| Q: Will it hurt when I get a tattoo? | | | | Q: If I have recently gotten a tattoo on my leg, |
| A: Simply put, yes. There is some degree of pain | | | | when can I shave again? |
| involved and the amount really depends on your | | | | A: Because each individual's healing process is |
| level of tolerance. If you are scared or have a | | | | unique, there is no universal answer to this |
| fear of needles, it's fair to say that some of the | | | | question. Your tattoo is a wound and, like all |
| pain will come from your fear of the process. | | | | wounds, it needs to heal before you can safely |
| Q: Can the tattoo artist use any type of cream | | | | resume shaving. Otherwise, you will continually |
| that will numb my skin? | | | | aggravate the scab or any raised areas that are |
| A: Generally speaking, these products are not | | | | present on almost every tattoo. Some can |
| recommended. You can ask your tattoo artist for | | | | resume shaving within 5-10 days, which is often |
| specific reasons. | | | | when the new protective layer of skin has |
| Q: Are tattoos expensive? | | | | surfaced after the final peeling stage. It is best to |
| A: If it is quality work, yes. Anyone can offer you | | | | ask the tattoo artist about the exact stages of |
| a deal on a cheap tattoo, but this is going to be a | | | | the healing process and what to watch for as an |
| permanent part of your body and you want the | | | | indicator of when you can begin shaving again. |
| work to be something that you are proud of. In a | | | | Q: I have a friend who recently purchased a |
| nutshell, you will get what you pay for. When it | | | | tattoo kit and they promised me a really good |
| comes to tattoos, don't cut any corners when it | | | | deal. Is this safe? |
| comes to cost and never ask the artist to lower | | | | A: Absolutely not. Your friend could very well be |
| his/her price. | | | | endangering your health by 'practicing' their skill on |
| Q: When should I get a tattoo? | | | | you. In order to become a professional tattoo |
| A: Many do not realize this, but the sunny months | | | | artist, an individual needs to get the proper |
| of summer can reek havoc on a tattoo. | | | | apprenticeship through a tattoo studio, observe |
| Therefore, it is often recommended that | | | | the process and begin practicing on material |
| individuals get tattooed during the winter months | | | | objects before tattooing people. The |
| when the sun's rays are not as powerful and, | | | | apprenticeship usually takes 3-5 years, so there is |
| therefore, not as damaging to the work itself. | | | | no way that this type of knowledge can be |
| Q: If I am sick, is it still OK for me to get a | | | | learned in a kit. |
| tattoo? | | | | Q: Can I remove the bandage after I get a |
| A: If your immune system is not 100%, getting a | | | | tattoo so that I can show my friends? |
| tattoo is probably not a good idea. You will need | | | | A: This is not a good idea. The bandage is there |
| the full strength of your immune system to help | | | | because the tattoo artist realized the potential for |
| with the healing process of your skin, so avoid | | | | infection if the wound were to be exposed to |
| the process if you are under the weather. | | | | open air. Leave the bandage on according to the |
| Instead, call to reschedule your appointment for a | | | | instructions from the tattoo artist. |
| later date when you will be feeling better. | | | | DISCLAIMER: This article is to be used for |
| Q: If I have tattoos, is it still OK to get a natural | | | | informational purposes only. The information |
| suntan or visit the tanning bed? | | | | contained herein is not intended to be used in |
| A: Even though everyone desires the perfect | | | | place of, or in conjunction with, professional |
| sunkissed tan, especially in the summer, exposing | | | | medical advice. Before deciding on getting a tattoo |
| your tattoo to UV rays/light is not a good idea. | | | | or having one removed, the patient must consult |
| This can cause the color in your tattoo, or the | | | | a licensed medical doctor for medical advice and |
| artwork itself, to fade. When you are outside in | | | | or to determine the best course of action for his |
| the sun, you can wear sunblock to help protect | | | | her individual healthcare needs. |
| your tattoo from the sun's damaging rays. | | | | |