FAQs About Tattoos: What You Must Know Before Getting A Tattoo?

What To Know Before You Get A Tattoo: There are so many things questions and things to keep in mind before you finally get the tattoo you have always wished for. Read on to get answers to all your doubts and questions about tattoos. 

Tattoos are fun, quirky, and a style statement for sure. But are you hesitant to get one? Do you have several questions regarding tattoos and nowhere to find answers? Don’t worry, just read on. What to know before you get a tattoo, the most frequently asked questions, and what to consider before getting a tattoo – We have answers to all your questions!

What To Know Before You Get A Tattoo

What To Know Before You Get A Tattoo – Questions People Ask Before Getting Inked

Here is a list of questions that can help you know better about the process of getting and maintaining a tattoo. These are the most frequently asked questions that people either search or ask the experts. 

Q: How much does a tattoo cost?

A: Only a tattoo artist’s talent can determine the amount it will cost. A tattoo can cost anything from $50 and go upto $8000 or more in the United States. The cost of tattoos depends on several factors. These factors include:

Artist Experience: The skill level, experience, and reputation of the tattoo artist play a significant role in determining the cost. Well-known and highly sought-after artists may command premium prices for their services.

Artist Location: The geographical location of the tattoo shop can also impact the cost. Tattoo prices tend to be higher in popular and expensive cities compared to smaller towns. If you’re getting a tattoo while traveling abroad, there may be further discrepancies in pricing.

Artist Rate: The complexity, size, and number of colors in the tattoo design determine the time required. Artists may charge either an hourly rate or a flat day rate for longer sessions exceeding 4-5 hours.

Minimum Charge: Most artists or shops have a minimum charge to ensure fair compensation for their time, even for the smallest tattoos.

Time Involved: Tattoo shops often charge by the hour, so the time required for the tattoo will affect the final price. Larger and more intricate tattoos will naturally take more time and, therefore, cost more.

Number of Sessions: Depending on the tattoo’s size, design, and the artist’s skill level, multiple sessions may be necessary to complete the work. The number of sessions and total hours involved will influence the pricing structure.

Style of Tattoo: Different tattoo styles, such as simple outlines, colorful designs, or intricate single-needle work, can impact the cost. More elaborate styles requiring additional time and expertise will generally be priced higher.

Complexity of Design: If the tattoo design is customized or requires the artist to spend time creating an original artwork, it will likely incur additional costs compared to using existing designs.

Size of Tattoo: Smaller tattoos generally require less time, unless they involve extremely detailed micro-needle work. Larger tattoos, however, will require more time and resources.

Placement on Body: The location of the tattoo on the body is an important consideration for both time and cost. Delicate or hard-to-reach areas may require extra effort, resulting in higher prices. Moreover, sensitive areas may have a minimum charge due to their nature (e.g., genitals).

Keep in mind that these factors collectively contribute to the overall cost of a tattoo, and it’s crucial to discuss pricing with the artist beforehand to avoid any surprises.

Q: How to choose the right tattoo for yourself?

A: Choosing a tattoo is a transformative move as it’s totally your decision. After all, they will endure forever unless an expensive and difficult removal procedure is performed. Also, consider imagining. The only limit is your imagination! Spend some time coming up with new ideas. Refine your ideas, create your own tattoo, and look for images that correspond to or reflect your fantasies. Think twice before getting someone’s name or a reference to them because you may not be able to remove it easily. 

Q: How to choose the right tattoo artist and place?

A: When it comes to choosing the right tattoo artist and studio, seeking references can be highly effective. Start by reaching out to a knowledgeable friend or colleague who has experience with tattoos, as they can provide valuable recommendations based on their own body art. Additionally, explore online platforms such as Yelp, social media, and Google to find reputable tattoo shops in your area. Take the time to read reviews and assess their credibility. Once you’ve shortlisted a few options, visit the studios in person to introduce yourself, express your interests, and share your design with the artists. For further insight, you can also conduct online research on individual tattoo artists, allowing you to delve into their portfolios and read reviews from past clients, helping you make a more informed decision.

(Also Read: Best Tattoo Design Ideas For Women In 2023. Female Tattoo Designs)

More FAQs About Tattoos

Q: How much does it hurt to get a tattoo? 

A: Tattooing tends to be a painful procedure because tattoo artists use needles to inject ink into the dermis layer of the skin. The injections cause localized swelling and damage to the skin. Once the tattoo procedure is over, the area may be sore for about a week before the swelling goes down. The sharp or stinging pain can be described as many tiny bee stings. This kind of pain is usually quite intense, and it feels like the needle is poking deep into your skin. It’s sometimes enough to make you want to move away from the tattoo needle!

Q: How to take care of my tattoo immediately after you have got it?

A: To take care of your tattoo follow the steps below:

Step 1. Make sure to pat the tattoo dry after gently washing it with antibacterial soap and water.

Step 2. Do not place another bandage on top of the antibacterial/Vaseline application. Apply it twice a day. 

Step 3. Before applying the antibacterial/Vaseline ointment again, gently wash the tattoo area twice daily with soap and water and pat it dry.

Step 4. Utilize items such as aloe vera. To ensure the longevity of your work, look for tattoo care solutions that contain aloe vera as an active ingredient.

Other things to keep in mind to take care of your tattoo are:

• Keep out of the sun. Avoid exposing the tattooed region to the sun for at least a few weeks. 
• Stay off the water. While your tattoo is healing, stay away from rivers, lakes, hot tubs, and other water bodies. 
• Consider your outfit choice. Avoid wearing anything that could brush against the tattoo. 
• Give your tattoo some time to heal. 

(Also Read: 40 Best Couple Tattoo Design Ideas That Are Perfect Symbol Of Love)

Q: What are the side effects of getting a tattoo?

A: Before you get a tattoo, think carefully. Tattoos breach the skin, which means that skin infections and other complications are possible. Some of the side effects of getting a tattoo are:

1. Tattoo inks, particularly those that are red, green, yellow, and blue can cause allergies. 
2. After getting a tattoo, a skin infection or disorder is possible.
3. Around the tattoo ink, a swelling condition known as a granuloma can occasionally develop.
4. A tattoo can also result in keloids, which are elevated areas brought on by an excess of scar tissue.
5. You run the risk of getting a number of bloodborne illnesses, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C if the tattooing equipment was contaminated with infected blood.
6. MRI tests can result in swelling or burning in the affected areas due to tattoos or permanent makeup.

What To Know Before You Get A Tattoo – FAQs

Q: Can a person get a tattoo, if they have medical conditions such as diabetes?

A:  Diabetes does not restrict you from getting a tattoo, but you must be healthy and have well-controlled diabetes before deciding to have one.  For instance, high blood sugar levels can make the healing process more difficult and increase the chance of infection. Consult your doctor before having a tattoo if you suffer from a medical condition like heart disease, allergies, diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, a weakened immune system, or a bleeding issue.

Q: Can unwanted tattoos be removed? 

A: Yes, lasers can completely remove tattoos. Using a laser, unwanted tattoos can be gradually removed over the course of several sessions. The laser’s radiation disintegrates the tattoo ink into minute particles, which are then safely removed from the body by being absorbed into the bloodstream.

(Also Read: 60 Flower Tattoo Design Ideas For Women)

Some Important Details

Keep in mind the following while choosing to get yourself a tattoo. 

– Does the tattoo artist use gloves when doing tattoos? Make sure the tattoo artist cleans their hands before each process and dons a new pair of safety gloves.

– Does the tattooist use the right tools? Before starting your process, make sure the tattoo artist takes the needle and tubes out of their sealed containers. Additionally, all trays, containers, and pigments should be empty.

– During the week, consume a lot of water; stay away from alcohol for at least 24 hours before obtaining a tattoo.

We sincerely hope that our comprehensive resource on “What to know before you get a tattoo – FAQ” has provided you with the necessary information to make informed decisions and alleviate any doubts or uncertainties you may have had. By addressing common queries and addressing potential concerns, we aim to empower you with the knowledge needed to embark on your tattoo journey confidently and responsibly.

If tattoos excite you, then make sure to delve into our latest segment on Tattoos! We have curated an assortment of the most fashionable tattoo design ideas for both women and men, spanning various categories such as flowers, geometric patterns, wrist tattoos, peacock feathers, and much more. So, seize the opportunity and immerse yourself in this captivating section to avoid any future regrets!