Easy Tips for Tattoo Care

If you want to have a perfect tattoo, and a durable one at that, there are several tips for tattoo care that you must follow.

Due to the needle and bar movement, they might scrape the skin that could be as deep as your fingernails. Depending on your skin’s reaction, it can take up to a couple of weeks in healing. As you get home after the tattooing, remove the bandage, clean the ointment and wipe the fluid with a tissue. Remember not to wash it as it might get humid and take more time in curing. Always keep it dry. Apply an A&D ointment. Then after 15 minutes see if any froth or liquid appears on the surface of the tattooed area, and if so, then again wipe with a tissue and apply the ointment. You have to repeat this process at least 2 to 5 times till the bubbles stop appearing.

With clean fingers, apply the ointment on bandage. After the discharge stops, the ointment has to be applied at least 4 times daily. Remember you should have no skin to skin contact with people or pets. Also do not scratch, pick or peel. No swimming, sauna or soaking in the tub. No sports and absolutely no shaving. You have to be very careful at work, and keep clean.

New tattoos are very susceptible to UV rays. The skin burns very easily and the sun bleaches the color of your tattoo. Therefore apply a layer of sunblock with SPF 50 ointment and reapply frequently. Always wear a light garment over the tattoo for enhanced shield. You have to be very careful when you go out in the sun. Even old tattoos need protection from the sun as they can peel and scar and make your tattoo appear dull and faded. Hence a sunblock is a must for a tattoo of any age.

Sometimes people are allergic to hand lotions and ointments due to which a reaction might occur. In that case you should discontinue the ointment and wash with alcohol. And after it dries, change to a lotion. Even the pigments in ink can be the cause of reaction at times- in that case, use a topical corticosteroid cream and don’t expose the tattoo to sunlight.

Keeping the tattoo clean, protected and moisturized is the easiest way for tattoo care.

Applying Safe Tattoo By Tattoo Machines

A tattoo machine is a hand-held gadget that helps in designing a tattoo. It has the shape of a gun and it everlastingly marks the skin with ink. The first tattoo machine was invented by Thomas Edison in the year 1870. But due to its imperfection, Edison used it as an engraving machine, and subsequently started a series of modernization of this machine to help the artists achieve designs without compromise. Now machines that use electromagnetic coils to move the needle bar back and forth are used. The latest tattoo machines help the artist in controlling the entire tattooing process from the speed of the needles to its depth and force. Irrespective of the size and design you or your artist might have, this machine is the only exact and effectual way to achieve it.

For the artist’s convenience, there are machines that are used to apply single color and there are some tattoo machines that apply more than one color. Due to their high demand, companies have started manufacturing these machines to offer a range to choose from. Then there are usual ones that are just the advanced version of the conventional needles, whereas others have built in pulse which can pierce the skin almost 3000 times/minute!

The main reason of the popularity of this machine is that they are very consistent. Their consistency is guaranteed to be better than manual needles, irrespective of the skills of the tattoo artist. Even the finest tattoo artist is never 100% sure about his needle’s uniformity, so both you and your artist should refrain from taking this risk. To help the artist in his uniformity, the machines were invented. There are some machines that execute almost 4000 times/minute implying that the image is sketched onto the skin with the minutest of detail. Another advantage of these machines is that they are very quiet. No wonder most of the tattoo parlors use these machines.

Proper maintenance and care is the utmost thing to be kept in mind with regard to these machines- only then they will be able to create stunning and high quality tattoos.

Basics of Tattoo Needles

With the introduction of special tattoo needles, tattooing is made very simple. Tattoo needles are a group of some small needles called sharps that are attached to a needle bar. They are referred to as group, liner, round, single, flat, shader and also as magnum. You’ll come across a number of people not going in for tattooing due to the pain involved, and also because of their health concerns. In order to get a clear picture about these needles we need to know about them in depth.

Tattoo needles are available in 2 types, reusable needles and disposable needles. Initially, reusable needles were commonly used which resulted in numerous health conditions after tattooing. But it is also justified that these needles, if sterilized properly, are very safe. So if you intend to go for a reusable needle then you have to make sure that they follow the 2 methods of sterilization, which is Autoclave and Ultrasonic cleaning.

Due to awareness about some dreadful diseases like AIDS which are transmitted by blood, a new type of disposable needle was introduced and they were measured to be 100% secure in all possible ways. Still before the procedure of tattooing starts, the quality of these needles should be properly checked in order to avoid any type of infections.

These needles can be in a group of 3 to 7 or more and either of them could be required to fine tune a tattoo. Since these needles are a crucial part in tattooing, so the artists use them only once or twice and dispose them, even the reusable ones, so that they get a perfect procedure. Once you have a proper needle it should be soldered onto the bar. Bars are of 2 types. One is shader and the other is liner. The end of the shader is flat and that of the liner is round. The liner helps in drawing designs on the skin whereas the shader packs the spaces between the lines.

In today’s world, tattoos have become a style statement that is followed by young and even the old. So if all the information provided above is kept in mind, you are sure to get an infection free tattoo to cherish forever.

Different Options for Tattoo Ink

It is surprising to know that often the inks that are used for tattooing are not even inks at all. Initially tattoo inks were made from dirt or plant material or ash, which used to restrict the range of tattoos that could be applied, whereas the ink available nowadays could be in any color thereby allowing us a number of options. However, it is essential that prior to getting a tattoo we should have an extensive knowledge about tattoo inks so that we get the best tattoo output.

Carbon based pigments are the first in line of tattoo inks. They are authorized by FDA. The main purpose of these pigments is to provide color using a range of artificial and natural components so that the color stays beneath the skin without vanishing, smearing or running. They are non-hazardous but at the same time they are not meant to be infused into the body. Therefore it is utterly important to get the tattoo done by the artist having professional equipment and not some home made guns. These carbon based inks are commonly used for creating beautiful or striking designs.

The second type of tattoo ink uses Azo compounds which are nitrogen based. They are normally used as dyes. They are not very popular. Even though they are not banned by FDA still many artists refrain from using them. The next to come in line of inks are the Chameleon tattoo inks. These inks are light responsive and emerge only when showed to black light. They are used when you want your tattoo to remain invisible or with a fascinating shine. These tattoos are extremely popular, especially in the form of animal shapes that can be effortlessly accented.

Then there are some alternative tattoo dyes like the ones used in prison tattoos. They can be made of either clay or ashes but are more often made of ink that we use in pens of thawed checkers. It has to be kept in mind that these inks are highly hazardous as they cannot be sterilized and lead to infections. Also the tattoos from these inks are made using shared needles thereby increasing the chances of infections.

Therefore, now before getting a tattoo, make sure you know all about the tattoo ink to be used.

Tattoo Aftercare—Don’t Make These Mistakes

Tattoos are striking body ornamentations that help you look great. Therefore to get the most attractive tattoo and for healing them without complication, proper tattoo aftercare is a must.

After the tattooing is complete, it is bandaged by the artist and you should let it stay for at least till 2-4 hours, so that no blood clotting occurs. It is also helpful to minimize the chances of any bacterial invasion. When the time limit for the bandage is complete, you should remove it with clean hands. Then the tattoo should be washed with warm water and an anti-bacterial soap. You have to ensure that you do not leave any traces of blood.

Washcloth is a complete no-no as it will be abrasive to the tattoo. After washing, pat the tattoo dry with a soft cloth. No rubbing and absolutely no use of alcohol for cleaning, as it tends to dry the washed area whereas the tattoo needs moisture to heal. After that, an anti-bacterial ointment (Neosporin or Bacitraycin, Tattoo lube, Tattoo goo- or any other ointment suggested by your artist) should be applied. Take care that you do not use petroleum jelly as it fades the color of the tattoo. Once you have removed the original casing of the tattoo, make sure never to wrap it for a second time during the curing process, as it needs air. You should remember to wash the tattoo twice daily for the first seven days. And also for the first 3 days the ointment has to be applied at least 5-6 times, particularly when the tattoo feels dry. If it is kept moisturized, it will be vibrant as well as no scabbing or peeling will take place. A very important thing to remember is that your hands should be clean before applying the lotion as dirt can infect the tattoo. After ¾ days of lotion application, you can switch over to a regular moisturizing lotion like Eucerin and Lubiderm to prevent itching. You have to abstain from swimming or soaking in hot tub at least for 2 weeks as the tattoo can fade or the scab will come off faster. Also keep away from sunlight for 2 weeks and take utmost care not to scratch it.

If you do not make any of these mistakes and follow the above instructions for tattoo aftercare, you are sure to have the best results.

How Tattoo Supplies can Help in Making Better Tattoos

In order to have the best tattoo, you need to have the best supplies. Tattooing is an art, and only special artists can perform it to perfection. They are gifted lots who have made tattoos enormously fashionable by making them exclusive portions of fine art. They have top quality supplies, and this is how we come to know that tattoo supplies can help in making better tattoos. You should always opt for the shops using high quality tattoo supplies- from medical items to tattoo design supplies and items.

The most significant supplies used in producing tattoos are a pair of gloves. These gloves should be throwaway ones and can either be latex or latex-free. They are mostly available in two colors- white and black. Normally white gloves are latex and black ones are latex-free. Before applying a tattoo, it is mandatory for the artist to find out if the customer is allergic to latex or not, and in case he is, then the artist has to use latex- free gloves before making the tattoo. It has to be ensured by the artist that latex-free gloves should be made of top class non-latex material.

Even though suitable autoclave sterilization is used for the tattoo equipments (including needles), still these needles turn dull as they generate tattoo designs. Therefore you need to keep changing needles after time to time- get new and sharp needles. It is vital to have a selection of ink with most vivacious and enduring colors to enhance the beauty of tattoos.

Some basic but equally important items to be available with the tattoo artists are soaps and lap towels- like the ones we see at the dentists place, for wrapping as well as proper bandaging. All these items should be well stored and readily accessible. All medical supplies should be used before and after tattoos are applied. Also, you have to ensure that your skin is dirt free and pre-treated before the tattoo application. All medical supplies from bandages to aftercare lotions and ointments should be handy as they are regularly used for cleaning after the tattoo application.

All these items will show how tattoo supplies can help in making better tattoo.

What Tattoo Equipment is Necessary for Beginners

When you are a beginner in the field of tattooing, the options that are available can be quite confusing. One of the best ways to know what tattoo equipment you need, is to go for a tattoo kit. Each kit will be different from the other, depending on the brand and also if it is for a professional or beginner. Therefore to make sure what kind of tattoo equipment is there in the kit, you should look for the following:

Tattoo machine: There are two options in tattoo machine- it can either be a liner or a shader. The machine should also have accessories like power supply and foot switch.

Ink: You can have 3 to 12 colors offered in your kit. Ensure that the colors are of superior class as only good ink will help the tattoos turn out the way you want them to be.

Tattoo needles: These should be present in two sets and should be suitable for the machine.

Ink cup Holder: The kit should possess an ink cup holder so that it is convenient to keep the inks handy.

Transfer paper: A good beginner’s kit will always have a transfer paper so that it helps in transferring designs to the client’s skin. The kit will also have some practice skin with a drawing pencil for sketching.

Design books: For beginners, a design book is a must to be offered your customers till you have your own extensive collection.

Apart from this there are some important aspects to be taken care of, while going for a tattoo kit. Quality and safety are the two most important factors which should not be compromised while investing in a tattoo kit. Always opt for a reputed brand which guarantees safety and durability. Also the kit should have best value ink. Ensure that the ink should not fade before time. Plus the needles and tubes in the kit should be in disinfected throwaway forms. And finally all these supplies should be made of advanced quality material, which is defiant to corrosion and dampness.

So investing in a kit saves your time and money. The kit is usually priced low and also saves your time as you don’t have to hunt for each item separately as every thing required is included in the kit.

The Basics of Tattoo Equipment

The basic tattoo equipment mandatory to execute an ideal and disinfected tattoo are discussed below. We need to know in depth about the functioning of these tattoo equipments. Let’s discover:

Autoclave: This is the foremost equipment to be available in a tattoo shop. Autoclaves are used to sterilize all the items used for tattooing, followed by individually wrapping them and then subsequently un-wrapping them before the customers.

Ultrasonic: This is used to eliminate drops of ink during the tattoo. Also due to the emission of towering frequency sensations, it is used prior to shifting ink colors or before rendering the grips and tubes disinfected to break the dried ink.

Tattoo machine: Used to shift the needle slab back and forth that drives the color into the skin. Some accessories that come along with it are power supply, foot pedal and clip cord.

Tubes & grips: Tubes are used to support the needles accurately and are placed in the machine whereas the grips see to it that your hands are not overcrowded while tattooing.

Needles: They are of numerous shapes and sizes.

Green soap: A liquid soap out of vegetable oils applied to clean the skin before and after tattoo and also to clean excess ink from the job in progress.

Petroleum: Helps in lubrication and also after the completion of the tattoo.

Plastic cups: They aid in using ultrasonic devices without the danger of cross contamination.

Spray bottles: One bottle filled with water and one filled with green soap. These help in swabbing of color.

Plastic covers: These are used to envelop all non disposable items.

Plastic Wrap: These are placed on the area where tattoo is performed to avoid cross contamination of customers.

Ink: There are quite a few varieties available. You should go for the one which can be easily applied. Also these inks should stay vivacious after the tattoo is complete.

Ink caps and holder: Small cups to hold the ink, to be filled before tattooing and before re-filling them and also the gloves should be removed to avert the ink from contamination.

Gloves: Latex free gloves are the best to use.