As tattoo popularity continues to grow the reason many folks are getting tattoos remains a mystery to some and an expected rite of passage for others. While many are able to rush into a tattoo studio without hesitation, there are those who are a bit nervous with reasonable questions, the most common being: Do tattoos hurt?
If you find yourself considering a tattoo, here are the top questions that come into the majority of minds of those who are entertaining the idea of getting body art done for the first time.
Do Tattoos Hurt?
Yes, small needles are working quickly and deeply to deliver colored ink into two of the three of the bodies primary skin layers. This can be uncomfortable for some while others find the experience very painful. However, most find their level of discomfort a small price to pay for the end result.
When choosing the section of the body to get tattooed, keep in mind that different areas of the body have more pain receptors than others. The areas that have little fat or muscle; behind the ear, anywhere on the foot, a buffed chest, or on the hip area are the zones most sensitive to pain. The areas with the least amount of pain are the arms, thighs any spot that has a solid build up of muscle or fat.
During the actual work the area may feel like it is being cut, scratched or burned. It may also feel like it is getting hot, cold or numb as the body adjusts to the shock.
Will There Be Tattoo Fading Over Time?
The skin is constantly shedding, stretching, shrinking and changing so "yes" the tattoo will change over time. As the body ages, it will slowly weaken the ink's pigments and will fade, blur or dull. The degree of tattoo fading also depends on personal aging, genetics and life habits. It can also sag or wrinkle, distorting the picture even more.
No worries, however, because there are options that are available throughout life. Touching up the tattoo to renew and restore it's look is a common practice. Body art can also be reconfigured or removed entirely.
What Will a Tattoo Cost?
The cost depends on three main factors: size, complexity and color choice. Most tattoo artists charge by the hour, the more detailed the tattoo the longer it will take and the more expensive it will be. A good artist will charge between $80 to $120 an hour.
This is not an investment to take lightly. Cutting tattoo costs by looking for the cheapest studio is not a good idea when it comes to body art. It is potentially a life time decision so choose wisely. "Good tattoos are not cheap, and cheap tattoos are not good."
How Is A Tattoo Applied?
A stencil is applied to the area chosen to be tattooed. This provides the basic outline of the design. Next, the needle machine works like a sewing machine, with a cluster of needles moving them up and down quickly delivering ink to surface and second layer of skin.
The artist will use black ink first to go over the stencil to reproduce a permanent outline on the skin (referred to as "line work"). This gives the image clarity and detail. Next, color and shading is applied with different machines. The artist will examine and reproduce the image as it has been presented by copying what they see.
Once the inking is finished, the tattoo application will be wiped clean to remove excess ink and blood, and then wrapped to keep it clean.
Is Tattoo Care Important?
Yes! Remember, "it will only heal once" so following the studios exact tattoo care instructions to avoid infection and to preserve the tattoos brilliant color and over all quality are of utmost importance. The studio will either offer a free after care product or have some to sell much like a hair salon sells hair products.
Add this to the over all cost of the tattoo - don't skimp in this area; the longevity of your body art depends on it.
Though it may take longer, the first two weeks of tattoo care are the most important 14 days. Care during this period will determine how much longer the healing process will take. This cannot be emphasized enough...follow your tattoo artists after care instructions exactly.
Most importantly: Do not pick or scratch while the tattoo is healing.
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