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I am looking to get a tattoo for my birthday in a few months and I am hoping someone can help me with a few questions and concerns.
I know that some tattoos are a bit pricy considering the size and location on the body. The one I want it fairly small, smaller than my fist and I want it on my ankle. It also contains several colors. I have heard that the more colors in your tattoo the more expensive it is. But I have also heard that this is false.
First question; based on the size and location of this tattoo how much pain should I expect?
Second question; what would be a good amount of money to save before going to get the tattoo (I know quotes change by day so I'm not really expecting to get a decent quote from a parlor)?
Third question; is it true that it's more expensive for colored tattoos?
I also am concerned that the tattoo will fade in color later in life. Does this happen, and if it does, what can I do to prevent it? And of course there is the standard concern of the tattoo getting infected.
Here is a picture of the tattoo I want. It's the heart one (I am clarifying as there are two tattoos on the woman in this picture.)
http://www.geekytattoos.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Zelda_Heart_Container.png
Answer
Hi! Well, I have three tattoos. One on my ribs, one on the side of my hip and another on the inside of my ankle. I'm telling you this because I have a point - I promise. Taking each 'pain' of all three tattoos didn't measure up to the pain I had when I got my tragus pierced. When I got my tragus I wanted to cry. For the tattoos I almost fell asleep.
Anyway, everyone has a different pain tolerance, what might hurt me might not hurt you and vice versa. The ankle IS a boney area so you will experience some discomfort. To me the outlining hurts the worse than the shading but I've heard for most people the shading hurts worse.
I would save a good bit amount, granted I don't know the pricing where you're located but looking at the tattoo it does look like it would cost a pretty penny considering it does have a lot of dimension in it.
Around here where I live (Louisiana) generally speaking colored tattoos that have more than two do tend to cost a bit more than just black tattoos. And like I said before, since your tattoo will have a bit more depth in it, the price will raise.
Coloring does fade BUT if the tattoo artist uses good quality ink, you should be on the safe side. My tattoo artist (who happens to be my uncle) used this new Japanese ink and the colors are fricken vibrant as hell. I have pink, orange and blue and I've had this tattoo for almost 4 years now and it's still as bright as it was the day I got it. The things you can do to prevent is keep it out of direct sunlight. AFTER it has healed, use sunblock on it because the sun will drain the color out and if you go into a tanning bed, cover it up.
Like I previously said, I have three tattoos none of them got infected but then again everyone is different. Just keep it clean, and do as your tattoo artist tells you. After I got my tattoo done on my heel my uncle had told me whenever I leave my house put a bandaid on my tattoo because if I don't the dirt from the ground kicking up will get into it but make sure it's an actual bandaid not a gause.
Also, please PLEASE PLEASE make sure the tattoo artist you're going to is a GOOD one who does good work and uses clean things. I'm not saying this being I'm thinking you wouldn't other wise but I just feel like I need to stress this because my uncle is a tattoo artist and I've seen horror stories coming in the shops and it's just awful.
I hope I helped some, good luck!
rib tattoo experiences?
Amber
im going to get a tattoo on my rib cage right on my bra line. I know pain is subjective to the individual but im wanting to hear other peoples experiences. The one i am getting is a quote based off of a biblical quote, and i want it in a script font.
What are your experiences, how much pain 1-10 , care and after care, should i be prepared to go braless for a few days?
Answer
I answer these questions related to pain in the same way every time.
The pain in different places differs from person to person, pain threshold does have a lot of input but, for example, my chest tattoo didn't hurt at all, where as some people I know said their chest tattoo hurt a lot!
Anyway, here's a basic pain level chart I always reffer people to.
Pain level 1
These include the upper arm, forearm, calf, Bum, and Thigh. For a 1st tattoo these are great points to begin your inked journey.
Pain level 2
These include the centre back, front / side of thighs and shoulders. This is also not too bad a start for your first tattoo. The shoulders and central back region can be area that require quite a lot of movement. The skin on these areas is much looser meaning it takes longer to tattoo and also longer to heal. On areas that have lots of movement such as these, require more care once a tattoo is completed. Due to the thigh area being quite a dense muscle mass and also quite tight skin, it may tend to bruise the day after.
Pain level 3
These include the knees, elbows, hands, head, neck, feet, chest and back of thighs. Beginners beware of starting at these areas. You would need to be determined to have tattoos here as the high sensitivity would require a lot of mental focus to get you through. The poor quality of skin on both the knees and elbows will result in a very slow tattoo process and nerves are very close to the surface in these areas. This could result in the tattooing being unbearable for any length of time for some people. As with the orange areas these tend to be high movement areas and will require a longer healing timescale. You may find that to achieve a good solid colour, you may have to repeat the tattoo process on these areas. As a side note the chest area on men can be much more sensitive to pain than a woman, yet due to the tighter skin on a male, the tattoo can be completed quicker.
Pain level 4 (OWCHIE!)
Areas include hips, ribcage, stomach, back of knees, armpit, inside of elbow, nipples, lips, inside of thighs and genitals. Are you really sure you want to get that tattoo? As these areas can elicit crying, half finished tattoos or even the customer passing out. This could just be more than you may be able to handle. All of these purple areas are considered by most to be the most painful areas to be tattooed. The stretchy or thin skin over bone are slow to tattoo, some of these may require multiple sessions to achieve solid colour and smooth shading. Healing can be just as painful as receiving the tattoo and may require a few days off from your regular activities.
SOME USEFUL TIPS WHEN GETTING A TATTOO:
â¢Women are your more sensitive the week prior to and during your cycle. Plan around those dates to have the best experience possible when getting your tattoo.
â¢Use lotion everyday on the area to be tattooed at least 1 week prior for healthier skin and better results.
â¢Do not go out in the sun at least one week prior to being tattooed (including tanning beds) This drys the skin and if peeling occurs could damage the tattoo.
â¢Consider what you will wear for 2 weeks while healing if your tattoo is in an area like the foot, waist, shoulders or chest. Shoes, waistbands, belts, underwear, and bras can all damage tattoos if you do not plan ahead. Find comfortable clothing that will not touch or rub during this time.
â¢Always eat a good meal before being tattooed and drink plenty of fluids.
â¢Be sure to get a good nights rest before your appointment.
â¢Ask what kind of aftercare products you will need when you set up to get your tattoo.
â¢Mention any allergies you may have, pigments, dyes, perfumes.
â¢Some medication may thin your blood, check with your doctor before being tattooed.
â¢Anyone with an autoimmune disorder needs to check with their doctor and should bring a note to be tattooed.
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