Yes, as long as you go to a reputable artist who follows recommended safety procedures. Tattooing is an invasive procedure, therefore there is risk involved.
Here at Sin on Skin we are registered with the Environmental Health Authority and use NEW needles, pigments etc. for each and EVERY client. We autoclave all instruments used. However, we can only speak of our own strict codes of practice, do not be afraid to ask questions on this subject in other tattoo studios.
DOES IT HURT?
Every one of us has a different tolerancy to pain, but for the most part getting a tattoo is tolerable. What’s more important is that you spend time considering what you want, and where you want it, instead of worrying about the pain aspect. The ‘pain’ comes from the needle group in the tattoo machine hitting your skin very rapidly. The sensation, however, doesn’t feel like the pain of an injection, it’s more of a constant irritation. The pain will also vary according to where on the body you are having the tattoo done. Areas that have bones close to the surface (collarbone, anklebone, ribs, joints etc.) tend to be more painful than other areas.
Different types of needle groups tend to feel different too. The needles used for outlining produce a sharp, hot and more noticeable sensation, though the outlining is usually the quickest part of the tattoo. The needles used for the shading usually produce an abrasive and hot feeling, which is more tolerable to most people.
Do not drink or take drugs for pain relief prior to your tattoo session. Both aspirin and alcohol thin your blood and promote excessive bleeding. Aspirin also decreases the clotting of blood, which will slow down the healing process as well. In addition, artists do not appreciate tattooing people who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
I personally view the pain part of tattooing as a challenge to be overcome. I can leave with the sense that I am stronger than a lot of things I once thought were stronger than me. My tattoos have then become talisman if you will, to remind me of this lesson everyday.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
If you are looking for a cheap, bargain tattoo then we are NOT for you. We use the BEST materials and equipment and we pride ourselves on both our standards of craftsmanship and safety. Yet, we feel our prices are reasonable. When it comes to tattoos, you get what you pay for. The price varies with the size, detail and colour. There are lots of people tattooing out there that will ink you very cheaply, but you will soon be regretting it and looking for a real artist to have it covered up. Look for quality and professionalism and be willing to pay for it . NEVER haggle over the price of a tattoo, it is disrespectful to the artist. If you can’t pay for quality, don’t bother. Remember, a tattoo is a piece of art that you will be wearing for life.
SHOULD I TIP MY TATTOO ARTIST?
There are no solid ground rules but tipping is a really nice gesture and shows that you really appreciate the work you’ve had done.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW TATTOO?
We give full aftercare instructions to each client. We also have aftercare products available to purchase in the Studio.
HOW DEEP DOES THE NEEDLE GO IN THE SKIN?
The needle goes a maximum of 1.5mm into the skin.
CAN I GET AN INFECTION FROM A TATTOO?
You cannot get an infection from a tattoo as long as your artist is using new needles and pigments and is trained in infection control methods. For the most part infection occurs when a tattoo is not taken care of properly during the healing process.
HOW LONG IS THE HEALING PROCESS?
Generally a tattoo will take 7-10 days to heal. But, some people heal as quickly as 3-4 days and some take up to 3 weeks. The healing process is not always a pretty one, the tattoo will go through a ‘flakey’ stage and you may get a few scabs on it. Be sure to call your artist if you have any fears or concerns, they will be happy to explain things to you and put your mind at rest.
HOW CAN I BE SURE I AM GETTING A TATTOO IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT AT SIN ON SKIN UK?
Here at Sin on Skin, our procedures for sterilisation go above and beyond what is required by law. The staff go out of their way to ensure your safety as well as their own. Every piece of equipment that touches a customer at Sin on Skin, is completely sterile before the procedure and disposed of after the procedure. Universal precautions are taken to ensure everyone’s safety at Sin on Skin UK.
CAN TATTOOS CAUSE CANCER?
NO, tattoos have NEVER been labelled cancerous.
MY FRIEND JUST BOUGHT A TATTOO KIT AND WANTS TO PRACTICE ON ME. SHOULD I LET THEM?
NO! Your friend could be putting both your lives at risk by foolishly trying to learn this at home.They will also be scarring you for LIFE!
Respect your body and NEVER be tempted!
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TATTOO APPOINTMENT
The following is a list of suggestions to make your tattoo appointment a more comfortable and enjoyable experience:-
Make sure you eat a few hours before your appointment. Some people get light-headed or faint if they have NOT eaten before getting a tattoo.
Make sure to drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your appointment.
Give yourself enough time for your appointmnt. Feeling rushed tends to add to the anxiety.
Wear clothing that can be easily removed from the part of the body to be tattooed. For example, you might want to wear sweat pants for a lower back tattoo, or, ladies might want to wear a strappy top if having a shoulder tattoo or top arm.
Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting ink on. Tattoo ink tends to stain so don’t wear your best clothes.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages or take blood-thinning medications as both will thin your blood and make you bleed more while getting the tattoo. Increased bleeding interferes with the tattooing process by possibly causing loss of ink.
If you desire, bring your favourite CD’s to listen to as this can make the time go quicker and help you to relax.
If you don’t look your age (By Law you must be 18 or over) please bring valid photo ID with you.