Are Tattoos Safe?

Yes, as long as you go to a reputable artist who follows recommended safety procedures. Tattooing is an invasive procedure, therefore there is infection and disease  risk involved.  Epona Tattoo Studio are registered with the Environmental Health Authority and we use NEW  professional quality needles, inks and new disposable equipment sourced from professional tattoo suppliers and manufacturers for EVERY client. All equipment that cannot be disposed of after each tattoo (such as the tattoo machines etc) is covered with a new disposable cover to prevent cross contamination. However, we can only speak of our own strict codes of practice so do not be afraid to ask questions on this subject in other tattoo studios. we one of the few 5 star hygiene rated studios in Nottinghamshire.

I am under 18 but I have my parents permission - can I get a tattoo?

By law you must be at least 18 years old to be tattooed in the U.K.  All of our clients are required to bring Photographic ID showing their date of birth to their tattoo appointment. Unfortunately parental permission does not override the law.

I am scared of needles, can I still have a tattoo?

If you have a fear of needles (very common) or blood  you should know that tattoo needles do not actually go into the skin very far (0.5 – 1.5mm on average) and they should never actually pucture through the skin completely (when done by a professional). A tattoo does not feel  like an injection, it feels more like a hot scratch and the damage done to your skin is so minimal that many people  don’t bleed much at all and if they do it is usually very slight.

Does it hurt?

Every one of us has a different tolerance of pain, but for the most part getting a tattoo is tolerable. Just like eyesight or hearing, skin sensitivity varies from person to person as well as in different parts of the body.  However, it is more important that you choose a tattoo based upon what you want rather than worrying about the pain aspect. The ‘pain’ comes from the needle grouping hitting your skin very rapidly and is more of sharp and constant irritation than a pain. Areas that are ticklish are likely to be more painful, as are areas that have bones close to the surface such as the ankle, wrist and ribs.

Do not drink or take drugs for pain relief prior to your tattoo session. Both aspirin and alcohol thin your blood and cause extra bleeding which can cause your tattoo to look faded after healing. In addition to this they can both also significantly slow down your healing. If you take aspirin on a daily basis at the request of your doctor please let us know and we will discuss how to deal with this at your appointment.

Some people find  that the pain received whilst getting a tattoo is part of the tattoo. Like a challenge well met, they feel that the work of going through the tattoo session increases their sense of well-being after the session and their tattoos seem to become a more important part of themselves through this process.

Can you use a numbing cream or spray during my tattoo?

The Local Authorities advice in relation to the use of anesthetics is particularly relevant to tattooists. All clients should expect to experience some degree of pain for any tattoo treatment. The administration of local anesthetic injections by persons other than medically qualified practitioners (doctors/dentist) is illegal and therefore not permitted.

External application of topical anesthetics (creams/gels/sprays) to clients can be deemed an offense under the Medicines Act 1968. The legislation stipulates that only persons who hold a product license (generally pharmacists) may supply these products for use in medical applications. Their administration by Body Piercers, Tattooists or Therapists on clients for cosmetic purposes can therefore be deemed an offense.

PLEASE DO NOT SELF ADMINISTER ANY TOPICAL ANESTHETIC BEFORE YOUR TATTOO - IF YOU DO THIS WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TATTOO YOU AND AS A RESULT YOU WILL FORFEIT YOUR BOOKING FEE!

How far does the needle go in?

The needle goes between 0.5 and 2mm on average into the skin.

Can I get an infection from a tattoo?

 You should not get an infection from the tattoo process  as long as your artist is using new needles and inks and is trained in and is using cross contamination procedures  and infection control methods and provides proper aftercare advice. For the most part infection occurs when a tattoo is not taken care of properly during the healing process or when it has been exposed to ‘dirty’ conditions (such as contact with animals/dirty towels/dirty fingers etc).

Please note that all tattoos are the client's responsibly once they leave the studio. Whilst we take every step to ensure that the tattoo process is clean and cross contamination is controlled we are unable to control your behaviour and environment once you leave the studio. Please ensure that you follow the aftercare instructions that we provide and if you are at all concerned about anything you can contact us here or phone us at the studio on 01636 815771.

How long is the healing process?

Generally a tattoo will take between 7 and 10 days to complete the first stage of healing, however some people heal as quickly as 5-6 days and some take up to 3 weeks. The first stage of healing involves the tattoo going through a ‘flakey’ stage and there may be a few light scabs. After this, during the second stage, the tattoo may become very itchy and the skin may be dry and shiny, or thin looking. It is important that you do not get your tattoo sun-burnt at this point as the skin has not healed properly and is therefore more open to sun damage and there is an increased risk of melanoma.

Can you tattoo over my scar?

The short answer is generally yes, but it depends upon a lot of factors including how old the scar is, what caused the scar in the first place and if there has ever been any infection in the tissue. Talk to your tattooist about any scars you may have in the area you want tattooed during your consultation.

Hand / Foot / Finger Tattoo Issues.

Due to the nature of the skin on  certain areas of your hands and feet (it sheds constantly) it can be impossible to keep a good solid tattoo. Some people will see white spots during the healing process (it can begin within days of the tattoo being done) others will lose the colour more gradually over the next few months and years. Most pictures that you see online or in magazines  are of fresh tattoos, not fully healed and not a year or two after  the healing. When getting a foot/hand or finger tattoo you could be looking at a lifetime of touch ups at your expense.

My friend has a tattoo kit and he is really good at drawing, should l let him practice on me?

NO! Even with the best will in the world an untrained tattooist could be putting both of your lives at risk without realising it. Without a full clear understanding of infection control procedures and a health risk assessed and prepared environment there is a clear risk of disease to both the tattooist and the client. Additionally, just because someone can draw does not mean they can translate that into a tattoo, you will be scarred for LIFE! I can use a drill - it does not make me a dentist!

What should I do to prepare for a tattoo appointment?

Do :-

• Ensure you have eaten a good meal within an hour of your appointment time. Tattooing can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels which can result in faintness and nausea and so it is always a good idea to make sure your sugar levels are up and stable. You are welcome to bring snacks and food with you.
• Wear WARM and CLEAN comfortable clothing that can be removed and allows access to the tattoo area.  A zip or button-up cardigan is a good idea especially if you are having an upper body tattooed as you can still wear most of it to keep you warm whilst leaving the tattooed area exposed.  Loose trousers or skirts are good for lower body tattoos. Please be aware that our studio area has up to four tattooists working at any time so please think of this when choosing clothing for tattooing more private parts of the body.
• Make sure you drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your appointment, this will help the healing process.
• BRING YOUR ID!  Environmental health now requires us to check official photographic identification documents for all of our clients, not just those under 25.
• Being distracted helps.  You are welcome to bring along headphones and music or a film to watch - something to keep yourself occupied as being tattooed can be very very boring and your tattooist will be concentrating on your tattoo and so may not be able to talk.
  
• Give yourself enough time for your appointment.  Feeling rushed tends to add to the anxiety.
• Make sure you have enough parking, you will need at least 2 hours longer than your predicted tattoo time. There is lots of free parking in Southwell (for information on this see here) but if you happen to have chosen to Pay and Display please ensure you have paid for at least two hours longer than your tattoo time. In other words if you have booked in for 3 hours please make sure you have 5 hours parking.

Dont :-

• Wear white or new clothing - tattooing is messy and we cannot guarantee that your clothing will remain clean and new looking!
• Do not drink alcohol or take asprin in the 24hours before your tattoo, these thin  your blood and will make you bleed more possibly causing loss of ink and slowing down healing rates.
• Sugar-load! Don't eat nothing but sugary food and drinks before your tattoo, this will de-stabilise your sugar levels and can lead to fainting and light-headedness, please eat a balanced meal with carbs and proteins with 1 hour of your tattoo appointment. You are welcome to bring snacks and food with you.
  
• Bring along your entire family and all your mates. Our tattoo studio is not large and we do not have enough room for everyone so they will unfortunately be asked to wait elsewhere. We are sometimes able to accommodate one friend or family member but please also remember that tattooing is the world's most boring spectator sport so they come at their own peril! We are not able to accommodate any person under 18 in the studio at any time.
  

How do I care for my new tattoo?

We give all of our clients full after care instructions during their tattoo session but if you forget anything or if you have any questions you are always welcome to email us.

What should I wear whilst my tattoo is healing?

Tight clothing or shoes over your tattoo can cause chaffing and can rub at the healing skin resulting in colour loss, spotting in the tattoo and a blow-out effect on tattoo lines.  Avoid clothing that rubs but ensure your tattoo is covered. Clean, smooth cotton is best, synthetic and textured fibers tend to catch on your healing skin and can pull off scabs, they also tend to trap any moisture against your skin which can cause irritation.

What do I need to be aware of whilst my tattoo is healing?

Swimming, tanning, shaving STAY AWAY!!! Please avoid these things for at least two weeks. Direct sunlight (burning) and sun-bedding within the first month of getting a new tattoo can cause blistering and sever sun damage. Even after this you should be aware  that sun exposure will permanently fade your tattoo and reduce the detail faster than it would otherwise and that the reduction in contrast between your skin and the ink in your tattoo will cause it to look even more faded (though this particular effect will reduce as your tan fades).

Keep all razors away for at least 2 weeks and make sure that you do not soak your tattoo in the bath, go swimming or use a sauna  whilst there are still any scabs on your healing tattoo. Soaking the healing tattoo can cause the scabs to be knocked off, opening your tattoo to infection and possibly causing a loss of ink.

 What if I am ill on my appointment day?

To prevent the spread of illness and to keep everyone healthy we ask you to please call us and then stay home until you feel better!
If you are sick or have a  heavy cold or flu you should wait to get your tattoo done. If your body is run down it can compromise the healing process. Please  email  and leave a message as soon as possible so that you do not lose your booking fee.

Which medical conditions effect tattooing?

Please speak to your tattooist if you are on any medication or if you have any allergies as they may need to take these into account when tattooing you.

Diabetes – Can slow down the healing time of your tattoo. Keep doing the after care longer, take extra care of yourself and be patient.

Steroid Medication – Use of steroid medication can slow down your healing time. If you are using topical steroid medication please let your tattooist know at the consultation.

Eczema / Psoriasis – Some clients (a very small percent  that have a bad case of either skin condition) find that the tattoo process can trigger an eczema/psoriasis outbreak around the spot being tattooed. If you are in the middle of an outbreak please wait until it has passed so we don’t cause any more discomfort or reaction in that area. If you develop spots after your tattoo don’t be alarmed, it’s the skins normal response to any irritation.

Immuno-suppressant medications  – these medications are designed to suppress your immune system and as such  can really cause issues with the heal time, quality of healing and the end result of tattooing. It is  recommended that you wait until the medication is out of your system before you consider any tattoo work to ensure the best results,  Immuno-suppressants are used for the treatment of many medical conditions including Cancer and In Vitro Fertilisation.

DISABLED ACCESS- please pre arrange with us if vehicular access is needed. Please bear in mind there is a steep step into the studio and that there are several steps to access the toilet. 

If you are unsure about any medication you are on and it's effect on tattooing please ask your doctor before making your tattoo appointment. It is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that you are fit to be tattooed.

Why can’t I use vitamin E on my tattoos?

Vitamin E is used to remove impurities in the skin and to your body the ink is an impurity. The vitamin E can actually stimulate the skin into removing the ink in your skin causing spots and damage. Many vitamin enriched creams can do damage to a new tattoo so be careful, use the creams that your tattooist recommends and if you use a specific cream for a skin complaint please check with your tattooist first.

How does pregnancy and breast feeding affect tattoos?

Once pregnant we cannot tattoo you, this is partially because the pain that you will feel will cause elevated stress hormones that can cause discomfort to your unborn child and partly because there is a risk (however small) of infection throughout the healing process of the tattoo and any avoidable risk is unacceptable during pregnancy. In addition to this, during pregnancy your body is going through huge changes and these changes can also affect your immune system and healing times. Because of this we ask you to wait 6 months after the birth of your child before having a tattoo.

Breastfeeding is also reason to avoid a tattoo. Again, your body will have gone through so many changes that need to wait to allow your body to go back to it’s pre-pregnancy state. Breastfeeding can cause a slowing of the tattoo healing time and any risk of infection whilst you are breastfeeding is a risk to your child, because of this we ask that you wait 3 months after you finish breastfeeding before we will tattoo you.