Quick answers to tattoo questions

Deciding on a tattoo and a design

• How do I know I’m ready? You’ve liked the idea for more than a week, and it doesn’t depend on what other people think. More in “Should I get a tattoo?”.
• Do I need a finished design? No. An idea, a few pictures and a sense of where you want the tattoo are enough. The artist will draw the design.
• What should I choose for my first tattoo? A small design on the upper arm, forearm or thigh. Full breakdown in “Your first tattoo”.
• Can I get a tattoo just like someone else’s? Copying someone’s work line for line isn’t the done thing. You can use it as a reference for a design of your own.
• Will I regret it? People rarely regret a well-thought-out tattoo; they’re more likely to regret a rushed one. The myths are covered in “Common tattoo myths”.

Price and booking

The artist gives an exact price after the consultation, once the size, detail and placement are clear. As a rough guide:

• Why a deposit? It secures the date for you. The rules are in “Deposit and booking rules”.
• Why do tattoos of the same size cost different amounts? Because of the detail and the placement. More in “What goes into the price of a tattoo”.

Preparation

• Can I drink alcohol the night before? No. It thins the blood, and the skin doesn’t retain pigment as well. Don’t drink for at least 24 hours.
• Should I eat? Yes, definitely. A session is much harder on an empty stomach.
• What should I wear? Comfortable clothes that give easy access to where the tattoo will go.
• Can I take a painkiller? Ask your artist first: some tablets increase bleeding.
• What should I bring? Water, a snack and something to keep you busy during a long session. The full list is in “Preparing for your session”.

OlyaArtist's tip

Before a session, a good night’s sleep and a proper breakfast help more than pills or creams.

The session

• Does it hurt? It’s bearable: it feels like a sharp scratch. The first few minutes are the least pleasant.
• How long does a session take? A small piece takes a couple of hours including prep; a large one takes several sessions.
• Can I ask for a break? Yes, at any time. It’s a normal part of the session.
• Can I change something during the session? Small changes, yes. It’s best to agree on anything major while you’re still working on the design and stencil.
• Are the needles single-use? They should be. The artist opens the packaging in front of you. More in “Tattoo studio safety”.

Aftercare and healing

• How long does a tattoo take to heal? Two to three weeks on the surface; the skin takes longer to recover fully. More in “Tattoo healing timeline”.
• When do I take the film off? When your artist tells you to — the timing depends on the film. More in “Tattoo film and the first few hours”.
• It’s itchy — is that normal? Yes, almost everyone experiences itching in the second week. Don’t scratch; you can pat it gently with your palm.
• When can I go to the gym, the pool or the sea? You can exercise after a few days, as long as it doesn’t strain the tattooed area. Wait until it has healed before swimming or spending time in the sun. More in “Back to normal after a tattoo”.

Health

• Can I get tattooed while pregnant? No. You’ll need to wait until you’ve finished breastfeeding.
• Can I get tattooed with a cold? No, it’s better to reschedule: your body is dealing with the illness, and your skin won’t heal as well.
• Can you tattoo over a mole? No, but next to one is fine. More in “Tattoos and moles”.
• Can you tattoo over a scar? If the scar is mature, often yes. Full breakdown in “Tattoos over scars and stretch marks”.
• How old do I need to be? I tattoo from 16 if a parent comes with you, and from 18 on your own. More in “Tattoos for under-18s”.

The full list is in “Restrictions and contraindications”.

Living with a tattoo

• Can I have an MRI? Yes. Let the doctor know: sometimes the tattooed area gets slightly warm.
• Can I give blood? Yes, but after a new tattoo there’s usually a waiting period. Your blood donation centre will tell you how long.
• Can I sunbathe? Once it’s healed, with sunscreen on the tattoo.
• Will it get in the way at work? In most fields, no. Full breakdown in “Tattoos and work”.
• Can it be removed? Yes, with a laser, but it takes a long time and may leave a mark. More in “Tattoo removal”.

Frequently asked questions

And a few more questions that didn’t fit into the sections above. Can't find your question? Message me on Telegram or Instagram. I reply personally.