Some questions about getting a tattoo?

Question

I thinking of getting a small one on my shoulder, about one inch square.
How much do they hurt? What are the risks? How do you go about researching the best place to get it done? Also how much (roughly) does it cost for a small tattoo from a decent tattoo parlor?
Thank you :)

pongs: That would involve someone other than my boyfriend looking at my a**...

Answer 1

I have one in my right leg, a chinese symbol. initially it does hurt, you feel the scratch of the needle but then the pain subsides as the procedure progresses. I would suggest to start small and discreet, ask your friends, get references, then visit the tattoo salon and speak directly with the manager and the artist.
after the research is done set up a date a time just for that. you have to be in tiptop shape emotionally and be sure of yourself. remember this is permanent, forever

this is my advice and in my case, after childbirth, to me tattooing is second nature. I plan to get another tattoo done in my left shoulder. a red rose; it's sexy.

p.d. once you've done the research and make sure you are physically and emotionally healty...go get it done

Answer 2

Allright, here goes:

Of course it is going to hurt, but the pain is tolerable. If you really want it done, the pain will not even phase you!

There are not really any health risks. Unless you are a hemophiliac or something, you will be fine. I read somewhere that more people get aids from their dentists than they do from tattoos. I tried to find the stats, but couldn't.

You should go around to local parlors and ask to see some of their work. Some places have websites as well.

Most places charge no less than $40, just for the needles and ink, etc. I have one that is about 3 inches square, and of very good quality, and it cost $45, plus a tip.

Hopefully, that helped.

Answer 3

1. The pain is totally relative. It depends on a lot of things. a. YOU. Different people really do have totally different pain thresholds. I've found some of my tattoos excruciating, in places that other people say were fine for them. b.The placement. Tattoos hurt more and less depending on where you have it on your body. Areas that hurt more are things like spine, ribs, feet, etc... less, things like calf, upper arms, outer thigh, etc. c. The artist. Some artists are heavy handed, some have a really light touch. You should never ever ever pick the placement based on how much it's going to hurt though. The pain is temporary, the artwork lasts a lifetime. If the pain is a factor in your decision, you're not ready to be getting it, because it obviously doesn't mean enough to you. For example I've had about 15 hours worth of work on my back already and I'm currently working on a backpiece design which will be at least another 15 hours - and the work I've had on my back I've squealed for the most part of it in pain (very boney back lol), but this doesn't stop me going back for more. 2. It hurts afterwards just as much as a skin graze would. And it depends on how much detail there is. Some of my tattoos have been almost painless after the event. One I had a few days ago was incredibly detailed and involved 2 hours worth of line work over a small space on my upper arm, and my whole arm throbbed for 3 days afterwards. But even in those situations, the after pain really is not bad at all. 3. I'm not going to answer that because firstly, it's common sense (surely you know the places your parents don't see that your girlfriend does), and secondly I strongly believe you shouldn't pick your tattoo placement based on something like this. You'll be walking around with this all your life. It makes a lot more sense to wait until your parents have no say in what you do, and get it exactly where you want it, instead of getting it in a place that's second best just so you can get a little sooner. As the rule of thumb, if you're young enough to be letting your parents influence dictate where your tattoo is placed, you're probably too young to be getting a tattoo. 4. The law varies all over the world. Here in England it is 18 and over only, with or without parental consent (which is the way I feel it should be everywhere - any younger and your brain is not developed enough to know what you want in life, simple fact). I know some states of America have the same law. Others have a 16 and over with parental consent law. I've heard of one or two states having an 'any age with parental consent' law. I have a sneaky feeling Pennsylvania is one of these states, but I am not sure. Ring a tattoo studio and ask. But if this is the case in your state, this doesn't mean you should rush out and get one just because you can. (and if your parents won't consent to it, then you can't anyway). Be mature about it and realise that at a young age, what you want now will not necessarily be the case in future years. Just ask any tattoo artist how much work they get doing coverups of things people had done under the age of 18 and grew to regret. EDIT: I have just googled it (wasn't too difficult) and it must have been a different state I was thinking of - Pennsylvania is 18+ only. In which case you won't have to worry about your parents seeing it.

Answer 4

They don't hurt that much, depending on your pain tolerance and where it is. If its nearer bone it hurts more really. The outline will hurt the most, but if I can handle it so can you.

The risks? Well, as long as you are going to a reputable place there shouldn't be too many. Just make sure they are using clean needles and have changed the ink pot. Also make sure the artist is using gloves.

As for researching the best place, ask people who have tattoos. Just say you like their work and ask where they got it done or where they'd recommend. Best to get recommended by someone who knows. Also you can search online, thats what I done and found some work by where I was getting mine.

As for price, well I live in the UK and I suspect your from USA or something? =)

Answer 5

For one that small, your pain level is not going to be very high. It will only take about 20 minutes depending on the amount of detail you get on it. I have one that's about 3 inches on my back and it didn't bother me at all to get it done, but it depends on your pain tolerance as well (mine is high). Risks are things such as: infection, a parlor using dirty tools, etc. I would ask people in town if they know of a good place (that's what i did) that way you can get personal experiences, also google it and you can usually find sites that tell you some more info. A small tattoo will start around $60 and increase depending on if you get color or not, and also how much detail you would like. I love mine! I hope you have a great experience! :)

Answer 6

i have one on my shoulder, its about 3-4 square inches, i would ask around if your friends have tattoos i would ask them where they got theirs... if you go to get your tattoo and they do not open the needle right in front of you from the auto clave bags then i would leave.. if they dont use gloves i would leave... my shoulder didnt hurt at all... it was just discomfort mostly... the risks are you can get an infection if the place is not clean or they dont used sterilized needles... you could also hep b.. but again if the place is not clean and they used someone elses needles... the risk is really slim to none with infection and hep b if the needles are sterilized properly.... mine was a little over 140.. and more than twice the size of yours so.. it would probably be 45 to 60 dollars but most places have a minimum...

Answer 7

I've just recently heard about lower back tattoos being a possible problem if a woman has to have an epidural during childbirth. Other than that I know nothing about them. Be careful that they use clean needles!

Answer 8

it doesn't hurt to bad. especially on the shoulder. price depends on size and color. usually one that size with just blank ink is somewhere between 40-60 dollars. but thats just the tattoo places i've been to.

Answer 9

yes it will hurt but your pain level tolerance might can handle it , just go to a shop where you can see them sterilize their equipment as far as price it varies from state to state country to country etc take your time and make sure you feel comfortable w/the person doing your tac i pd $75 us dollars in 1991 for my tac of a scorpion along w/my nic name no color ((((((bbh))))))

Answer 10

If you are very concerned about those, you shouldn't get one. The most important thing about a tattoo is that its pretty much permanent..