Does it hurt?
This is
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. 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 (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. I personally 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.
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.
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. I personally 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.
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.
How much does it cost?
This is an
age-old debate, so the following is just a very basic
ballpark. You usually pay for work either by the piece or
by the hour. The smaller pieces in the artist's flash book
are "standard stock" material that usually don't take the
artist too long to do. Larger (or custom) pieces will
usually be charged by the hour (unless you and the artist
decide beforehand on the total price).
Why do I want a tattoo?
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 why many people get tattooed. However, because of the
permanency of your tattoo, try to look at yourself in 5,
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?
What kind of design do I want?
What images
do you think of when you think of a tattoo? Do you think of
anchors, roses or skulls? While these traditional
images are still available, you will be pleasantly surprised
at the variety you will find today.
There are two basic types of
tattoos: Flash and custom. As you can imagine, "custom"
means you have a design you like that you take in with you.
"Flash" is the stock designs you see on the walls of the
shop.
The main thing to remember is that you're not required to choose from the selection of flash in a shop. You're NOT limited to just an anchor, a rose or a skull.
The main thing to remember is that you're not required to choose from the selection of flash in a shop. You're NOT limited to just an anchor, a rose or a skull.
How should I act in the chair?
Once you're
in that chair, what can you expect? Most likely, the artist
will begin the long process of preparing for your work. This
is especially true if the artist is going to do a custom
design that you brought in. First, the design will have to
be worked on. Most artists will play around with the design
on paper first, although some artists will do it freehand. "Freehand" means the artist takes an
ink pen to hand and begins drawing a design on your skin
without the use of a stencil (NOT where the artist begins
work with the tattooing machine immediately). The artist, no
matter how good, still needs to envision how the work will
look on your skin (proportion, placement, etc.).
The artist will probably let
you look in a mirror to make sure you are happy with the
design and the placement. Once this is agreed upon, the
artist will then begin putting the supplies out.
At this point, your artist should be doing things like dispensing various colors of ink into little disposable wells and rigging a new set of needles into the tattoo machine. At this time, you will probably try to look cool by looking around the studio walls or occasionally looking to see what your artist is doing. Your artist might have a radio playing, which will help distract you a little.
At this point, it is best for you to try and relax. You can ask the artists about some things like the colors of the ink. Depending on the work you are getting, the artist will need to mix some colors. You're probably somewhat nervous, but excited at the same time because you're actually going to get a real tattoo! Whether you realize it or not, your body is going through quite an adrenalin rush. Try to remain calm and not too anxious. Your hyped-up condition and your anxiety about the anticipated pain of your experience by themselves may trigger a fainting spell. It will help if you are not there on an empty stomach. Get a bite to eat about an hour or two before you go in for your session. Having hard candy or some juice on hand during the session is also recommended.
The most painful part of the process will pass in a couple of minutes, after which the area will feel abuzz with electricity and warmth. Just try to relax and breathe deeply. Enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience that you're feeling. Oftentimes, you end up clenching your jaws, grinding your teeth or grasping the chair with your white-knuckled hands. But once you pass the first couple of minutes, you'll feel silly for having worried about it so much. If you still feel uncomfortable after a few minutes, it may be because you're sitting in an uncomfortable position. See if you can get into a more comfortable, reclining position but make sure to ask the artist first before you try to move.
Some people try to distract themselves by trying to talk with the artist. This is kind of like with hair stylists. Some stylists just love to gab and gab (just ask them an open-ended question), while others would rather concentrate and not screw up your hairdo. Same with tattoo artists. While some will like to "talk story" with you, others would rather concentrate on the work you're paying them to do. After all, their job, income, and reputation are on the line when they have the tattooing machine to your skin. Often, they'll talk during easy parts, and less during complex work. Just go with the flow and not worry about it.
Most people can sit through over an hour of work, but if you get uncomfortable just ask your artist if you can take a break. If you feel woozy, you might consider bringing some candy with you to give you a little lift or some water to drink.
At this point, your artist should be doing things like dispensing various colors of ink into little disposable wells and rigging a new set of needles into the tattoo machine. At this time, you will probably try to look cool by looking around the studio walls or occasionally looking to see what your artist is doing. Your artist might have a radio playing, which will help distract you a little.
At this point, it is best for you to try and relax. You can ask the artists about some things like the colors of the ink. Depending on the work you are getting, the artist will need to mix some colors. You're probably somewhat nervous, but excited at the same time because you're actually going to get a real tattoo! Whether you realize it or not, your body is going through quite an adrenalin rush. Try to remain calm and not too anxious. Your hyped-up condition and your anxiety about the anticipated pain of your experience by themselves may trigger a fainting spell. It will help if you are not there on an empty stomach. Get a bite to eat about an hour or two before you go in for your session. Having hard candy or some juice on hand during the session is also recommended.
The most painful part of the process will pass in a couple of minutes, after which the area will feel abuzz with electricity and warmth. Just try to relax and breathe deeply. Enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience that you're feeling. Oftentimes, you end up clenching your jaws, grinding your teeth or grasping the chair with your white-knuckled hands. But once you pass the first couple of minutes, you'll feel silly for having worried about it so much. If you still feel uncomfortable after a few minutes, it may be because you're sitting in an uncomfortable position. See if you can get into a more comfortable, reclining position but make sure to ask the artist first before you try to move.
Some people try to distract themselves by trying to talk with the artist. This is kind of like with hair stylists. Some stylists just love to gab and gab (just ask them an open-ended question), while others would rather concentrate and not screw up your hairdo. Same with tattoo artists. While some will like to "talk story" with you, others would rather concentrate on the work you're paying them to do. After all, their job, income, and reputation are on the line when they have the tattooing machine to your skin. Often, they'll talk during easy parts, and less during complex work. Just go with the flow and not worry about it.
Most people can sit through over an hour of work, but if you get uncomfortable just ask your artist if you can take a break. If you feel woozy, you might consider bringing some candy with you to give you a little lift or some water to drink.
Where on my body can I get a tattoo?
The
"head" here refers mostly to the area where your hair grows.
You'll need to shave the area for the tattoo to be most
visible. If you need to hide your tattoo, you can grow your
hair out. Areas more commonly inked are the sides of the
head (above the ears), and above the nape of the neck in the
back. However, there are people who have their entire heads
inked. I am told that the tattooing process vibrates your
skull!
Back of neck: A great spot for basically any tattoo. You'll need to keep your hair short or tied up to keep it visible or let it down to hide the tattoo.
Face: Getting a tattoo on the face is serious business and crosses a portal because people will never look at you the same way. However, if that is what you are going for then more power to you!
Upper chest: One of the standard areas for tattoos for both men and women. Allows lots of flat area in which to get a fairly large piece. One of the areas where you can choose to get symmetrically inked on both sides.
Breasts (women): A popular area for women. Women (particularly larger breasted ones) need to be careful about eventual sagging of the skin in the area. Don't get a tattoo that will look silly when it starts to stretch (like a round smiley face that will turn into an oblong frown).
Nipples: Usually the artist leaves the nipples alone. The omission of ink tends not to be so noticeable :)
Rib cage: Can be rather painful because of all the ribs you work over. However, it offers a fairly large area and can be incorporated into a major back piece, wrapping around toward the front. Or basically any other tattoo design whether it be big or small.
Stomach/Abdomen: Some people choose not to get work done on their stomachs for a couple of reasons. Area is difficult to work on because there's no solid backing to hold the skin down. It is a sensitive area that may feel uncomfortable. The tattoo may look horrible after your metabolism slows down and you develop a - er-- "beer gut." However, there is a lot of space available for nearly any style of tattoo.
Genitals: People DO get inked in their genital area. The idea may sound very painful, but it has been said that it wasn't any worse than any other spot.
Thighs/hips: A popular area for women to get larger pieces (often extending from the hip area). Shows well with a bathing suit but easily concealable in modest shorts. The entire area of skin around your thighs is bigger than your back, so you can get quite a bit of work done.
Calves: Nice area to get a standard size (2" x 2"). However if you have very hairy legs, it may cut down on the visibility somewhat.
Ankles: Currently trendy. You can either get a spot piece on the inner or outer ankle, or get something that goes around in a band. Vines and other vegetation seem popular.
Feet: Concealable with shoes. Probably don't have as much wear and tear as hands so you might get less blurring and color loss. This however, is the TOPS of your feet. You will have trouble retaining a tattoo on the bottom of your feet. The Missing Ink does not guarantee anything below the wrist or ankles.
Armpits: Usually reserved for those who want to get full coverage around the arm and chest area and need the armpits filled. Probably not strongly recommended for the highly ticklish.
Upper arms: One of the most common areas for men, although I have seen some nice work on women as well. If you decide to get a piece done on your upper arm, consider how much sun it's going to get. Will you be able to put sunblock on it regularly? Otherwise, expect some color loss and blurring. If you want some serious work done and you want to show it off, you may want to consider getting a "half sleeve"--full tat coverage throughout your upper arm.
Inner arms: A more unusual location than the outer upper arm area, this area is often not easily visible. Be careful if your genes are prone to "bat wing" flab, however.
Forearms: Popeye sported his anchor on his forearm. Probably not as popular as the upper arm but common just the same. You can have your upper arm "sleeve" extend down for a full sleeve.
Wrists: Easily concealable with a watch or with a long sleeve shirt.
Hands: Consider that you probably move your hands the most out of your entire body. Some people want to substitute their wedding bands with tat bands, although they generally do not stay very well. The Missing Ink does not guarantee anything below the wrist or ankles.
Shoulder blades: The back shoulder blade area is another popular spot for women who can show off the work with a bathing suit or tank top, but cover it up with regular clothes. It's a "safe" place to get a tattoo, but it may get in the way if you decide to commit yourself to a large back piece.
Back: You can get any part of your back done or find yourself an artist you really like and save your money for a "back piece" that encompasses your entire back. Expect to pay several thousand dollars for a full back piece (not to mention many tattoo sessions).
Back of neck: A great spot for basically any tattoo. You'll need to keep your hair short or tied up to keep it visible or let it down to hide the tattoo.
Face: Getting a tattoo on the face is serious business and crosses a portal because people will never look at you the same way. However, if that is what you are going for then more power to you!
Upper chest: One of the standard areas for tattoos for both men and women. Allows lots of flat area in which to get a fairly large piece. One of the areas where you can choose to get symmetrically inked on both sides.
Breasts (women): A popular area for women. Women (particularly larger breasted ones) need to be careful about eventual sagging of the skin in the area. Don't get a tattoo that will look silly when it starts to stretch (like a round smiley face that will turn into an oblong frown).
Nipples: Usually the artist leaves the nipples alone. The omission of ink tends not to be so noticeable :)
Rib cage: Can be rather painful because of all the ribs you work over. However, it offers a fairly large area and can be incorporated into a major back piece, wrapping around toward the front. Or basically any other tattoo design whether it be big or small.
Stomach/Abdomen: Some people choose not to get work done on their stomachs for a couple of reasons. Area is difficult to work on because there's no solid backing to hold the skin down. It is a sensitive area that may feel uncomfortable. The tattoo may look horrible after your metabolism slows down and you develop a - er-- "beer gut." However, there is a lot of space available for nearly any style of tattoo.
Genitals: People DO get inked in their genital area. The idea may sound very painful, but it has been said that it wasn't any worse than any other spot.
Thighs/hips: A popular area for women to get larger pieces (often extending from the hip area). Shows well with a bathing suit but easily concealable in modest shorts. The entire area of skin around your thighs is bigger than your back, so you can get quite a bit of work done.
Calves: Nice area to get a standard size (2" x 2"). However if you have very hairy legs, it may cut down on the visibility somewhat.
Ankles: Currently trendy. You can either get a spot piece on the inner or outer ankle, or get something that goes around in a band. Vines and other vegetation seem popular.
Feet: Concealable with shoes. Probably don't have as much wear and tear as hands so you might get less blurring and color loss. This however, is the TOPS of your feet. You will have trouble retaining a tattoo on the bottom of your feet. The Missing Ink does not guarantee anything below the wrist or ankles.
Armpits: Usually reserved for those who want to get full coverage around the arm and chest area and need the armpits filled. Probably not strongly recommended for the highly ticklish.
Upper arms: One of the most common areas for men, although I have seen some nice work on women as well. If you decide to get a piece done on your upper arm, consider how much sun it's going to get. Will you be able to put sunblock on it regularly? Otherwise, expect some color loss and blurring. If you want some serious work done and you want to show it off, you may want to consider getting a "half sleeve"--full tat coverage throughout your upper arm.
Inner arms: A more unusual location than the outer upper arm area, this area is often not easily visible. Be careful if your genes are prone to "bat wing" flab, however.
Forearms: Popeye sported his anchor on his forearm. Probably not as popular as the upper arm but common just the same. You can have your upper arm "sleeve" extend down for a full sleeve.
Wrists: Easily concealable with a watch or with a long sleeve shirt.
Hands: Consider that you probably move your hands the most out of your entire body. Some people want to substitute their wedding bands with tat bands, although they generally do not stay very well. The Missing Ink does not guarantee anything below the wrist or ankles.
Shoulder blades: The back shoulder blade area is another popular spot for women who can show off the work with a bathing suit or tank top, but cover it up with regular clothes. It's a "safe" place to get a tattoo, but it may get in the way if you decide to commit yourself to a large back piece.
Back: You can get any part of your back done or find yourself an artist you really like and save your money for a "back piece" that encompasses your entire back. Expect to pay several thousand dollars for a full back piece (not to mention many tattoo sessions).
What are the health risks?
Because it requires breaking the skin barrier, tattooing may carry
health risks, including infection and allergic reactions. Modern
tattooists reduce such risks by following universal precautions, working
with single-use items, and sterilizing their equipment after each use.
Many jurisdictions require that tattooists have blood-borne pathogen training, such as is provided through the Red Cross and OSHA.
In amateur tattoos, such as those applied in prisons, however, there is an elevated risk of infection. Infections that can theoretically be transmitted by the use of unsterilized tattoo equipment or contaminated ink include surface infections of the skin, herpes simplex virus, tetanus, staph, fungal infections, some forms of hepatitis, tuberculosis, and HIV. In the United States there have been no reported cases of HIV contracted via commercially-applied tattooing process.
Tattoo inks have been described as "remarkably nonreactive histologically". However, cases of allergic reactions to tattoo inks, particularly certain colors, have been medically documented. This is sometimes due to nickel in an ink pigment, which is a common metal allergy. Occasionally, when a blood vessel is punctured during the tattooing procedure a bruise/hematoma may appear.
In amateur tattoos, such as those applied in prisons, however, there is an elevated risk of infection. Infections that can theoretically be transmitted by the use of unsterilized tattoo equipment or contaminated ink include surface infections of the skin, herpes simplex virus, tetanus, staph, fungal infections, some forms of hepatitis, tuberculosis, and HIV. In the United States there have been no reported cases of HIV contracted via commercially-applied tattooing process.
Tattoo inks have been described as "remarkably nonreactive histologically". However, cases of allergic reactions to tattoo inks, particularly certain colors, have been medically documented. This is sometimes due to nickel in an ink pigment, which is a common metal allergy. Occasionally, when a blood vessel is punctured during the tattooing procedure a bruise/hematoma may appear.
Studio Hygiene
The properly equipped tattoo studio will use biohazard containers for objects that have come into contact with blood or bodily fluids, sharps containers for old needles, and an autoclave for sterilizing tools. Certain jurisdictions also require studios by law to have a sink in the work area supplied with both hot and cold water.
Proper hygiene requires a body modification artist to wash his or her hands before starting to prepare a client for the stencil, between clients, and at any other time where cross contamination can occur. The use of single use disposable gloves is also mandatory. Also, disposable gloves should be taken off after each stage of tattooing. The same gloves should not be used to clean the tattoo station, tattoo the client, or clean the tattoo; the tattoo artist should change their disposable gloves at each stage. In some states and countries it is illegal to tattoo a minor even with parental consent, and (except in the case of medical tattoos) it is forbidden to tattoo impaired persons, people with contraindicated skin conditions, those who are pregnant or nursing, those incapable of consent due to mental incapacity or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Before the tattooing begins the client is asked to approve the final position of the applied stencil. After approval is given the artist will open new, sterile needle packages in front of the client, and always use new, sterile or sterile disposable instruments and supplies, and fresh ink for each session (loaded into disposable ink caps which are discarded after each client). Also, all areas which may be touched with contaminated gloves will be wrapped in clear plastic to prevent cross-contamination. Equipment that cannot be autoclaved (such as counter tops, machines, and furniture) will be wiped with an approved disinfectant.
Membership in professional organizations, or certificates of appreciation/achievement, generally helps artists to be aware of the latest trends. However, many of the most notable tattooists do not belong to any association. While specific requirements to become a tattooist vary between jurisdictions, many mandate only formal training in blood borne pathogens, and cross contamination. The local department of health regulates tattoo studios in many jurisdictions.
For example, according to the health departments in Oregon and Hawaii, tattoo artists in these states are required to take and pass a test ascertaining their knowledge of health and safety precautions, as well as the current state regulations. Performing a tattoo in Oregon state without a proper and current license or in an unlicensed facility is a felony offense. Tattooing was legalized in New York City in 1997, and in Massachusetts and Oklahoma between 2002 and 2006.
Proper hygiene requires a body modification artist to wash his or her hands before starting to prepare a client for the stencil, between clients, and at any other time where cross contamination can occur. The use of single use disposable gloves is also mandatory. Also, disposable gloves should be taken off after each stage of tattooing. The same gloves should not be used to clean the tattoo station, tattoo the client, or clean the tattoo; the tattoo artist should change their disposable gloves at each stage. In some states and countries it is illegal to tattoo a minor even with parental consent, and (except in the case of medical tattoos) it is forbidden to tattoo impaired persons, people with contraindicated skin conditions, those who are pregnant or nursing, those incapable of consent due to mental incapacity or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Before the tattooing begins the client is asked to approve the final position of the applied stencil. After approval is given the artist will open new, sterile needle packages in front of the client, and always use new, sterile or sterile disposable instruments and supplies, and fresh ink for each session (loaded into disposable ink caps which are discarded after each client). Also, all areas which may be touched with contaminated gloves will be wrapped in clear plastic to prevent cross-contamination. Equipment that cannot be autoclaved (such as counter tops, machines, and furniture) will be wiped with an approved disinfectant.
Membership in professional organizations, or certificates of appreciation/achievement, generally helps artists to be aware of the latest trends. However, many of the most notable tattooists do not belong to any association. While specific requirements to become a tattooist vary between jurisdictions, many mandate only formal training in blood borne pathogens, and cross contamination. The local department of health regulates tattoo studios in many jurisdictions.
For example, according to the health departments in Oregon and Hawaii, tattoo artists in these states are required to take and pass a test ascertaining their knowledge of health and safety precautions, as well as the current state regulations. Performing a tattoo in Oregon state without a proper and current license or in an unlicensed facility is a felony offense. Tattooing was legalized in New York City in 1997, and in Massachusetts and Oklahoma between 2002 and 2006.
Tattoo Removal
While tattoos are considered permanent, it is sometimes possible to
remove them with laser treatments, fully or partially. Typically, black
and some colored inks can be removed more completely. The expense and
pain of removing tattoos will typically be greater than the expense and
pain of applying them. Pre-laser tattoo removal methods include dermabrasion, salabrasion (scrubbing the skin with salt), cryosurgery, and excision which is sometimes still used along with skin grafts for larger tattoos. These older methods however have been nearly completely replaced by laser removal treatment options.
