Tattoo Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt ?

Yes it does, but it isn't that bad. Actually, a lot depends on where you want to get your tattoo.
Thinner more sensitive skin or places with lots of nerve endings tend to hurt the most.
Your sternum, ribs, hands, and feet are the most sensitive. Next most sensitive areas would be your ankles, lower back,
neck, under arm, around the groin area, and head. The least sensitive areas, and generally most popular (probably for that reason),
are your upper arms or forearms, calves, shoulder blade, outer thigh, and butt ). Now its also true that each person has
different pain tolerances and some people do not have trouble getting tattooed about anywhere. Women who have birthed children or
people who have been through surgeries often say that tattooing is just not that big of a deal, whereas people
who have never experienced any extreme to moderate pain often find tattooing to be more difficult or even "quite" painful.

What does it feel like ?

Imagine the worst sunburn you've had. You momentarily forgot you were suburned and it itched. You scratched it.
That's the kind of "feeling/pain" the tattooing is. Also, because of the high speed vibration of the tattoo machine,
there is often an effect similar to what women experience during electrolysis and men during a haircut at the barber's
with a dull clippers or a shave with a dull razor. Even with comparisons, its really a unique "feeling."

How long does it take to get a tattoo ?

Small, simple, single color pieces can take anywhere from five to fifteen minutes. Duration for tattooing is affected by
complexity and size, color changes, and tolerance to the process. Pieces can also be done in segments. Several pieces over a
period of a month in short sessions at a time.

How long does it take to heal ?

Generally they look good after two weeks. However, some people can take months to heal, again depending on the individual.
A lot this depends on age, health, diet, medication, alcohol consumption, and care of the tattoo after the process is complete.

Is there any reason why someone shouldn't get a tattoo ?

Pregnant women shouldn't get a tattoo, and people with a lot of chemical sensitivities or allergies should at least discuss this
with their artist and doctor prior to getting work done. Also anyone with immune-depressed diseases who normally have difficulty
healing on their own. Those with advanced diabetes should not be tattooed, particularly in the lower leg area.

How old do I have to be?

18 years old. with ID.

Will the tattoo change if my body changes (working out, weight loss or gain, pregnancy) ?

Yes it will. Depending on how much your change will depend on how much it affects the tattoo. Typically when men workout,
they have to drastically change to stretch out a piece on their arm. The result in this case is that the tattoo may be lighter
as well as somewhat distorted. Pregnancy will definitely alter tattoos on the stomach, usually permanently.

Which areas of the body are most resistant to change ?

Lower legs and feet. Shoulder blade. Forearm. Back of neck.

Can a tattoo cover a scar or a existing tattoo ?

Depending on the condition of the scar, it is possible. It mainly depends on the age and flatness of the scar.
If the surface is extremely raised, then that skin may not accept ink. As far as covering up existing tattoos,
that can definitely be done. Typically a new piece is two to three times the size of the original to achieve a
successful cover up.

Can I get AIDS or other infections from the tattoo process ?

No, you definitely can't get AIDS or other blood-born infections from a shop that is diligent about cleanliness and maintaining
a sterile environment. It's up to you to investigate the reputation of your potential shop prior to getting a tattoo.
Worst case scenario, you could contract a staph infection, although this is extremely unlikely.


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