~ Tattoo Power ~

​Its my first tattoo, what do I have to do to prepare?

Make sure you have eaten well and are generally feeling healthy, not fighting off any colds, flu's or infections.  A sugary snack before and during the tattoo sitting also helps some people. Try to relax, remain calm and enjoy the experience. We'll take care of the rest.

 

 

Does getting a tattoo hurt?

Getting a tattoo does hurt and everyone has a different threshold of pain. What one person considers not painful at all could be devastating to another. Some have compared the feeling to a "hot scratching feeling". Some have said it was "annoying". Most say it was not nearly as bad as they feared. People would not be returning again and again for tattoo after tattoo if it hurt that bad. Most of us are not into pain, but the beauty of the tattoo and the pride associated with wearing it far outweighs the pain of getting it.

 

Can I use some kind of numbing cream?

Please speak with your tattooist before using numbing products and always advise your tattooist if you have used a numbing product.

​

Do we do walk-ins?

Yes, we offer on the spot "walk-in" tattoo sittings. Keep an eye on our studio and tattooist social media pages, drop in for a chat, or give us a call to see if we have any walk-in availability on the day.

​

Can I ring the studio and get a quote over the phone?

Please understand we cannot provide a quote over the phone. Without seeing and completely understanding the concept / requirements of your tattoo we are unable to provide a quote. Please drop in to one of our studios for a chat or simply send us an email to initiate the communication. Refer to our contact us page for detailed information.

 

What should I get? And where?

This is all a matter of personal taste. You can get whatever you want, and whatever your tattooist is willing to do. You can choose a picture at the studio, bring a picture of your own, or have our tattooist create a custom piece just for you. ** Note - We do not directly copy someone else artwork **. As far as where you should get it goes, keep in mind what you do for work and the type of social circles you are in. Your tattooer will give you advice on sizing and placement for your particular choice of tattoo. 

​

Finger Tattoos

The skin of your fingers, elbows and the soles of your feet regenerates ten times faster than anywhere else on your body. It’s the body’s way of coping with constant usage. Fingers are the ideal location for a tattoo to drop out or fade. When you’re up against such fast skin regeneration, the chances of the ink being able to remain wholly in your skin are slim. When freshly done the ink looks bright, legible and really good! Sooner or later though, because of the skin on your fingers fast regeneration, your finger tattoo could end up looking faded or blown out. At Tattoo Power we will offer 1 (one) free touch up on finger tattoos, beyond that the cost or re-working finger tattoos will be at the cost of the client. Talk to your tattooist or do a google image search on "finger tattoos dropping out" before you commit to the tattoo.

 

Is it OK to get a tattoo if I'm sick?

Getting a tattoo when your immune system isn't at 100% isn't a good idea. You're going to need your strength and your white blood cells to heal your tattoo, something your body won't be able to do if it's already doing battle against virus and bacteria. Not to mention the fact that it's very inconsiderate to bring your illness into the tattoo studio and risk passing the germs onto others, particularly your tattooist. If you have an appointment, call and reschedule for when you're feeling well again.

 

Tattoo Aftercare

Wash your hands. Remove the bandage after 4-6 hours. With clean hands, wash your new tattoo with soap and warm water using a gentle massaging motion; this will remove the excess ink and dried fluid. Gently massage but do not scrub. Always use clean hands and never an abrasive cloth. Gently pat the tattooed area dry with a clean towel or clean disposable paper towel. DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo. DO NOT apply any creams for 48 hours. After 48 hours gently massage a small amount of Tattoo Aftercare, such as Dr Pickles, or Bepanthen Tattoo or Bepanthen Antiseptic cream into your tattoo. It is sufficient to lightly apply a small amount of aftercare ointment to the skin when it feels dry, no more than 2 or 3 times and only use a very small amount to take the dryness away. Never apply ointments to wet skin, let the area air dry for 1 hour after showering before applying any ointment. For the first 2-3 days wear loose-fitting clothing that will not stick to or rub against your tattoo.

 

Typical healing time for a new tattoo
A tattoo can take anywhere between 7 days to 6 weeks to fully heal. During the first few days you may experience some minor swelling and discomfort. Towards the end of the first week usually your new tattoo will start to peel and flake. The area of your new tattoo may also feel dry and itchy. Do NOT scratch or pick at your new tattoo. Usually by week 3 most of the peeling on your new tattoo will be gone. The area may still be dry, shiny and sensitive as your skin continues to heal completely.

 

Typical tattoo healing process

Getting a tattoo breaks the skin barrier, therefor you need to treat your tattoo like a wound. Correct aftercare is the key to healing a tattoo properly and it will also prolong the visual appearance of your tattoo. Be sure to keep the area hygienic, clean, and germ-free. While the newly tattooed area will get itchy, scratching and picking will only prolong the healing process of your tattoo.

 

Do's and Do Not's

DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR NEW TATTOO. Do NOT apply Vaseline, alcohol or any other random cream to your new tattoo. Do NOT submerge (swim, or soak) your tattoo in water for at least 3 weeks. Showering is fine, bathing is not. Do NOT get your new tattoo sun burnt. DO keep the area hygienic, clean, and germ-free.

 

Is it OK to lay out in the sun or go to the tanning bed when you have tattoos?

Ultraviolet rays, while adding a nice bronze tone to your skin, drain the life out of a tattoo. The more you tan, the more the ink fades and slowly goes from brilliant to boring. If you absolutely must go soak up some rays, at least be sensible and use sun block. Find the highest SPF level you can find and re-apply often. Don't put sunblock on a fresh tattoo - follow your tattooists aftercare instructions.

 

How long do I have to wait before I can go swimming?

You can submerge your new tattoo in water once your tattoo has finished peeling and has grown its first protective layer of skin. Everybody is different and healing processes will vary from person to person. Generally the healing period is around 3 weeks but at times can be up to 6 weeks.

 

How long do I have to wait before I can exercise?

This really does depend on the location of the new tattoo and the exercise you intend to do.  As long as your fresh / healing tattoo is not going to be bumped or rubbed or aggravated in anyway then you should be OK to exercise .. be smart and use your better judgement.

 

Back to Top