9 questions to ask before taking the plunge

No doubt, a first tattoo cannot be improvised. Thanks to the advice of a pro, we gathered the essential questions and answers before taking the plunge.

Ha_tchi, a tattoo artist since 2017, practices in her private studio in Nivelles. Although versatile, his favorite style remains the semi-realistic tattoo, with the favorite inspirations: animals, plants or the universe of the magical. She answers questions that are necessary before taking the step of a first tattoo.

Want a tattoo? Ask yourself these questions!

Before you find yourself under the needles, it is better to fill up on information.

1. Before taking the plunge: what is the essential info?

“The most important thing: the certainty of its approach because a tattoo is, in principle, final. There is also the question of tolerance: although the composition of current inks is well tolerated, an allergy test is possible. Do not hesitate to inform yourself with the artist of your choice.

Of course, there are basic contraindications (pregnant or lactating women) and, by default, it is best to contact your doctor in case of pathologies to obtain your opinion.

I ask my future customers to fill out an information sheet – confidential – relating to their health: treatments, pathologies and known allergies. ”

2. Just before the act: What are the instructions?

“We inquire with our doctor in the event of anticoagulant treatment. I do not tattoo people under the influence of alcohol or drugs, nor the minors. The ideal is to come, after a good night’s sleep and everything will be fine!”

3. Pain: a little, a lot, intensely …?

“It is bearable but varies from one person to another. There are more or less delicate areas than others: the more fleshy areas (high arm, thighs …) are less sensitive than the areas where the skin is fine (neck, inside of the wrist, knee …).

This is why I often recommend a “little” tattoo in first experience: the ideal to cross the course of the unknown. The most frequent sentence after a first tattoo is: ‘Oh, I expected a worse pain!’ ”

4. The act: How long does it last?

“This is variable, but let’s have 5 to 10 minutes for a minimalist project (symbol, letter, etc.). About 1 hour for a slightly more elaborate project (sentence, flower, drawing of around 10cm). For large -scale projects, I often work by sessions of 3 to 4 hours so as not to exhaust customer resistance. It must remain a pleasant experience.”

5. Right after: What maintenance to bring to his tattoo?

“The first days, it is essential to keep the tattoo clean (a neutral pH soap is ideal) and not to scratch the crusts. You can apply a healing ointment. It will also be necessary to avoid the sea, the swimming pool or the sauna in the first weeks.

After healing, sun protection is highly recommended. And like any part of the body and face, daily protection and hydration are ideal. In any case, follow the advice of your tattoo artist. “” “

6. Over time: Are there colors that age better than others?

“A priori not, if the application is good and the customer maintains it at best. Some tones once healing are different depending on the tan, the skin color. Thus the white ink will have a more or less yellow-bright-bright appearance according to your complexion.

In general, if it is well done and well maintained, a tattoo does not require retouching. ”

7. After: What if we regret?

“I advise to leave time to think: a little ‘tattoo blues’ it happens! If after healing, we always regret, it will be necessary to contact a professional practicing laser (only doctors in medicine and dermatologists can practice it). Attention, the skin is rarely intact after this type of treatment and that hurts, more than tattooing!”

8. How much does it cost?

“According to the salons, the price begins between 75 € and 100 €. The price then varies depending on the size or complexity of the tattoo and, of course, the time required. For example, for a semi-realistic cat head the size of a palm of a hand, I ask ± 300 €.”

9. One last advice?

“Yes, I recommend a minimum tattoo size (1 to 2.5cm²) because, just like us and our skin, it will also age. Over time, its tracks will thicken and it can slightly pale, which means that a tattoo too small will become vague and/or illegible after a few years.

Do not trust mini-tattoos, as cute and delicate as they are on social networks, they do not have a bright future ahead of them! ”

Inspirations and trends

Want a first tattoo? Of a 5th or even more? We let ourselves be inspired by a few trendy small patterns.

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