Frequently asked questions
Are Tattoos Safe?
Yes, as long as you go to a reputable artist who follows recommended safety procedures. Vellum Tattoo is registered with the Environmental Health Authority and we use NEW sterilised needles, inks and new disposable equipment for EVERY client. All equipment that cannot be disposed of after each tattoo (such as the tattoo machines and power packs etc) is covered with a new disposable covers 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.
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. Sorry!
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. Sorry!
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 puncture through the three main layers of skin completely (when done by a professional). A tattoo does not feel like an injection, it feels mor
e like a hot scratch and the damage done to your skin is so minimal that many people bleed hardly at all.
e like a hot scratch and the damage done to your skin is so minimal that many people bleed hardly at all.
Do TATTOOS hurt?
How long is a piece of string?
Everyone 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. We have not yet had anyone run screaming from the studio!
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.
Everyone 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. We have not yet had anyone run screaming from the studio!
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.
Hand / Foot / Finger Tattoo Issues
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When it comes to finger tattoos do as we say not as we do unless you don’t care about the outcome. When you have a lot of tattoos, and you decide to go to your hands and finger you understand that they are a novelty and do not stay or look good for long. We recommend you don’t get your fingers or pads, or your hands tattooed. Not because we are not skilled(take a look at our portfolios) it’s because it’s the nature of the area and the makeup of the skin.
Due to the nature of the skin on certain areas of your hands and feet it can be impossible to keep a good solid tattoo. Some people will see white spots during the healing process, this can even begin within days of the tattoo being done, others will lose the colour more gradually over the next few months and years. Where the colour does go in it generally looks blobby and fuzzy. nMost 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. |
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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.
What if I am ill on the day of my tattoo?
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 cold or flu you should wait to get your tattoo done. If your body is run down it can compromise the healing process. Please contact the studio on 0115 9824555 or contacts us via email, Facebook Messenger. or direct message us on Instagram @vellumtattoo.
If you are sick or have a cold or flu you should wait to get your tattoo done. If your body is run down it can compromise the healing process. Please contact the studio on 0115 9824555 or contacts us via email, Facebook Messenger. or direct message us on Instagram @vellumtattoo.
What 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 percentage 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 skin's 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.
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 percentage 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 skin's 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.
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.
How does pregnancy effect tattooing?
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 in extreme cases can trigger miscarriage and partly because there is a risk (however small) of infection throughout the healing process of the tattoo. ANY avoidable risk is unacceptable during pregnancy. Because of this we ask you to wait 6 months after the birth of your child before having a tattoo. We ask you to wait the extra time because during pregnancy and after your body goes through huge changes and these changes can affect your immune system and healing times.
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.
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.
How long is the healing process?
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. A copy of our aftercare for tattoos is available to down load below.
How do I look after my tattoo?
Your tattooist will go through aftercare instructions on the day in person and give you a written copy. Additionally you can download a copy of our written instructions below or if you have any concerns or worries you can contact us by phone, email or on Instagram or Facebook.
| tattoo_aftercare_for_website.pdf |
Can you cover my old tattoo?
Short answer is yes - but check out our page on coverups and reworking!
How much will my tattoo cost?
Short answer - how long is a piece of string? Tattoos are expensive - they are for life and not just for Christmas - but you can get a rough guide to how much your tattoo is likely to cost on our page How Much Will My Tattoo Cost?
