Tattoo & Piercing FAQs

Your brain is probably in overdrive, buzzing with questions about safety, precautions, cost, and so much more, but you don’t know who to ask. We’ve compiled a list of the most common questions people have about tattoos and piercings to help you out. If your questions aren’t answered here, you can contact us through email or phone, and we’d be happy to answer them.

Tattoo FAQs

A tattoo is one of the biggest commitments you can make (but it doesn’t have to be! We also do judgment-free removals for when you’re not feeling it anymore), and we want to make sure you weigh all the pros and cons before getting one.

Any reputable tattoo artist will ensure that their workstation and equipment are safe, sterilized, and comfortable for the clients. Bad reviews are terrible for a business that relies on word-of-mouth and social media. Do your research when deciding on where to get your tattoo and make sure you go to a well-known tattoo parlor that has great online reviews.

The pain will vary depending on where you get the tattoo (close to the bone hurts more than fleshy areas), the size of the tattoo, and your own pain threshold. Beauty is pain, your skin will heal, and, like a metaphorical butterfly, you will emerge with something amazing to show the world.

Tattoos are priced by the piece, and larger tattoos may be priced by the hour. Just like an original Monet or Rembrandt, you pay for the creativity of the artist and their name. Each artist sets their price, taking into account their level of expertise and experience. Look at different tattoo artists’ work before choosing who to go to.

Though it’s not an obligation, it’s a nice way to show the artist that you appreciate all the hard work they’ve put into their craft, both behind-the-scenes and on the day. Generally, 20% of the total cost is considered a decent tip.

Most people like to choose a design that holds personal significance, but there are plenty of designs you can choose off the artist’s wall too. If you’re feeling indecisive, you can also ask your tattooist for their recommendation. At Skin Graffiti, every tattoo is custom. Even if you choose a tattoo from the wall, we’ll make it a little different to personalize it for you.

Where to place the tattoo depends on how tolerant your workplace and social circle is. You could choose to get it somewhere that can easily be covered with clothes, like on the chest or lower back.

Getting a tattoo when you’re sick is a bad idea on two counts. One, you need your body working at maximum efficiency for your skin to heal quickly and stave off any infections, and two, germs spread very quickly. Not only do you risk contaminating the tattooist’s space and equipment, but you also risk passing the infection to them and anyone else in the shop. It’s best to reschedule until you feel better again.

You should wait at least 3 months before you expose a new tattoo to the sun. In the meantime, follow your tattoo artist’s skincare guidelines religiously. Keep your tattoo covered and in the shade. Don’t apply sunblock to tattooed skin until the skin has had a chance to heal completely. Additionally, colored tattoos always need sun protection to prevent fading.

Use your own discretion as to when your skin has healed enough for you to shave. Give it a few weeks at least. It’s always best to shave right before you get a tattoo.

Piercing FAQs

We won’t lie and say that getting a piercing doesn’t hurt. You are piercing your skin with a needle, after all. The pain varies depending on where you get it, but it’s not unbearable, though. If you need to, you can use numbing creams to help deal with the pain.

The risks of getting a piercing are minimal if you remain vigilant. A good tattoo parlor like Skin Graffiti Tattoo will have sterile equipment and tools in sealed, disposable packaging that they will open in front of you.

The second risk is for you to follow the aftercare instructions. Keep your piercing clean and dry until it has completely healed. If you follow those guidelines, you should have no problems.

Every person’s body is different when it comes to healing; some heal quickly, while others take much longer.

Eventually, you can change to something small and dainty, but it’s recommended that you start with a bigger piece. The skin swells when it’s trying to heal itself. If the piercing is too small, your skin may swallow your piercing, and it would be a really painful process to remove it.

Now that you’ve had a chance to weigh the pros and cons and know what precautions you should take, you’re in a much better position to decide whether you want to do this. We wish you the very best of luck on your journey!

We hope to see you soon at the Skin Graffiti Tattoo Parlor in Lewes, Delaware. Are you ready to show the world your true self? Schedule your appointment today!