Where abouts should I get my tattoo done?

Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or you’re an experienced tattoo collector, it is always a challenge to decide where to get your next tattoo. Sometimes you just want to get something done on a whim and leave it up to the artist, and other times you plan it all out and control it all like an art director. But either way, there are a few things to consider and some questions to ask yourself…

What Do You Want To Get?

Not all types of art make good tattoos. Tattooing has limitations and parameters that need to be considered. Some styles of art just do not translate well as tattoos on skin, so you really need to put some trust in your chosen studio or artist to guide you on this.

Some styles lend themselves better to certain areas of the body, such as highly detailed realism tattoos are better suited to larger areas such as the calf or forearm rather than the back of the hand or knees as an example. If you have your heart set on getting tattooed on a specific part of your body, be prepared to take direction from your artist as to what will be most suitable, and trust their interpretation of your ideas as to what will work best as a tattoo.

Script is another type of tattoo that benefits from “proper” placement. Some areas of the body lend themselves to script tattoos better, based on a readability. Getting a horizontal script tattoo that wraps around your arm will make it difficult to read and be viewed by others. This is again where if you trust your artist, you should take their advice on what their approach to the tattoo would be best.

Do You Want To Be Able to See It?

For some people, and cultures, getting tattooed is a deeply personal journey and not being visible is the aim. For some people, getting tattooed is a sign of strength, perhaps of overcoming hardship or a sign of celebration or achievement, and so getting tattooed in a highly visible area and showing them off is a sign of pride. For others, getting tattooed is a fashionable endeavour, and showing off their tattoos is just like showing off a new pair of shoes or outfit. Whatever the reason you want to get tattooed, considering the placement is a big decision. Keep in mind the industry you work in, or may be aiming to work in, as some workplaces still prohibit or prefer their staff not to have visible tattoos. This plays a lot in to why some studios have a strict “No Hands, No Faces” tattoo policy.

How Much Does It Hurt?

This is a very common question, however it should not affect where you decide to get your tattoo. Your tattoo will be forever, and the pain and healing is only temporary. Everyone experiences pain differently, and one persons perception of pain is different to another, so you must totally disregard images that depict a body and the “worst” places to get tattooed” as they are not accurate for everyone. Often you will hear horror stories of people passing out, or not being able to cope, and this is more often than not because people have not prepared for the tattoo experience. Passing out is usually due to the clients’ blood sugar dropping due to not eating, or the stress of anticipation of the tattoo. Some people decide the pain as just “annoying”, others describe it as a hot, scratchy feeling. In areas where the skin is closer to the bone, with less flesh in-between, you can feel some vibration. But it is mostly just a manageable pain which you can be distracted from by some deep breaths, good conversation, your favourite music or a good book (depending on how long your session is). And in almost all cases, after the end of the tattoo, people comment that it was not nearly as bad as they were expecting!

All of our artists are heavily tattooed, and know exactly what you are going through, so they will coach you through the process. If you need to take breaks, you can. And each step of the way we will explain and discuss the process with you. We have never had a client “tap out” and not be able to complete the tattoo. The first few minutes are the worse, once your natural endorphins kick in and you relax, its smooth sailing from there!

If you have a fear of needles, or hate vaccinations, just remember the process of getting tattooed is totally different. First off, a tattoo needle has a solid core, nothing is being injected into your skin. The ink soaked tattoo needle punctures the skin which creates a vacuum and the ink is “sucked” into the skin. Furthermore, the needle does not penetrate the skin much at all, only 1mm-2mm into the dermis layer. Not at all like an injection which goes deep into the muscle tissue.

At the end of the day, if you are still not sure where to get your tattoo, just book a consult with one of our artists to have a chat about it. Your friends will give you their personal opinions, but an artist can give you a professional opinion based on years of experience and 100’s of real clients. There is no charge for consults at Mamaink Tattoo Studio, so you’ve got nothing to lose!

How to care after tattoo

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At the end of each session, the artist always goes through a detailed after-care guide with the client. If you've been tattooed multiple times, you'll notice that each artist has a slightly different approach to follow-up care. One thing to keep in mind before suggesting our studio's general tattoo aftercare guide is to simply follow the artist-recommended rules. Listen to the artist.

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Why is tattoo aftercare important?

tattoo aftercare is just as important as skincare. Like how we take special care of our face to keep it looking hydrated and healthy, you also must moisturize, [apply] sunscreen and exfoliate your body so your tattoos take well to your skin and age well

What is the best way to care for a new tattoo?

• Keep it wrapped at first. Often, when you get a tattoo, the artist will wrap it up in cling film to protect it for the first few days to keep out bacteria and prevent any rubbing. "Depending on the size and advice of the artist, you'll need to keep your tattoo wrapped in cling film from one to three days," says Ghinko.

• Apply sunscreen vigilantly. Avoid direct sun exposure for the first month after you get your tattoo and be sure to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your tattoo every time you'll be in the sun to prevent fading.

• Strike a hydration balance. Be sure to listen to your tattoo artist and apply soothing products and creams that will reduce itching, scarring and tissue damage. Moisturizing your skin helps speed the healing process.

• Apply occlusives lightly. People tend to over-apply Aquaphor or healing creams, but you’re actually supposed to apply a thin layer every time, so that your skin can also breathe

What should you not do after a tattoo?

• Drink alcohol excessively. Ghinko advises to not drink heavily before or after a tattoo. This is because alcohol thins your blood, which could cause you to bleed more than you normally would during the tattooing and healing process.

• Go swimming. "When a fresh tattoo is exposed to a pool or lake ... you can cause irritation and infections," says Ghinko. Avoid swimming for two to four weeks post-tattoo.

• Sunbathe. For the first month after your tattoo, avoid sun exposure to prevent fading and color distortion.

• Over-moisturize. Some hydration is essential, but according to Ghinko, it's also important to let your skin breathe while it's healing.

• Scratch. Tattoos tend to itch as they heal, but resist the urge to scratch which can irritate or tear the skin. Instead, Ghinko says to lightly slap it.

What are the best products for tattoo aftercare?

• Aquaphor Healing Ointment. For the best results, spread a thin layer onto the skin two to three times a day for the first few days after a tattoo, and rub it in completely

• A+D First Aid Ointment Skin Protectant. This is another ointment that is best applied in a thin layer two to three times a day for the first few days post-tattoo.

• Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream. Formulated specifically with tattoos in mind, this cream can be applied two to three times a day until your new tattoo is healed, and can also be used beyond that to keep your tattoo moisturized.

• EltaMD UV Restore SPF 40. UV light fades tattoos, so it's important to keep them protected from the sun's harsh rays. Apply sunscreen to your ink every two hours — not just in the first few months after a new tattoo, but every day.

How long does it take a tattoo to heal?

Ghinko says that it really depends on the size and how well you take care of your fresh ink, but you can expect a tattoo to heal within two to three weeks. Don't worry about the weird healing phases that can happen in between. "Larger tattoos [tend] to get super itchy during the peeling phase," Ghinko says. It's normal for tattoos to peel or flake during the first week or two after getting a tattoo done, just be sure not to pick at them.

What if my tattoo gets infected?

With proper care and a reputable artist, you should be able to avoid infections, but that doesn't mean that they don't happen rarely. If you suspect your tattoo might be infected, seek medical help immediately. Signs it's time to call your doctor: fever, chills, pus coming out of the tattoo, red lesions or streaks and raised skin around the tattoo.

How do I care for my tattoo long-term?

Sun protection is the single most important aspect of tattoo aftercare. "Just as you take care of your face so that the skin remains youthful, you have to do the same with the skin that holds your tattoos," Ghinko says. "For long-term care, you should always use sunscreen on the tattoos." If your tattoo begins to fade or distort, remember — you can always go back in for a touchup.