Tattoo Frequently Asked Questions: Everything You Need to Know
Getting your first tattoo can feel exciting, but it usually comes with a lot of questions. Whether you are worried about pain, healing, cost, or whether now is the right time, knowing the basics helps you make a confident decision.
At Black Hound Tattoo we regularly field questions from our clients around everything from whether it hurts, to what to do during the healing process. This tattoo frequently asked questions guide covers the most common things people ask so, if you are thinking about getting tattooed and have questions of your own, this is a great place to start.
Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt?
Pain is usually the first thing people ask about, and the honest answer is yes, tattoos can be uncomfortable, but its really not as bad as you might imagine! The feeling is often described as scratching, stinging, vibration, or a hot dragging sensation.
At Black Hound Tattoo we have an amazing team of artists that will take good care of you during the tattoo, and check in with you throughout the process to ensure that you are comfortable.
How much tattoos hurts depends on:
The Tattoo Placement
Areas with thinner skin or more bone underneath, like ribs, feet, hands, elbows, and spine, tend to feel more intense, other areas really aren’t bad at all, some clients even find the process a relaxing break from day to day reality.
Your Pain Tolerance
Everyone handles pain differently. What feels easy for one person may feel rough for someone else. Our team of artists will regularly check how you are doing, and offer you breaks where needed.
Length of Session
A small tattoo will of course be far more manageable than a full day back session. Longer sessions can become more tiring, so we will offer you plenty of breaks, snacks and hydration.
Most people find the anticipation is worse than the reality.
Will I Regret Getting a Tattoo?
This depends more on decision making than the tattoo itself. Regret usually happens when someone rushes the process or chooses something they do not truly connect with. At Black Hound Tattoo our artists will have an in-depth consultation process to ensure that you are happy and fully committed to any designs that they design for you. They will also double and triple check any spellings with you!
How to Avoid Tattoo Regret
Take time choosing your design and placement, ensure the spellings of any text are correct and think long term rather than short term trends. Choose artwork you genuinely like, not something because everyone else has it.
A well thought out tattoo often becomes something people love forever.
Are Tattoos Safe?
Yes, tattoos are safe when done professionally in a clean studio that follows hygiene standards.
Black Hound Tattoo prides itself in maintaining the highest cleanliness and health and safety standards. Your artist will also provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to give your new tattoo the best chance of healing without the risk of any complications.
What Makes the Black Hound Tattoo Studio Safe?
Our studio is thoroughly cleaned every day, and each tattoo station is sterilised after each and every client. We ensure that we:
- Use single use needles
- Sterile equipment
- Clean workstations
- Gloves and hygiene practices
- Proper aftercare advice
Risks of Unsafe Tattooing
Poor hygiene can increase the risk of infection, allergic reactions, or bad healing. Choosing the cheapest option, or your friend tattooing out of their bedroom, is not worth it.
How Much Does a Tattoo Cost?
Tattoo pricing varies depending on size, detail, placement, and artist experience. All of our tattoo designs are bespoke and unique to you, our artists will spend time crafting your design so that it perfectly brings your vision to life. This process is all included in the final session price.
What Affects Tattoo Prices?
- Size of the design
- Time required
- Detail level
- Placement difficulty
- Artist demand and reputation
A small tattoo may have a minimum charge, while larger custom pieces are often priced hourly or by full session.
How Long Does It Take for a Tattoo to Heal?
Most tattoos heal on the surface within two to three weeks. Your artist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions following your tattoo session.
Normal Healing Stages
- Redness and sensitivity in the first few days
- Light scabbing or peeling after around a week
- Skin settling over the next few weeks
Best Healing Advice
Follow the Black Hound Tattoo aftercare instructions(including which balms/moisturisers to use) keep it clean, avoid soaking it, and do not pick at peeling skin.
Can I Get a Tattoo if I Am Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Sick?
At Black Hound Tattoo we advise waiting if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or seriously unwell.
Pregnancy and Tattoos
We will not tattoo pregnant clients due to infection risk, skin sensitivity, and general caution.
Breastfeeding
We also will not tattoo clients that are actively breastfeeding.
If You Are Sick
If you have flu symptoms, infection, fever, or are run down, it is best to reschedule. Your immune system needs to focus on healing. For other long term conditions, or ongoing illnesses, please reach out to your healthcare practitioner to discuss if getting tattooed is safe for you.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Tattoo?
Under UK law you have to be at least 18 years old to get tattooed legally. There are many myths that circulate that people under 18 can be tattooed with parental consent but this is simply not true.
Black Hound Tattoo operates a strict 18+ only policy. Always bring valid photo ID for proof of age.
Can I Use Numbing Cream for a Tattoo?
There are some risks involved with using tattoo numbing cream. Numbing cream can be used at your own discretion and risk but Black Hound Tattoo will never recommend its use or provide you with specific numbing cream brand recommendations. If you do opt to use numbing cream, the only piece of advice that we will give you, is to do a small patch test ahead of your tattoo appointment. If your skin has an adverse reaction discontinue use of the numbing cream immediately.
Other things to consider
Some numbing creams can affect skin texture, make stencil application harder, or wear off mid-session.
Best Approach
Always follow your artist’s advice before applying anything.
Will Tattoos Fade Over Time?
Yes, all tattoos naturally soften and fade over time. This is normal.
What Causes Tattoo Fading?
- Sun exposure
- Poor aftercare
- Skin ageing
- High friction areas like hands and feet
How to Keep Tattoos Looking Better for Longer
Use suncream, moisturise regularly, and consider touch ups when needed.
Can I Cover Scars With Tattoos?
In many cases, yes. Tattooing over scars can be possible once the scar is fully healed and settled, however one of our artists will need to assess the area and level of scarring to determine if tattooing is viable.
Important Things to Know
Scar tissue can hold ink differently, and results vary depending on texture, age, and location.
Best Next Step
Book a consultation with one of our experienced artists who can advise you further.
Final Thoughts on Tattoo FAQs
Getting tattooed is a personal decision, and asking questions is part of doing it properly. Black Hound Tattoo will always be happy to explain the process, talk through concerns, and help you make the right decision.
If you are considering your first tattoo, take your time, choose the right artist, and go in informed. That usually leads to the best results.
If you have any other questions that arent covered in the blog please feel free to reach out to us by email, or pop by our Oxfordshire Tattoo Studio, 1A Cornmarket, Thame, where we will happily discuss further with you.
blackhoundtattoouk@gmail.com
Learn more:
Lana Jane Colson – Illustrative Blackwork
