Do Tattoos hurt?
All tattooing hurts to a certain degree, however it is a very manageable pain. There are products such as Emla 0.5 cream (available from some chemists) which can dull the effects of needle penetration for short periods of time (approximately one hour). Note: always follow the instructions of your tattooist on the application of this product to ensure maximum effect.
During the healing process can I :
go swimming?
No. Swimming can expose your new tattoo to elements that are harmful to the healing process eg: chlorine (this is a bleaching agent and can drastically increase color loss), salt water (dries the skin and can lead to heavy scab formation and loss of color), bacteria (your new tattoo should be treated like a wound, exposure to bacteria can lead to infection).
get in the sun?
No. Exposure to direct sunlight is extremely bad for a new tattoo and can cause the exposed area to burn (much like a sun burn) which can lead to infection and color loss.
go to the gym?
Yes, however due care should be taken to keep the area clean and to avoid rubbing or chafing the area. You should also take a shower and apply an after care lotion immediately after your work out. Some sports where you are likely to be exposed to dirt, blood, sports injury lotions, chlorinated water or direct sunlight may require you to wait till the off-season before getting a new tattoo. If unsure then you should consult your tattooist or a medical practitioner.
go to work?
This depends on what type of occupation you have. If you have a particularly dirty job we recommend you wait until you have holidays (at least a three week period). You should always wear clean, loose, cotton clothing over a new tattoo. If you think that there is a chance you may be exposed to a dirty environment then we recommend that you wear an open weave crepe bandage over the freshly tattooed area whilst in this environment.
take showers, baths or spas?
We encourage you to shower regularly during the healing process in order to keep the tattoo clean. You should use an anti-bacterial wash (not a soap) and gently lather the area by hand (ensure that your hands are clean first) before rinsing with warm water. Do not use any type of scrubber and ensure that you pat the area dry (not rub) with a clean towel after shower.
You should not take spas or baths. Soaking can soften the scab formation and can lead to it falling off prematurely which in turn can cause a second scab.
Can I get a tattoo if I am underage (-18 years)?
No. In New South Wales it is illegal to Tattoo a minor and is criminally and morally negligent to do so. A tattooist who would intentionally do this would not have the best interests of the client in mind therefore would be questionable in their entire approach to tattooing. When you consider getting a tattoo you should be 100% sure that the tattoo you are getting it done by a professional and any tattooist who tattoos minors is, quite simply, not a professional!!
We have a lot of success with cover-ups and re-working of old tattoos. This is not to say that all tattoos can be covered up, however our professional staff are happy to consult with you about the best plan for action in this area.
Can I get my tattoo removed successfully?
Tattoos can be removed or reduced by laser removal. This is an expensive and sometimes painful and time consuming process and should only be undertaken by a professional and reputable laser removal specialist. We recommend that you consult your medical practitioner for a referral.
Do you use single use needles for each customer?
Definitely. This practice is NOT required by the New South Wales Health Commission Guidelines on the Safe and hygienic practice of Skin Penetration , and is not practiced by many New South Wales Tattoo Studios, however we believe that we owe it to our clients to offer them a fresh set of needles with each and every tattoo. Your safety and peace of mind are our major concern!
Do you follow strict cleaning & sterilization procedures?
Yes. All of our cleaning and sterilization procedures are above and beyond those set out in the Australian Health Commission Guidelines on the Safe and Hygienic Practice of Skin Penetration.
Do you tattoo people with HIV or Hepatitis?
Yes we do but only under strict and safe procedures. Upon consultation we assess the clients medical condition and take all precautions to ensure the safety of our clients and staff (all of our staff are required to be immunized against hepatitis A and B and are fully versed in the prevention of cross contamination and the correct procedures of preventing, and in the worst case, of dealing with needle stick injuries. Our staff are further required to undergo regular HIV testing by a registered Medical Practitioner). The use of disposable needle tubes and the correct packaging and cleaning of tattoo equipment eg: tattoo machines, clip cords, spray bottles, ink and color bottles, are strictly adhered to.
Do you design custom tattoos?
Yes. We specialize in custom design and freehand. If you are after that one of piece our talented staff can consult with you as to ideas, layout and design. We have access to our library and internet search engines for any reference materials to give us the ability to produce a tattoo that you will be proud of for life. All of our tattooists are trained artists who have a wealth of knowledge which enables us to create an original, lasting image for our customers to be proud of.
What does salt water or chlorine have to do with a tattoo that is healing?
Both salt water and chlorine can leach the pigment out of the skin, which will compromise the integrity of the colour. After the procedure has completely healed, the client may go into a pool and into sea without complications.
