Getting a tattoo is on many people’s bucket lists, but some don’t go forward with their plan because it is a very daunting task. Suppose one does not take care of all aspects of getting a tattoo or even accidentally miss out on any vital information told to them by the tattoo artist. In that case, it can cause a wonky tattoo and a lifetime of regret.
In this case, if the person wishes to get their tattoo removed or covered up, it would cost much more than what they had paid for the original tattoo.
For helping all the people who wish to get a tattoo on their blank canvas, we have made a list of frequently asked questions about tattoos and their answers.
Questions you may have before getting a tattoo
Are Tattoos Safe?
Yes, they are! Problems are caused only if the tattoo artist uses unhygienic and unsafe equipment for the tattoo or if proper aftercare is not followed. If these boxes are ticked, you have no reason to worry. Although, please let your tattoo artist know if you have any medical conditions that might in any way impact the tattoo-making process.
Does It Hurt?
This is a subjective question, as if you have a skin of steel, it will not affect you. On the other hand, if you have low pain tolerance, you might want to talk with the artist to take little breaks when the pain gets too much for you. The pain will subside after a few hours after the process is finished. Numbing creams and painkillers are not recommended, as it might thin the blood and affect the quality of the finished tattoo. Numbing cream does not last all day, and once the cream wears off, the pain can hit with a vengeance as your body has not had time to become used to the tattooing. Some creams can also affect the skin, meaning your artist has to work the skin harder than if you were not wearing it. This can lead to a harder heal.
Can I drink alcohol to help with the pain?
Definitely not, for almost all tattoo artists will refuse to go through the process if this happens. This is for many reasons, including that alcohol can thin the blood and result in excessive bleeding while you are having the tattoo, which not only makes it difficult for the tattoo artist but will have the effect of ‘washing out’ ink as it is being put in. Alcohol can affect the body for quite a few days; hence it is not recommended to have a tattoo even if you had had a drink the night before but not consumed alcohol the day before.
How much will it cost?
The end cost depends on the art of the design, size, colors used, and time spent making the tattoo. At Aliens Tattoo Studio, the consultation with the tattoo artist for designing the tattoo is free. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask your artist to change the design if it does not go with your aesthetic, as this tattoo will be etched on your skin permanently. Also, don’t haggle over the price of the tattoo, as it is disrespectful to the artist. At Aliens, you can opt for the EMI option and pay for your tattoo gradually. We also accept payment through cash or card.
Can I get a tattoo if I’m sick?
This is generally not recommended, as the process itself might be very taxing for your body. In case you are taking antibiotics, you will be suggested to postpone your appointment, as the antibiotics will have devastating repercussions on the final tattoo. You might also pass on your infection to the people at the tattoo studio, which is inconsiderate for the others.
What and where should I get a tattoo?
This is entirely your choice. You can consult with the artist regarding the tattoo's size and placement, which could depend on your design and pain tolerance. You can choose a design that you have seen somewhere else and add your additions to it, or create a whole custom tattoo, which will be made by the tattoo artist.
What should I do just before coming to the studio?
Eat a good meal before coming, but not so much that you might get sick during the process. Get a few candies with you in case the pain gets too much for you and you feel faint during the procedure.
When should I get tattooed?
This is also a personal choice, but we advise you to undergo the process when you are not doing extensive physical activity, as sweat and bacteria will lead to infections. For the same reason, elect to get a tattoo in winter rather than summer. Don’t intend to go for trips after getting a tattoo, as exposure to sun and dust can affect the tattoo.
Questions you may have during the tattoo process
Will the studio be sanitary & will the artist follow all safety procedures?
At Aliens Tattoo Studio, all equipment is sterilized, and most of the tattooing equipment is pre-packaged and pre-sterilized. The artists themselves use pre-packaged gloves and wash their stations before each client is tattooed, so no need to worry about getting infections at Aliens!
Will I faint during the process?
This is a normal body process, as the repeated poking of the needle into the skin can lower a person’s blood pressure. Try to go into the appointment as calmly as possible. Being overly excited or anxious can increase your body’s chance of a poor reaction. In case you feel sick, let your tattoo artist know so that they can give you a break and help you feel better. Get some sugary candies to help, just in case you need it. If you continue to feel sick even after some time, you can continue the procedure some other day whenever your tattoo artist is free.
Can I finish my full sleeve tattoo in one sitting?
It is generally not suggested to do so, as your body might get exhausted after some time. It would be best to give the tattoo artist some leeway to take a breather during the tattoo. You can schedule various appointments for the completion of your tattoo whenever you are free.
Should I shave the area I want to get tattooed before the appointment?
It is not necessary to do so, as shaving might irritate the area and make it sensitive. In case it is needed, the tattoo artist will do it for you.
Can you fix my old tattoo?
Definitely! Our expertise is in cover-up tattoos, but keep in mind that such tattoos will be more prominent and feature darker colors to camouflage the older tattoo. We also do laser tattoo removal, so if you want to go for that before getting a tattoo, check our website out!
What should I wear for the procedure?
We’ll suggest you wear clothes which don’t touch the area you are going to get tattooed. If that is not possible, wear something that you can easily take off. You can ask your tattoo artist to close the windows if you’re not comfortable with doing so in public. After the procedure, try to wear breathable cotton clothes, as tight clothes can retain sweat and cause an infection.
Questions you may have after the tattoo process
Should I cover the tattoo with a plastic wrap?
The tattoo artist will cover your tattoo with a plastic wrap, but you will have to take it off after a couple of hours. The answer differs with the artist, but most suggest not to cover it with plastic but instead apply an ointment to help with the healing.
Why is my tattoo peeling off?
This is a normal process that happens to everyone, but do not scratch or peel the skin off, as it might cause problems with the skin's healing. Removing them forcefully will cause color loss in that area.
Can I go swimming or get a tan after the procedure?
Please don’t go swimming until after two weeks of the process, and even then, try not to keep it submerged, as tattoos take approximately 90 days to heal completely. However, it looks freshly healed within the first two weeks. Don’t confuse yourself with that outcome as your tattoo; it will still undergo many healing changes.
For more information about tattoo aftercare and the dangers of not following through with it, visit our website.
There you have it: some of the questions about tattoos we are frequently asked regarding getting a tattoo. If you have any more doubts, you can check out our website to fill up the ‘Contact Us’ form so that our artists can help rest your doubts. You can also get a free consultation to talk with our tattoo artists and understand the full process of getting a tattoo.