Tattoo FAQs

I've been wanting to get my first tat for a long time now.. but you hear stuff you know, so I want the truth.. do's and don'ts, myths, misconceptions, etc...

could you be a little more vague

yes they hurt , yes they are permenant , yes they are expensive , do not pick at it , do not get a swastika anywhere near your face .
what else would you like to know

are you sure you really know what that asian symbol means?
do you really want to get her name tattooed on you?
what would your mom think?
tattoo removal, comes right after tattoo in the phone book.

I'd say the amount of pain is about the same as putting a cut under water. It stings, but it isn't really painful. The vibration of the needle is also quite soothing, but the closer to a bone it is, then the more painful it is. Not so much from the cutting of the needle, but the pressure against the bone.
The most painful area I found was by my collar bones, but even that was not unbearable.

I'd say the most important thing is to be sure of the design you get. And go big rather than small. If you have something small, in a few weeks, you'll be thinking "I wish it was bigger" and think about having it expanded and maybe spoil the original design. Go large to start with and you'll have no regrets
Spike

[Edited on Jul 16, 2003 by Spike]

What about anus tattooing?

after the tat can you donate blood?
how do you take care of the tat? and for how long?
hmm hints on how to pick a GOOD tat artist and parlor..

Don't you see what he's doing? Are you all blind? He's not interested in tattoos at all! Anyone who knows him is aware that nothing will ever supplant his interest in macramé and related needlework. This tattoo things is ruse, you see, Beaker's trying to beat me to 1000 posts! You won't get succeed, Beaker, not today my friend!

as of 11: 13am . . . dogslife 998 / beaker 1000


he beat ya !

*slits belly*

Yes, it hurts.

It will require attention for the rest of your life. Proper cleaning and care till it heals, then clothing or good high SPF sunblock forever.

If even a half inch of it is exposed, expect strangers to touch it without asking. Not a bad thing where they're cute. (This might just apply to people living in less cosmopolitan areas.)

Like the artist because he/she will be touching you alot.

Everyone and their mother should recommend the artist.

Be considerate of the artist - make sure you're clean and don't smell (body and breath).

edit: grammar check

[Edited on Jul 16, 2003 by notenoughcoffee]

my post is dedicated to dogslife


Its sad that you have to go buddy, you will be missed...!!!

after the tat can you donate blood?
In the UK, not for a year.

how do you take care of the tat? and for how long?
Use cream until the skin has completely healed. Small lines/touch up work can heal in days. Larger sections take longer. Heals at about the same rate as a grazed knee or elbow.

hmm hints on how to pick a GOOD tat artist and parlor..
Look at the work they're doing and the people they've worked on, not the flash on their walls. Any monkey can order flash off the net and trace it onto someone's body. See how they interact with the clients and other artists. Make sure the hygiene is above reproach.

Spike

Thank you once again Al, you beutiful, all knowing, ball busting girly you!!!

Al, do a lot of artists use autoclaves for cleaning their equipment?

I'm not tattooed but I did use autoclaves when I did my degree so I'm just curious....

Yeah, people love to touch the tattoos without asking. I don't get it. They come right up to me and pull my sleeve up and then they say "can I see it?"

I've never heard not to drink for 8 hours before nor eat for 4 hours. What does the myth say?

I never really thought about it, but I'm sure I eat before heading to the tattoo parlor and always big meal afterwards (sushi or Thai). I know for a fact I've had a couple beers before getting one. Speaking from experience, it's a bad idea to *decide* on a tattoo after several beers. Always make the decision sober.

[Edited on Jul 16, 2003 by notenoughcoffee]

Thanks for the response Al.

I completely agree, after all the only things not destroyed by autoclaves are prions...but having no experience of tattoo parlours I don't know if this (increadibly sensible) method of sterilisation is widely used or not, but it would be interesting to find out.

soap and water will barely clean your hands enough to use them to eat with muchless almost all bloodborne pathogens . ANY shop that doesnt use an autoclave to sterilize anything that comes in contact with your skin during a tattoo is to be avoided at all costs . Of course razors & paper towels & water spray & ink . . . stuff like that which cannot be autoclaved is different as it is only used once and on you alone , then thrown away .
Anyshop worth walking into much less spending your money in will have an autoclave . to do otherwise would constitiute a serious health issue regarding cross contamination of anyone and everyone who ever got a tattoo in that shop . Think of it as unprotected sex . got a tattoo with " dirty " needles , then you just had sex with the last person and everyone they ever had sex with . . . this is something that is just not worth the risk under any circumstances .

IF however the shop practices even BASIC sterile procedure , you should be fine . EVERY customer is to be treated as if they have EVERY dissease known to man . create a sterile field and stay within it at all times . anytime you leave it you take off your gloves , lap towel , whatever you are using and replace it once you come back in to the tattoo zone .


also you can go here to answer any questions . .. safe tattoos


and yes i am a member
[Edited on Jul 16, 2003 by _mike_]

[Edited on Jul 16, 2003 by _mike_]