FAQ
Can I get a tattoo if I am under 18?
No. Legally if you are under the age of 18 you are not allowed to get a tattoo (Tattooing of Minors Act 1969). There is a common misconception that if you are over 16 and accompanied by an adult then you can proceed with a tattoo, this however is not true. GavInks operates a strict no under 18’s policy and you will be asked to produce photographic ID if you are under the age of 25.
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How much will it cost?
The cost of a tattoo is determined by how long the tattoo will take to complete. Size, level of detail and if the tattoo is a cover up will all contribute to session duration. During your consultation your artist will give you a quote for your design based on these criteria. All prices are at the artists discretion.
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Does it hurt?
Sadly yes tattoos do hurt but the real question should be is “how much do they hurt?”. All pain is relative to the individual as different people deal with pain in different ways. There are areas of the body that pinch more then others, for example, feet, wrists, ribs and inner legs and arms but again the level of pain is down to the individual. It has been known that some individuals become nauseous or faint during tattoos but this is an unlikely event. Fainting is a uncommon body response to pain caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, this is usually harmless and easily treated. If at any point your are struggling with the pain or feel any of these symptoms please tell your tattooist and they will assist you / give you a break.
The process of having a tattoo can be quite physically demanding so it is important to prepare yourself before the tattoo can begin. Being well hydrated will maintain your electrolyte levels allowing you to be more focused. Being well nourished this will maintain your blood sugar levels and help prevent any dizziness (avoid overly greasy / rich food that may cause discomfort or heartburn). Have a good nights sleep being tired will actually make your body less tolerant to pain and will make you more irritable.
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What happens during a tattoo?
When you arrive for your appointment you will be asked to fill in a consent form. This is a basic medical questionnaire and to make sure you are of sound body and mind to be receiving a tattoo. You will then be taken into the work area where the artist will prepare the area to be tattooed and apply the stencil. When you are happy with the placement and the design the tattoo will begin. Once the tattoo session is complete a temporary dressing of cling film will be applied and the artist will go through the after care process with you. Please be aware that although your tattoo is quoted in time the duration of your stay in the studio will be longer. This is to allow for preparation, breaks etc. GavInks has a strict no under 18’s policy so please arrange appropriate childcare if necessary.
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How do I take care of my tattoo?
Please refer to our after care on this website for full details on the best way to take care of your tattoo, however your tattooist will make sure you fully understand the process and you will be provided with an after care sheet when you leave the studio. Some light scabbing is perfectly normal it will look similar to fish flakes and will be quite dry, if you have thick or heavy scabbing this may indicate you may need to slightly change your after care routine. Once the tattoo is fully healed ensure that you apply moisturiser regularly as this will ensure the skin is supple and the colours will stay bright. If you have any questions or worries please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Can I use numbing cream?
No. ‘Numbing creams’ can detrimentally affect the skin’s ability to withstand the tattoo process and our artist can not take any responsibility for any reactions that you may have or any issues that you may have during the healing process. There are numbing sprays available that can be applied during the tattoo session once the skin has been broken but these are usually reserved for long tattoo sessions. Please do not apply ointments marketed as ‘numbing creams’ prior to your tattoo appointment unless specifically advised by your artist.