FAQ: Tattoos

Did you know that about a third of people with a tattoo regret getting it? Yep, so it you're thinking of getting inked for the first time, you'd better be 100% sure you want one. I spoke to Mikey Davis a tattooist from Ink Fusion on Hayling Island, Hampshire, and asked him a few questions about getting inked….

Does it hurt?

There is no set answer to this as everyone is different. Some say it "tickles" some say it's a "scratching feeling" and some say it's "annoying". Everyones tolerance to pain is different. Tattoos require the application of pigment under the first epidermal layer of the skin. The larger tattoo the longer it will take so small tattoos generally hurt less than large ones. But look at it this way…If it hurt that much people wouldn't go back for a second one would they?

How old do you have to be legally in the UK to get a tattoo?

It is illegal to get a tattoo in the UK if you are under 18. So be prepared to show some ID.

Where's the most and least painful place to get a tattoo done?

Each individual has a specific "worst" place to be tattooed. From the majority of clients I would say the ribs/stomach area is the worst. Least painful for me is easy…the arms. Very rarely does somebody find the arms a hard place to handle a tattoo.

How long does a tattoo take?

The time it takes depends on the size of the tattoo your getting. Tattoos should not be rushed, they are a work of art. An averagely complicated tattoo the size of the back of your hand will roughly take two hours but larger, complicated designs can takes hours and you will have to do them in different sittings.

How much does it cost?

Cost varies on the size of your tattoo and when it comes to tattoos you get what you pay for. I charge on an hourly basis, many artists do. But some do give a direct price to each client.  Don't settle for something cheap just because you have the impulse to get inked though. Think about it before hand and wait till you have the money. Remember a tattoo is for life.

Can I you use numbing cream or pain killers?

The use of numbing pain is not recommended. You need to apply numbing cream about 30 minutes before the tattoo before the effects kick in, and then the numbness only lasts around 45 minutes. Hardly seems worth it really. Aspirin is a big issue when tattooing as it thins the blood. This will lead to excessive bleeding and may affect the quality of the tattoo, so again, not recommended.

Look at it this way… No pain, no gain.

How do you look after it once it's finished?

Every tattoo artist seems to give a different way to look after a tattoo. The method I use is to wrap in cling film for 1 hour only, then wash with warm soapy water and let it air dry. Then apply aftercare cream each and every time the tattoo dries out until fully healed. The aim is to not let the tattoo grow a scab. If it does…you didn't look after it correctly.

What happens if I don't like my tattoo can I get it removed?

Yes, and there are a few methods to do this. The most popular and common option is cover-up. This simply means getting a new tattoo design over your existing one to quite frankly 'cover it up'. However there are some issues with cover-up's as tattoo ink is translucent and so the new tattoo will have to be darker than the existing one. 

Another option is laser removal. Lasers remove tattoos by breaking up the pigment colour of the tattoo with a high-intnsity light beam. 

The final option is the combination of both. Laser removal can be used to reduce the size and density of the existing tattoo so it is then easier to cover it up after.

Is there anywhere on the body that you can't get tattooed?

There is no limit to where you can get tattooed. I've seen many places inked that I didn't think was possible…

How do you know the difference between a good tattoo studio and a bad one?

Revision! Always check portfolio pictures. Ask for references etc. Always check your artists before choosing them.

Can I catch anything from getting a tattoo?

Tattoos use needles under the skin, so the biggest risk is from dirty needles which can spread diseases like HIV and Hepatitis. Tattooists should use sterile equipment and fresh needles every time.

How long does it take to heal?

A tattoo will surface heal in approx one week, varying from person to person, but the healing process beneath will take 1-3 months, during which time strong sunlight and extremes of temperature should be avoided. 

What if I'm allergic? Do you do spot tests?

Before your tattoo you will be asked to fill out a healthcare sheet. If upon reading this you are allergic to certain things then yes a spot test will be carried out.

Can pregnant ladies get tattoos? 

It's best not to have a tattoo while you're pregnant. It's very unlikely that you'll find a tattooist who will be willing to give you a tattoo, anyway.

How old was the oldest person you've tattooed?

He was in his 70's, I can't remember his exact age and he got a rose in memory of his late wife.