Tattoo FAQ

So something happened huh? Fried a switch in your head? Possibly lost a screw in your neck? Medula oblongata wiggle loose causing a massive series of idiotic mishaps and stunts? Or are you just thinking about getting a tattoo? Well I could probably help you with any of the above questions, but for now, we'll focus on the latter. So you probably have hundreds of questions in your head primarily, "Does it hurt?" Well in the next few paragraphs, I'll answer all your questions as fairly as possible. Ready? Hold your breath on 3

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...HERE WE GO!

Does it hurt?
Where should I get my tattoo?
What is flash?
What do I need to prepare for a tattoo?
What is aftercare?
My artist didn't give me aftercare instructions, what now?

Does it hurt?

This is a tough question. It actually depends completely on your pain tolerance. Some handle it with no problem while others sob like a 2 year old (rare cases). I've seen a 250 pound Marine pass out and crying while getting a tattoo, but then again, look at me, I'm a little over 150lbs. I'm a stick and it doesn't affect me much. It feels like a cat scratch to most, a skin graft to others. Only it is constant, after a while your endorphins kick in and you go numb. Any area where one would be ticklish (i.e. ribs, armpit) will hurt more than areas of the body like the arms, outside of legs, etc. Most say the ribcage is the most painful place to be tattooed since it is such a sensitive place on your body. The spine, upper back of leg, and other parts will hurt more than the usual. About "personal tattoos", don't ask, I wouldn't know, check BME you freak. After your tattoo, it feels like a sunburn basically. Then sometimes it itches, which is worse than any needle slightly pricking you because you can't scratch it.

Where should I get my tattoo?

Go to your nearest garage and have your buddy do it with his walkman battery & guitar string machine. I'm kidding. You need to find a clean shop that is licensed. Ask to see their autoclave and make sure they have NEW needles still in the packages. Old sterilized needles should never be used as they still potentially can be unsterile. Find a good artist, always ask to see their work. Pay close attention to detail. Make sure the lines are straight and not crooked, that the curves look like curves, not a Spirograph drawing you might be too young to remember Spirograph). Make sure the fade is good & they don't do shading in opposite directions. If you don't like their stuff, pass. No use forking out your hard earned money on something trash piece of work that will be on your body forever.

What is flash?

You may have heard the term flash before. Flash is the pictures on the wall of the tattoo parlor. They are to give you an idea of what you want. Of course, people do want tattoos exactly like the flash, but originality is the key in the tattoo world.

What do I need to prepare for a tattoo?

Eat the day that you are getting it. This is important. If you don't have anything in you, you might very well pass out. Orange juice is good too, it has all the stuff to keep you going strong. The tattoo artist will prep you in the chair, this includes shaving the area you are having tattooed and cleaning the area (can burn). Take this time to enjoy the smell of the blue soap. This smell will become your friend. It's better than thinking how bad it's going to hurt because in truth, it doesn't hurt that bad.

What is aftercare?

Aftercare is almost more important than getting the tattoo. This is caring for your tattoo after you get it. Listen carefully to the instructions, they should also give you a paper with the instructions. If the paper & the artist's words are different, ask them which is better.

My artist didn't give me aftercare instructions, what now?

After the bandage has been on for about an hour, remove & discard (that means throw away) the bandage. Wash lightly with a mild soap. Use bacitracin or A&D ointment for a week to 10 days(only if there's open cuts still). Don't let it get too dry. You might have to put the ointment on 2-3 times a day minimum. Don't overdue it though. If you live in Germany, there's this great stuff, Bac... something, better than bacitracin though. When I find out I'll post it. In the shower, let the water just run over it, use a mild soap & wash lightly. Then after the week to 10 days of using the ointment, use a thick lotion, Lubriderm or Curel is best (unscented) until the tattoo is healed. No spa or ocean or pool for 30 days. No bright sunlight exposure for 30 days. Basic stuff.