Do tattoo's hurt?

 

As the tattoo process places pigment in the epidermis of the skin using a sterile needle, there is some discomfort during the process. This varies from person to person and can depend on the area tattooed and/or the duration of the tattoo.

 

How long will my tattoo take to heal?

 

Your new tattoo should be healed when you see new intact skin and all shedding has occurred. This is usually between 10-14 days but can occur more quickly. If you have any concerns, contact your artist.

 

What should I use to help the healing process?

 

We recommend using Palmers Cocoa butter or Bepanthen which should be applied 2-3 times a day until healed. Do not use ointments not recommended by your artist.

 

What should I do before getting my tattoo done?

 

Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water and a large carby meal will help keep your blood sugar levels stable during the process. Avoid high fatty meals before your tattoo as this can make the process more difficult.

 

Will I be able to do exercise after my tattoo?

 

Yes, but avoid exposing your new tattoo to gym equipment, swimming and too much sun. This can cause a higher risk of infection to your tattoo which can make healing times longer and can even effect the end result of your healed tattoo.

 

What age do I need to be?

 

In the UK, you MUST be 18 to be tattooed. It is ILLEGAL to tattoo anyone under that age. There is no legal age for body piercings but we DO NOT pierce anyone under the age of 16 without parental consent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can I get a tattoo if I'm underage but I bring my parent/guardian?

 

No, this is ILLEGAL. No matter how much you whinge, whine and beg, your parents CANNOT sign for you and we will NOT tattoo you without valid photo ID. 

 

What are the most painful places to get tattooed/pierced?

 

For tattoo's, bony areas generally tend to hurt more. This includes the ribs, bony parts of the wrist, elbows, chest/collarbone and certain parts of the feet. Bum cheeks are also known to be quite sharp! With piercings, this depends on the perosn although painful piercings can include nipples, genital piercings and the septum. Surface piercings can cause some discomfort, mainly due to the shape of the surface piercing jewelery.

 

What if I change my mind after having my tattoo or piercing?

 

You need to be sure before going ahead with the procedure. Tattoos are PERMENANT! Even with good laser removal or cover ups, there is still a chance your unwanted tattoo will be visible and laser tattoo removal is a costly, lengthy and painful process. With piercings, there will also be a small scar but this can be covered with makeup.

 

What do I do if I think my tattoo or piercing is infected?

 

Infection usually shows the following symptoms. Increased pain and/or swelling, a redness that extends beyond the tattoo/piercing site, discharge of a dark green, brown or red pus that can smell, a high body temperature, tenderness to the touch or a lump under the skin.

 

If you think your tattoo/piercing is infected CONTACT YOUR ARTIST OR GP IF IN DOUBT.

 

I want a hand or neck tattoo as my first tattoo. Is this a good idea?

 

Short answer, NO. Artists concerned for their clients will generally refuse to tattoo these areas unless the client is already in the industry or heavily tattooed. There are exceptions, but such visible tattoo's STILL send out a certain message to society and can hinder future job prospects as well as people’s perceptions of you. Think carefully before asking your artist to potentially mark you for life.

 

I have an old tattoo I want covering up. Is this possible?

 

It depends on the tattoo. Cover ups generally have to be much bigger and darker than the original tattoo. If you are interested in a cover up, your best option would be to come to the studio and your artist will point you in the right direction.

 

I want to book in for a tattoo or piercing? What shall I bring with me?

 

Any reference pictures or photos you have in kind for your tattoo and if your fortunate to look under the age of 18, then bring a valid photo ID. We also ask for a 20% deposit upon booking to secure your slot and designs. If a deposit is not paid then you can lose your slot and the artist will not prepare any artwork for you until your session starts, potentially costing you more.

 

How are tattoo's done?

 

Artists create tattoos by injecting ink into a person's skin. To do this, they use an electrically powered tattoo machine that resembles (and sounds like) a dental drill. The machine moves a solid needle up and down to puncture the skin between 50 and 3,000 times per minute. The needle penetrates the skin by about a millimetre and deposits a drop of insoluble ink into the skin with each puncture.

 

I want a tattoo sleeve. How much will it cost?

 

That all depends on what you want. Sleeves can take anywhere from 12 hours to over 60 hours depending on the design, colours (if any), details and style. When asking for a sleeve, please make sure you have certain ideas in your mind and don’t waste the artists time with questions like 'I want a sleeve of heaven, how much?'. That’s like asking the artist how long it will take to build a house. It all depends on the size of the house and materials used. If you want a sleeve, bring in as many different references as possible and your artist will design something custom for you using your ideas as a starting point.

 

How do I know that the equipment used is sterile?

 

All the equipment used at Cult of the Sphynx is single use and disposable. Anything that isn’t is autoclaved and sterilized. We are registered with the local health authority and pride ourselves on our hygiene. 

 

Can I drink/take drugs before having my tattoo or piercing?

 

No. Your artist may refuse if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can not only cause excessive bleeding and more discomfort to you but also you will find that it will be harder to keep still and this can affect your tattoo design. You will be asked these questions when you sign your consent form before your procedure. If you supply false information, you will/may not only lose your deposit but may/will also be banned from the studio.

 

I have a medical condition. Can I still get tattooed or pierced?

 

That all depends on the medical condition. You will be asked to sign a consent form before your procedure and any concerns should be highlighted by your artist. Being truthful will not only help protect your health and wellbeing but also your artists.

 

I'm pregnant. Can I get tattooed or pierced?

 

We do not tattoo or pierce anyone who is pregnant as this can cause increased stress to your baby. 

 

How long will the tattoo take?

 

This all depends on the area being tattooed and the size/design of your tattoo. The duration of your tattoo will be highlighted by your artist during your consultation and the length of sessions will depend on the design/size of your tattoo. Your artist will generally recommend that all outlining is done in one session, but if you cannot/don’t think you can sit too long, exceptions can be made.

 

I wish to cancel my booking. What shall I do?

 

We all have a change of heart but please let us know a.s.a.p. If you have booked with us and change your booking within 48 hours of your booking, you will lose your deposit. Deposits are no refundable so please think before you decide to cancel.