Frequently Asked Question

FAQ

How do I book an appointment?

For process please check appointment page.

How do I prepare for my appointment?

Preparation tips for your tattoo session include:

Have a balanced meal a minimum of three hours before your appointment.
Ensure a restful sleep the night before.
Sidestep extended exposure to the sun as sun-damaged skin can negatively impact the tattooing process.
Begin hydrating your skin several days prior to the appointment.
Avoid medications that thin your blood, as well as antibiotics and steroids.
Stay away from alcohol and narcotics.
Keep caffeine consumption to a minimum, ideally no more than a single coffee cup on the tattoo day.
Take a shower prior to your appointment since unclean or parched skin can compromise the quality of the tattoo.

Circumstances that disqualify you from getting tattooed:

If you are on a course of antibiotics or cortisone.
If you are currently pregnant or have been in the recent past.
If you've been vaccinated within the last 48 hours.
If you have plans for a holiday that includes significant sun exposure or contact with water.
If you have atopic dermatitis in the area intended for the tattoo.
If you are younger than 18 years old.
If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you cannot present a valid government-issued ID.

How much will my tattoo cost?

The pricing of a tattoo depends on the size, location and complexity of the design. Inidvidual artists determine their own pricing and estimates. Artists will estimate a general price range for your consideration. Unless there are significant changes to a design or unforeseen circumstances, you will not be billed more than the highest amount of the estimated range. In order to book an appointment, artists require a non-refundable deposit to secure a date and time.

What is the minimum age to be tattooed?

While this may differ between states/countries, it is a violation of Section 260.21 of New York State Penal Law to tattoo minors under the age of 18.

How does tattooing work?

The tattooing process involves inserting a tiny needle into the skin, where it injects ink from the machine's reservoir into the dermis. It's crucial that the ink is deposited at the correct depth. If the ink is placed too superficially, in the epidermis' cellular layers, it will fade over time as the skin naturally exfoliates and sheds its cells. Conversely, if the ink goes in too deeply, it can spread beneath the skin, causing the tattoo to appear blurred. The ideal placement of ink in the dermal layer ensures its permanence, as it resides stably among the cells known as fibroblasts.

How long has tattooing existed?

Tattooing is a practice that has been woven into the fabric of human civilization, with evidence suggesting its presence across various cultural groups throughout history.

The term "tattoo" originates from the Tahitian word "tattau," which comes from "ta," meaning to strike or mark, and refers to the act of marking the skin. In 1769, Captain Cook documented his observations of the indigenous people, noting that both men and women adorned their bodies with indelible ink designs, referred to as "tattau" in their language. These designs ranged from daunting depictions of fauna to various symbols and patterns, with their placement and abundance seemingly influenced by personal preference. The pride in displaying these marks was evident among the people.

With the advent of the electric tattoo machine in 1890, tattooing saw a significant evolution. Throughout history, tattoos have served practical purposes such as identifying soldiers in war and marking prisoners of war for identification during World War II. The 1960s marked a pivotal moment for tattoo culture, gaining popularity among the urban youth and the "flower children" era.

In contemporary times, tattooing has permeated all strata of society and culture, with many celebrities sporting distinctive tattoos, setting trends that reach a wide audience. Tattoo studios today have evolved to present a clean and inviting atmosphere, challenging the previous perceptions of tattoo parlors as intimidating and unkempt spaces.

What machine do artists use to tattoo?

Today's tattoo artists primarily utilize electric tattoo machines for their work. Among these, the coil tattoo machine is widely used, functioning through an electromagnetic circuit that moves the needle bar and needle up and down. Alternatively, rotary tattoo machines operate on a motor that rotates to move the needle in a smooth, consistent motion. The movement speed of the needle can vary based on the machine's type and power setting, as well as the artist's technique and the specific effect they aim to achieve, whether it be for outlining, dotwork, or shading. Typically, a tattoo needle can oscillate between 800 and 5000 times per minute.

What is tattoo ink made of?

The components of tattoo inks include pigments that act as color additives, falling under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as well as being monitored by State Agencies. The formulation of inks typically involves a mixture of a carrier substance and pigments. Common carrier ingredients include glycerin, water, isopropyl alcohol, or witch hazel. The pigments themselves are usually derived from various mineral compounds. It's also notable that many tattoo inks are produced to be vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with ethical standards.

Do concerns exist around the use of fine line or single needle techniques?

Regarding the longevity of fine line or single needle tattoos, several factors can influence how these tattoos endure over time. The condition of the skin, how the tattoo is cared for post-application, and ongoing upkeep play crucial roles. With proper care and maintenance, these tattoos can remain aesthetically pleasing for many years. Additionally, the option for touch-ups exists to refresh the tattoo as needed.

Is it possible to tattoo over scars?

Covering a scar with a tattoo is feasible, though it greatly depends on the scar's condition and the skin around it. The scar should be fully healed, exhibit minimal differences in coloration, and be relatively even with the surrounding skin. Given that scar tissue can be more resilient than normal skin, it's not assured that a tattoo will entirely conceal the scar—differences in skin texture might remain noticeable and the area may not retain ink as effectively. It's highly advised to seek advice from a dermatologist before proceeding, especially since tattooing can exacerbate certain skin issues, such as keloids.

Potential Risks of Tattooing.

Before deciding to get a tattoo, it's critical to consider the following potential concerns, albeit rare:

Infection Risks: Using non-sterile tattooing equipment and needles can lead to the transmission of infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis, and bacterial skin infections, including those caused by Staphylococcus aureus ("staph") and similar bacteria. Getting tattoos in unregulated establishments or places using non-sterile equipment (or reusing ink) could disqualify you from donating blood or plasma for a year. Furthermore, infections have been linked to tainted tattoo inks, even in cases where tattoo artists adhered to clean practices. Such infections might necessitate extended antibiotic treatments.

Challenges with Laser Removal: Despite advancements in laser removal techniques, tattoo elimination is often extensive, costly, and may not guarantee scar-free results.

Allergic Reactions: While rare, allergic reactions to tattoo inks can occur and are particularly problematic due to the difficulty in removing the pigment. In some cases, individuals develop allergies to tattoos they've had for many years. Consulting with a dermatologist prior to getting a tattoo is highly advised.

Granulomas Formation: These small nodules can develop around foreign bodies, like tattoo pigment particles, leading to discomfort, irritation, and potentially unsightly appearances.

Keloid Risks: Individuals who are keloid-prone may face a higher risk of these oversized scars from both tattooing and tattoo removal, as noted in "Micropigmentation: State of the Art" by Charles Zwerling, M.D., Annette Walker, R.N., and Norman Goldstein, M.D.

MRI Issues: Reports indicate that tattoos or permanent makeup can cause swelling or burning sensations during MRI scans, although this is uncommon and usually without permanent effects. Tattoo pigments may also affect MRI image quality, particularly with permanent eyeliner and eye scans. However, the health risks of foregoing an MRI when recommended by a doctor far outweigh the potential complications from tattoos. Those with tattoos or permanent makeup should inform their radiologist or technician prior to the MRI.

What areas hurt most during the tattoo process?

Pain thresholds vary from person to person, and the level of discomfort experienced during tattooing can also be influenced by the duration of the session and the techniques employed. This might include needing to go over the same area several times or filling in areas with intense color or intricate black-and-grey designs. Generally speaking, the most sensitive areas for receiving a tattoo tend to be the scalp, underarm, the fold of the arm, the inner part of the bicep, the ribcage, hands and fingers, the inner thigh, calves, and feet, which are commonly recognized as the spots where tattooing can be more painful.

Can pain medication or anaesthetic be used?

It's advised against taking painkillers or applying numbing cream before getting a tattoo. Such medications can lead to thinner blood, which may result in more bleeding and other side effects. Numbing creams might also disrupt the transfer of the stencil and impact how well the skin absorbs ink, potentially causing the skin to become oversaturated and leading to blurred lines. However, there's no need to worry excessively about discomfort; the sensation is often likened to the mild scratchiness of a cat's claw.

How will my tattoo look over time?

Ensure you investigate how tattoos age, potential skin issues, or any other queries you might hold. While we're eager to share all the knowledge we possess, being thoroughly informed prior to your session is crucial. For any detailed inquiries or health-related concerns, seeking advice from a dermatologist is something we strongly advise.

Tattoo Aftercare.

Following your session, the artist will explain their specific aftercare instructions in detail. We provide free touch-ups for the 10 years.Anytime, any location of guestspot ( :