Tattoo Frequently Asked Questions
Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt?
Pain tolerance is highly individual, and your experience can vary significantly. If you have a high threshold for pain, you might find the process relatively comfortable. However, for those with a lower pain tolerance, it's a good idea to discuss with the artist the possibility of taking short breaks if the discomfort becomes too intense. The pain typically diminishes a few hours after the tattooing session ends.
How Long Does a Tattoo Take to Heal?
With proper wet healing aftercare, a tattoo typically heals within 2 to 4 weeks, though the underlying layers of skin can take up to 6 months to fully regenerate.
What is the Best Time of Year to Get a Tattoo?
Although you can get a tattoo any time of the year, your skin gets a lot more abuse during the summer with swimming, tanning and just being exposed to the elements more. Wintertime is really the best season to get a tattoo.
Will Hair Still Grow Through My Tattoo?
Yes, the area may need to be shaved by the artist as part of the preparation for your tattoo, but it should grow back normally as your tattoo heals. You should see no change in the hair colour or density when it returns.
How Long Should I Wait to Go Swimming After a New Tattoo?
Until the tattoo is fully healed, the area is vulnerable to the bacteria found in swimming pools and lakes. Waiting a minimum of three weeks to go swimming reduces the risk of irritation and infection, but if the tattoo has not completely healed, it is necessary to clean the area thoroughly after swimming.
Does It Cost More for Color?
Colour is not more or less. This also depends on the size and the detail of the tattoo. Small tattoos with 2 or less colours would be similar to one that only has grey shading. When doing multiple colours, the cost would be more because of the time that it takes.
How Long Before I Can Shave the Tattooed Area Again?
As part of the preparation for your tattoo, the area may be shaved clean. After a few days, the hair will start to grow back normally but it is important that you not shave the area again until your tattoo is full healed – no matter how itchy the growing hair might be. When shaving a healing tattoo, you run the risk of damaging your artwork and causing painful scars if you cut raised skin or accidentally snag and remove scabs that are still healing. Chemical hair removers are just as bad (if not worse) – in addition to potentially damaging your artwork, chemical hair removers can cause painful chemical burns and rashes when applied to broken skin.
Wait until you can carefully run your fingertips over the tattooed area and not feel any peeling, scabbing, or swelling. When you can’t tell that you’re touching your tattoo with your eyes closed, you should be good to go (usually 2-3 weeks).
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Tattoo?
The cost varies on the size of your tattoo, the complexity, and where you put it on your body. Our prices start at R650.00 and go up from there.
Irish Ink freely admits WE ARE NOT THE CHEAPEST! Remember, you get what you pay for and only have one chance to get one tattoo on that one spot on your body. Do it right! Go to a pro!
What Makes Tattoos Fade?
There are many different factors that can cause fading. The most common is prolonged periods of direct sun light. Others are shades of ink used, the quality of pigment and quality of tattoo work. There are many factors that can cause your tattoo to fade; these are just a few of the main causes. Lighter colours tend to fade first.
How Should I Prepare for My Tattoo Session?
Make sure you are well rested, well hydrated, and have eaten recently. Aside from that, take a shower, charge your phone or tablet up to full, and don’t bring spectators.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Tattooed?
You must be at least 18 years old with a valid ID to get tattooed here. We do not tattoo minors, even with parental consent.
Can You Give Blood if You Have a Tattoo?
You can donate blood three months after getting a tattoo, piercing, or permanent make-up.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) recommends a 3-month waiting period after getting a tattoo, piercing, or permanent make-up before donating blood.
This waiting period is in place to ensure the safety of both donors and recipients, as there's a small risk of infection transmission during the initial healing period.
Why You Can't Get Tattoed
If you are currently suffering from a contagious illness or have a weakened immune system, it is best to avoid getting a tattoo until you have fully recovered. This can help prevent the spread of illness and reduce the risk of infection.
Please notify your artist of any conditions (including pregnancy) and/or any medications you are currently using
What Should I Put on a New Tattoo?
After you remove the bandage, wash your new tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild liquid soap. An antibacterial or antimicrobial soap, such as Protex, Life Buoy or Dove, is preferred. Use your hand, rather than a washcloth or anything abrasive, to gently remove the slippery plasma to prevent scabbing.
After patting dry, use an A and D vitamin-enriched ointment or an antibacterial ointment.
If you use a lotion to help keep the tattooed skin soft, use one that is free of dyes and fragrances. Any aqueous is best. Specialty tattoo after-care products, such as Recovery, are alternative to over-the-counter lotions and ointments.
Can I supply my own design?
You are more than welcome to bring in your own design or give us an idea of what you have in mind. If you already know what you want, great, it is very simple to convey your idea to our artists.
The easiest way is with a picture. It doesn’t matter what the picture is on (keychain, t-shirt, book, drawing…etc.). Even if you can’t draw, I still love to do the custom work. Just describe it well or even bring in a stick drawing. We can turn it into your dream tattoo on paper right before your eyes!
Do You Use Single Use Needles?
The needles are new, sterile, and single use, placed into sharps container for proper disposal!! Everything that is disposable is one time use.
Is it Safe to Use Pain Killers During My Session?
The answer to this question is probably one of the more discussed issues in the tattoo field. For the most part, the short answer is “yes” – but with some qualifications. First, know that we cannot offer you any type of medication or medical advice at any point during your visit.
Some types of painkillers can thin the blood and cause excess bleeding during your session. Over the counter drugs such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen are processed by the kidneys, and are more prone to this problem than alternatives like Calpol (acetaminophen) which is handled by the liver. Even so, we don’t typically have any issue with people using ibuprofen during their sessions.
Excess bleeding can affect how well the ink is held by the skin, washing it away as quickly as it is applied. In addition, excess bleeding is simply messy and can slow down progress due to constant wiping to keep the work area clear.
Do not take any type of painkiller that impairs your judgment in any way before your session. We cannot (and will not) tattoo someone who appears to be under the influence of any medication that is affecting their ability to make sound decisions (this includes alcohol).
Will I Need to Take Time Off to Recover?
Not for most jobs. The area will be tender for about a week, (similar to sunburn or minor abrasion) and the swelling can cause discomfort, but for the great majority of people this is only a bit bothersome and does not interfere with their work.
If your work might expose the healing tattoo to unsafe conditions, or the work is on an area that will hurt to bend or flex as part of your job, then you might want to schedule near a weekend or take an extra day off to recover.
Is it Ok to Ask for A Portfolio?
Yes, it's perfectly acceptable and even recommended to ask a tattoo artist to see their portfolio before booking an appointment, as it's a way to assess their skills and style and ensure they're a good fit for your desired tattoo
Communication is pretty key when it comes to getting a tattoo. Be open and honest with your artist about your ideas, preferences, and any concerns you may have. Trust their expertise and listen to their recommendations – they want to create a tattoo that they'll love just as much as you do.
Can Tattoes be Removed?
Yes, tattoos can be removed, although the process can be more complex and expensive than getting the tattoo itself. The most common and effective method for tattoo removal is laser treatment. This procedure involves using concentrated laser beams to break down the tattoo ink particles in the skin, which are then naturally eliminated by the body's immune system.
Tattoo removal, often requiring multiple sessions, can vary in effectiveness depending on factors like the tattoo's age, size, color, and the individual's skin type. Some colors are more challenging to remove, and it's not always possible to achieve complete removal without scarring or residual pigmentation. In contrast, opting for a cover-up tattoo can be a more practical and creative solution.
Cover-up tattoos offer a unique opportunity for reinvention. They allow individuals to replace a tattoo that no longer resonates with them with something more meaningful or aesthetically pleasing. This process is not just about hiding the old, but about creating something new and beautiful on top of it.
Can my friends come along with me the day I get tattooed?
The short answer is, we would prefer not.
The spotlight is on you, your story, and your tattoo design. This environment allows for deeper communication between you and your artist. You can share your ideas, discuss the details, and ensure that your vision is brought to life with precision.
We want you to relax and truly savour the experience without the worry of judgment or external disturbances.