The pain will also vary according to where on your body you get worked on. Skin right above bones (collarbone, anklebone, etc.) tend to be more painful than other areas. In addition, certain types of needles seem to hurt more than others. Generally people think the needles used for outlining produce a sharper, more noticeable pain, while the needles used for shading seem to be much more like an electrical buzz (nearly painless).
Remember, you are volunteering for the experience. The amount of pain will depend on your psychological attitude - if you expect it to hurt, it will!
NOTE: Do not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs for pain relief purposes prior to your tattoo sessions. Both aspirin and alcohol thin your blood and promote excessive bleeding. Aspirin also decreases the clotting of blood, which will slow down your healing as well. In addition, artists do not appreciate dealing with drunks.
Why do I want one?
People get tattoos for different reasons. Is it to please your partner? Is it because you want to belong to a group that has tattoos? Do you identify with a certain subculture known for tattoos? Do you want to show your independence, individuality or uniqueness? These are all valid reasons, and it's why many people get tattooed. However, because of the permanency of your tattoo, try to look at yourself in five, 10, or even 20 years. What will you be doing at that time? You might be a free-spirited college student now, and a web of vines on your wrist would look really lovely. However, are you planning to work in a very conservative field after you graduate? Will others look at your tattoo in a bad way? Will you have to hide it with long sleeve shirts? Are you *willing* to wear long sleeve shirts if the environment is negative towards tattooed individuals? Do you want a tattoo of a tiger because your partner's nickname is "Tiger," and you love the way s/he scratches your skin? Do you think you'll be with this person in five years? If not, how will you look at that tattoo? With fond memories, symbolizing a special period in your life? Or a shameful or painful reminder of somebody who hurt you and didn't care for you? Tattooing can be beautiful. Tattooing can be exhilarating. Tattooing can open a whole new world for you. ...but make sure to do it RIGHT.
What should I look for in a tattoo artist?
The bane of the tattoo world is the shadowy, unprofessional person called the "scratcher." A scratcher is somebody who:
- Does not have the proper training in either tattoo art or of running a professional operation.
- Does not know and/or care to use responsible sterilization methods.
- Promises to provide tattooing services for an incredibly low fee, for free, or in exchange for something else.
- Chooses not to apprentice through a legitimate tattoo shop because of one excuse or another (but lacks the knowledge one needs to work in or run a professional shop).
- Will hurt you because they don't know what they're doing.
- Will give you a permanent tattoo you will regret for the rest of your life.
- You should stay away with a ten-foot pole.
- Never, never, never get work from a scratcher unless you are willing to accept all the hazards listed above.
How long does it take to heal? What about the aftercare?
The amount of healing time required will vary from person to person depending on their health as well as the type and location of the tattoo, usually 7 - 14 days. Most commonly, you will need to take care of your new tattoo for the first two weeks, applying products that fasten the healing process such as TattooGoo or Preparation H (yes, really!). The tattoo is fully healed after the scar tissue is completely gone. Still you should consult your artist, as he will know what's best for you!
Piercing - Frequently Asked Questions.
Not nearly as much as you might think! In fact, the actual piercing is so brief that the worst part is the preceding mental anxiety and fear. Piercing by it's very nature is of course not a painless experience - but pain is completely relative to the individual and the pain incurred during a piercing is nothing that the average person can't handle. Remember: the piercing process only lasts a split second, while the new addition to your body can be enjoyed for as long as you like. As with tattoos and anything else, the more you expect it to be painful the more painful it will be. Relax!
How long will my piercing take to heal?
That depends. Each area of the body has its own unique healing period and process. Oral and oral/facial piercings tend to heal fastest, while others tend to heal a bit slower. Also, every individual body heals and reacts to piercings in an individualized manner. So your friend may have tackled an entire pizza a few days after getting a tongue piercing (NOT recommended) while you on the other hand, may still be spoon feeding yourself ice cream and soup after waiting the same amount of time. Approximate healing times for common piercings are as follows:
- Cheek: 2-3 months
- Cartilage: 2 months-1 year
- Earlobe: 6-8 weeks
- Eyebrow: 6-8 weeks
- Genitals: 4 weeks-6 months
- Labret/Lip: 6-8 weeks
- Navel: 6 months-over 1 year
- Nipple: 2-6 months
- Nostril: 2 months-1 year
- Septum: 6-8 weeks
- Tongue: 4-6 weeks
What can and can't I do during the healing period?
Basically, treat your piercing for what it is: an open wound. Would you play rough sports or engage in other physical encounters if you were wounded? Would you irritate a wound that is trying to heal? You should treat your fresh piercings as gently as possible - at all times, at all costs. This will insure that your body is healing your new piercing at the fastest rate possible. And always remember to wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap before touching your healing piercing.
Will a piercing heighten sensitivity in the pierced area?
In a word, yes. While all piercings will make you more aware of the pierced area, there are definitely some piercings that heighten sensitivity more than others. Typically, these include the tongue, nipples, and genitals. The advantages of these areas being more sensitive are obvious, so be aware of this enhanced sensitivity.
My piercing looks infected...what should I do?
There are several different things that can go wrong with your piercing. Most commonly, you may have an infection or adverse reaction to the jewellery. If you're concerned, please contact the piercer at the shop for advice. If you still don't feel satisfied or if the complications persist, contact your local doctor.
What if a shop (any shop) doesn't seem clean, the piercer isn't wearing gloves, using pouched needles and jewellery, or they're rude/unresponsive when I ask questions?
Get up and walk out! In these times there's no longer any reason to put up with inferior and unsafe shops and piercers. For you, the piercee, this means that you have the decision to go many different places before getting pierced. If a shop is not up to scratch and appears unprofessional, don't just think, "Well I'm here now, I might as well get pierced anyways." Wherever you choose, try and do some research before choosing a shop or piercer. Ask around and determine what shops have solid reputations for being sterile, friendly, professional and competent.
