Tattooing FAQ
Frequently asked questions about tattooing here at Near Me Tattoo
Common Questions
How old do I need to be?
Georgia State law requires you to be at least 18 years old with valid photo ID to receive tattooing services. We will absolutely not tattoo anyone under the age of 18 years old. There is no parental consent for tattooing in the state of Georgia.
How Long will my tattoo last?
Tattoos are permanent, but they can fade over time due to sun exposure, skin type, and ink quality. High quality tattoos can last a lifetime with minimal fading if protected from UV rays. Lighter colors fade faster than black or dark inks. Touchups every 10 years or so can refresh them, but tattoos are designed to be lasting.
What is the easiest place to get a tattoo?
The easiest place to get tattooed is usually on the outer arms. This area of the body is used to friction from everyday life and activities and is considered tougher skin. Areas that would be harder for a first timer would be bony or softer skin areas (ribs, feet, upper inner arms). No matter the area, we will help maintain your comfort during the tattooing process.
Do tattoos hurt?
Tattoos involve needles piercing the skin repeatedly to deposit ink, so yes, there is pain involved. The sensation varies by person, location, and tattoo size. Areas with more nerve endings or less fat (like ribs or feet) tend to hurt more. Many describe it as a scratching or burning feeling, but endorphins often kick in to dull it over time. Pain tolerance plays a big role, and smaller tattoos are generally less intense.
Does color ink or white hurt more?
White ink typically hurts more than standard color or black ink because it’s applied last, after the skin is already sensitive from outlining and coloring. Black ink often feels the least painful since it’s done first on fresh skin, while most colors fall somewhere in between. Trust us, its well worth it.
Are Tattoos safe?
Tattooing is considered safe when done by a licensed professional in a clean studio using sterile equipment and high quality ink such as at Near Me Tattoo. This lowers the chance of an infection from occurring from the beginning of the tattoo process. Some allergic reactions can occur (usually red based pigment). We strive to keep a safe and clean environment for body art to flourish!
Before Your Tattoo
How do I prepare for my tattoo appointment?
Book a consultation to discuss your idea, size, and placement. In the days leading up, stay healthy. Get good sleep, eat balanced meals, and avoid blood thinners like alcohol or aspirin. On the day, eat a good meal, shower, wear comfortable clothes, and bring ID, snacks, and entertainment if it’s a long session.
What should I avoid before my tattoo?
Avoid alcohol, recreational substances, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood thinning medications for at least 24 hours beforehand as these can increase bleeding during the tattooing procedure. Don’t show up hungover, sick, or overly tired, as that can lead to a poor experience. Skip caffeine overload if it makes you anxious, and don’t apply heavy makeup, lotions, or products near the tattooing area (we’ll clean it anyway, but starting fresh helps).
What should I wear and bring to my tattoo appointment?
Choose loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area like shorts for leg tattoos or a tank top for arms. Avoid tight fabrics that might rub or stick post session. Dark colors hide any ink splatters, and bring layers if the studio is cool. For lower body tattoos, skip belts or restrictive pants.
Do I need to shave before my tattoo?
Usually not, we will shave the area ourselves for hygiene and precision. This also helps us avoid you showing up with a scratch from a razor that will affect the tattoo quality. The only time we will ask you to do prep work is for particularly hairy areas like your head, where we will ask you to get your head shaved by a barber or stylist before the tattoo session.
What if I have allergies or sensitive skin?
Mention it during the consult. We’ll discuss options based on your information and what concerns you have.. If you have a latex allergy, let us know, we have nitrile and latex free disposables used during the procedure. Your comfort and health is our priority!
What should i eat before my tattoo?
Opt for a nutritious meal 1 to 2 hours before to maintain blood sugar and energy levels. Think proteins, carbs, and veggies like a sandwich or salad. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that might upset your stomach. Snacks like nuts or fruit during breaks can help if it’s a multi hour session. Eating prevents lightheadedness, especially for first timers.
During Your Tattoo
What happens during the tattoo process?
You’ll fill out a consent form covering your health, history, and waivers and our piercer will go over any questions or concerns you may have. The piercer sterilizes the area, marks the location allowing you to check placement, then uses a single use hollow needle to create the channel, inserts jewelry, and that’s it! The process is usually under 5 to 10 minutes total. Everything is opened in front of you for sterility.
What if I’m nervous or scared of needles?
Totally normal! Tell your tattoo artist, they’re used to first timers and can talk you through it, offer breathing tips, or help distract you. Many people feel a bit uneasy at first, but it passes quickly. Bringing a friend for support is often helpful and recommended.
What does the actual tattoo part feel like?
It often feels like a sharp scratching or vibrating burn, similar to a cat scratch or bee sting repeated rapidly. Initial pokes might sting more, but many find it becomes a dull ache as endorphins release. Sensation varies by body part where bony areas may feel sharper. Most people find the process more annoying feeling than anything more painful.
Can I talk, move, or ask questions during?
Absolutely! feel free to chat, ask questions, or say if something feels off! Our artists will encourage communication to make sure you’re comfortable. Stay as still as possible during the actual tattoo (they’ll guide you), but you can breathe normally, squeeze your hands, or even listen to music if you brought headphones.
Do you use numbing products?
It depends some artists allow topical numbing creams (like lidocaine) for sensitive areas, but others prefer not as it can affect skin texture or ink absorption. Apply it 1 to 2 hours before if approved by your artist, but discuss risks like allergic reactions. Not all creams work well, and pain is part of the experience for many. Many artists also offer Bactine spray during tattooing with lidocaine that can help take the edge off.
Am I allowed to take breaks?
Absolutely! Most artists encourage breaks for stretching, eating, or bathroom needs, especially for sessions over 2 hours. Communicate if you’re uncomfortable; our artists prioritize your comfort. Plan for 5 to 10 minute pauses every hour and a half or so to avoid fatigue. For very long pieces, sessions might split over days.
After Your Tattoo
What is the aftercare like for beginners?
Super simple: Wash hands, then clean 3 to 4 times a day with antibacterial hand soap and apply a hypoallergenic lotion. Let it air dry or pat gently, no twisting the jewelry, no alcohol or peroxide, no ointments. Shower rinsing helps too. Keep it hands off otherwise. We will send you our aftercare sheet digitally or you can also view it here. As always feel free to contact us at the shop if you have any questions or concerns.
Is there anything I should do after?
Go straight home if possible. Keep it clean and sealed or lubed, and take it easy. Ice if swollen (wrap the ice pack in a clean paper towel to avoid moisture), and eat something light. Follow the aftercare advice which has more information about everything.
Celebrate, you just did it!
What should I avoid right after?
No swimming (pools, lakes, oceans) for 2 to 4 weeks minimum. Keep it out of the sun as well, the sun will break down tattoos over time. Skip makeup and hair products near it, tight clothes (for body), and sleeping directly on it (use sheets you don’t care getting marked). If you’re ever unsure about what to do about a situation and a healing tattoo, always feel free to reach out to us!
How long does it take to heal a tattoo?
Full healing takes 4 to 6 weeks externally, but deeper layers can take 3 to 6 months. The top layer peels in 1 to 2 weeks, like a sunburn. Factors like size, placement, and health affect healing times. Larger tattoos or those on high movement areas (hands, around major joints) heal slower. Using second skin aftercare helps speed up the initial healing time and helps to seal the tattoo.
When can i come back for my next session?
Not for healing, wait until fully healed (months for most). Early removal can cause closure or irritation. Well-healed lobes might stay open longer, but always assume it could close quickly. Keep jewelry in during healing. We can help you downsize (shorten) starter jewelry after swelling drops (usually 4 to 8 weeks) to make it more comfortable. We will have jewelry options in store for purchase.
What if something feels wrong after I leave?
Come back anytime for free check ups, we’re here for questions, bumps, or any concerns you may have. Most “issues” are normal healing, but we’d rather have you come in and let us check out the piercing than have you worry. Your first tattoo or your 50th should be a great experience! Contact us at any time through our contact page.
