1. Q.Does it hurt?
A. Well, to be honest, yes it does! It is being done with needles after all. But it really doesn't feel all that bad and after the first few minutes, the body's natural endorphins kick in and you do get used to it. It is irritating rather than agonizing, like a hot/cold buzzing feeling. Unless you have lived a life without hurting yourself in any way, then chances are you have felt a lot worse.
And consider this - it is a bit of discomfort, for a lifetime's pleasure.
2. Q.Where shall I have it?
Wherever you want to (within reason), as you are the one who will be wearing it! We can advice though. Just consider your lifestyle, wardrobe etc. Whether you want to hide or show it.
Consider the size of the tattoo in relation to placement.
Consideration should also be given to the longevity of the tattoo; therefore areas such as the palms of the hands, inside of the lip, soles of the feet are not shop policy. We want your tattoo to look good in five or more year’s time and tattooing in areas where there will be rapid degradation of the tattoo is not recommended
3. Q.Where is the most painful part of the body to get done?
A. This varies person to person. It is urban myth however that bony areas tend to be more painful and more fleshy areas tend to be easier. The sensation is down to nerve endings, not your body mass index.
Everyone tends to have different areas of the body where they are sensitive. Never let any of this compromise where you have your tattoo. Always get it exactly where you want as you are wearing it for life.
The least painful place is always on someone else!
4. Q.How do I go about getting a cover up?
A. Book a consultation: first and foremost. Look through our books for tattoos that you like the look of (or bring any pictures of your own). Find some image you like and we can look at its suitability or we can design something up especially for you.
Points to consider are that the new design will have to be bigger than the original.
It will have to be done in a darker ink to cover the original, often if the tattoo is very dark, then only black ink will cover it. A lot of detail may be required to cover it.
Always except that you may not have as much choice in designs as you would have if it were virgin skin, but we will always endeavor to make it look like an original tattoo, rather than a cover up. Always take on board the tattooists suggestions.
If there really is nothing that we can do, then maybe laser treatment removal might be an option.
5. Q.How much will my tattoo cost?
A. This will depend on size, detail, work involved etc. Attitude can make a difference too! Rudeness won't guarantee a cheaper piece!
Our pieces start at £30 and go up from there. Bigger pieces are sometimes done by time as they are done over several sessions. These sessions run at £60 an hour. Smaller tattoos are not necessarily cheaper because reducing size can make the detail more difficult to work with.
NEVER go to someone just because they are cheap. It is the quality of the artist that should make your decision for you, not what they charge. This is an investment for life. How many other things in life do you pay that amount for and then get a lifetime’s pleasure! People will spend huge amounts of money on alcohol in one evening sometimes and only get a hangover for their troubles but then begrudge spending money on getting their tattoo done properly!
If it costs more than first imagined, then simply save up for it. It will be worth it.
One tip - never haggle. We are not a bazaar!
6. Q.What about ageing?
A. It will get older, as will you!
Some ageing is inevitable but you can do things to help. For instance, if you go anywhere hot on holiday, then always use sun block over the tattoo. This will prevent sun damage and fading. Even better still, is to avoid sun beds at all costs as the damage that they do to tattoos is incredible. If you really must go on sun beds, put sun block on the tattoo. This will help a lot.
Regular moisturizing of the skin is good, if your skin is in good condition, then your tattoo will look better for it. Same goes for good diet.
If after all this, it still looks a little faded, then it is very easy to tattoo some fresh ink into it to brighten it up.
7. Q.How do I heal my tattoo?
A. We will give a care sheet to go away with explaining everything.
We put a dressing on the tattoo that you must remove between two and twenty four hours after.
Wash the tattoo with warm, soapy water,
gently dry the tattoo and apply Bepanthen Cream two or three times a day. This, to date is the most effective after care cream for a tattoo which we have come across. If any problems occur, such as an allergy reaction to the lanolin, then the next best cream to use is Bachs rescue remedy.
DO NOT use Vaseline, regardless of what the expert in the pub says!
Wash the tattoo daily.
Most importantly DO NOT pick or scratch the scab off as this can leave white gaps in the tattoo, where the ink has come out. If this does occur, then come back and see us after a month and will add the extra ink free of charge, as we guarantee all our tattoos.
Avoid swimming/sun beds/saunas while the tattoo is healing. Always make sure clothes do not rub or irritate the tattoo.
Always call us about anything that you are unsure about.