Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Personal Hygiene Etiquette.
Due to the nature of a tattoo procedure we kindly ask that your personal hygiene is decent. As the service is being done up close and personal with the tattoo artist, not only do we not want them to endure unpleasant smells, keeping everything as sterile as possible during your tattoo procedure is a must, we must limit contamination of every kind and ask that you do your part to assist with that by showering before your appointment with soap, and then using deodorant. 
As long as you go to a reputable artist that is following all recommended safety precautions, getting a tattoo is perfectly safe. Make sure you’re fully honest about any medical conditions.
Acne Medications: You may not think of acne as being a major medical condition—it isn’t. But if you’re taking Accutane (or any other Tetracycline-related medication), or any other prescription drug for acne, you do not want to get tattooed. Prescription drugs for acne can cause skin to be hyper-sensitive and getting a tattoo can be disastrous and lead to severe pain and scarring.
Antibiotics: Disclose all antibiotics to your tattoo artist, and discuss whether or not it’s safe to proceed. Anecdotally, some people have reported unusual skin reactions to tattoos when they were on antibiotics.
Blood Thinners: If you are taking any kind of medication to thin your blood, you’ll want to inform your artist beforehand and also consult your doctor. Depending on the reason you’re taking the medication, it might not be wise to get tattooed, or it might just require shorter sessions.
Anti-Rejection Drugs: If you have had an organ transplant and/or are on anti-rejection medication, getting a tattoo might not be in your best interest. Consult with your doctor first to determine if your overall health is strong enough to withstand the stress of getting tattooed and if your medications may interfere with the healing process.
Pain is really relative. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain. We’re not going to kid you, though— IT DOES HURT. Just not that much. Some have compared it to a “hot scratching feeling.” But, people would not be returning again and again for tattoo after tattoo if it hurt that bad. Most of us are not into pain, but the beauty of the tattoo and the pride associated with wearing it far outweighs a little pin-stick here and there.
 

What about using some kind of numbing cream? Always ask your tattoo artist before your appointment if the use of numbing cream is ok, they may recommend a brand they’re familiar with.

In general, it takes 4 to 6 weeks but everything depends on the size of the tattoo, the colors used, your state of health, and / or your hygiene.
Getting a tattoo when your immune system isn’t at 100% isn’t a good idea. You’re going to need your strength and your white blood cells to heal your tattoo, something your body won’t be able to do if it’s already doing battle against virus and bacteria. Not to mention the fact that it’s very inconsiderate to bring your illness into the tattoo studio and risk passing the germs onto others, particularly your artist. If you have an appointment, call and reschedule for when you’re feeling well again.
Do not let them do it. Your friend could be putting both of your lives in danger by foolishly trying to learn this at home. Tell them they need to get a proper APPRENTICESHIP, and they can start practicing on you when their mentor (master) feels they are ready. 
We highly recommend refraining from exposing your new tattoo to sunlight or excessive heat (Hot water) while in the early stages of your healing journey. The skin has just gone through a trauma and is highly sensitive, exposing your fresh ink can cause pain similar to a sunburn and will harm your healing journey. 

Side note; Do not get a new tattoo if you have a sunburn, or damaged/open wounds where the tattoo is going. its just not worth the risk or pain. It can also greatly affect how your tattoo session goes and will be a rougher heal.

This is all a matter of personal taste. You can get whatever you want, and whatever your artist is willing to do. You can choose a picture off the wall, or you can have them create a custom piece just for you. Your only limit is your own imagination. As far as where you should get it goes, just keep in mind what you do for work and the type of social circles you are in. You might want to consider placing your tattoo where it can be easily covered up with normal clothing.