TATTOO FAQ's

Johnny Jackson's Texas Body Art

12537 Jones Road Houston, Texas 77070
Open SUN-THURS > NOON-1am
Open FRI-SAT > NOON-2am
Contact us at 281-894-2282
For piercings call 281-894-2227

IN ORDER FOR YOU TO SUCCESSFULLY TAKE CARE OF YOUR NEW TATTOO YOU WILL NEED:

 
ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP (DIAL)  SARAN WRAP..(but you are not to keep it covered except at night then removed and washed each time,Leaving it on will smother the tattoo and cause heat bumps and possible infection.)

BETADINE OINTMENT (CLEAR) or AQUAPHOR

You never want to touch your new tattoo without washing your hands first.

1. For the first three nights while sleeping, keep the tattoo covered w/ saran wrap. Apply thin layer of ointment before doing so.

2. In the morning, remove saran wrap, wash w/ soap and water, apply thin layer of ointment. Be sure to rub the ointment in until it is gone.

3. You will need to wash area of work 2-3 times daily with warm soap and water, rinse, then apply thin layer of ointment. It is very important that you rub the ointment in until it is gone. (DO NOT GLOB IT ON OR YOU WILL SMOTHER IT NOT ALLOWING IT TO GET AIR...)

4. Keep out of the sun, away from pools, lakes, hot tubs, or any type of chlorinated or salt water for at least two weeks. (CHLORINATED AND SALT WATER OF ANY KIND WILL EAT YOUR TATTOO!)

5. Do not pick or scratch your tattoo, if it itches it means it is dry so wash it with warm soap and water, apply thin layer of ointment. (IF YOU PICK YOUR TATTOO YOU RISK PULLING INK OUT!) The artist is not responsible for these damages.

6. If you follow these instructions there is no reason your tattoo should not heal up beautifully; we take great pride in our care of the work we do. If you stray from these instructions the individual artist is not responsible.

We appreciate your business and would like you to return.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING TATTOOS

Tattooing is a process by which a pigment, usually ink, is permanently implanted under the skin by piercing the epidermis and depositing the ink into the dermis. Effectively this means that the middle layer of skin contains ink which is protected by the upper layer (when fully healed). There are archaeological records of tattooing going well into pre-history. Several tattooed mummies have been found all over the world including Otzi the tattooed iceman who dates back to 3300 BC and the Mummy of Amunet from Ancient Egypt. The word itself is thought to be sourced from "tattau", a Tahitian word which translates essentially as "to mark".

Question
Do They Hurt?

Answer
Pain is really relative. Everyone has a different tolerancy to pain. I'm not going to kid you, though - it does hurt. Just not that much. Some have compared it to a "hot scratching feeling". But, people would not be returning again and again for tattoo after tattoo if it hurt that bad! Most of us are not into pain, but the beauty of the tattoo and the pride associated with wearing it far outweighs a little pin-stick here and there. For more information and how to deal with your fears, read How Much Does It Really Hurt?

Question
Can I use some kind of numbing cream?

Answer
These kinds of products are really not recommended.

Question
How much is it going to cost?

Answer
When it comes to tattoos, you get what you pay for. Yes, there are plenty of people tattooing out there that will ink you cheap, and you'll be crying to a real artist to have it covered up. Look for quality, and be willing to pay for it. NEVER haggle over the price of a tattoo. It is disrespectful to the artist. If you can't pay for quality, don't bother. This is not a bargain bin. It is a piece of art you will wear for life.

Question
Should I tip my tattoo artist?

Answer
Tipping is a really nice gesture! But, there are no real solid ground rules for tipping, still a tip is greatly appreciated.

Question
What should I get? And where?

Answer
This is all a matter of personal taste. You can get whatever you want, and whatever your artist is willing to do. You can choose a picture off the wall, or you can have them create a custom piece just for you. Your only limit is your own imagination. As far as where you should get it goes, just keep in mind what you do for work and the type of social circles you are in. You might want to consider placing your tattoo where it can be easily covered up with normal clothing.

Question
What is the best time of year to get a tattoo?

Answer
Although you can get a tattoo any time of the year, your skin gets a lot more abuse during the summer with swimming, tanning and just being exposed to the elements more. Winter time is really the best season to get a tattoo.

Question
Is it OK to get a piercing if I'm sick?

Answer
Getting a tattoo when your immune system isn't at 100% isn't a good idea. You're going to need your strength and your white blood cells to heal your tattoo, something your body won't be able to do if it's already doing battle against virus and bacteria. Not to mention the fact that it's very inconsiderate to bring your illness into the tattoo studio and risk passing the germs onto others, particularly your artist. If you have an appointment, call and reschedule for when you're feeling well again.

Question
Where can I find pictures of (skull, teddy bear, lion, etc.) tattoos?

Answer
If you're getting a tattoo, especially as an expression of your individuality, why would you want a tattoo just like someone else's? Instead, find other pictures of what you're looking for and have your artist draw up a custom design for you. Example: If you are wanting a tattoo of a penguin standing on a glacier, find real photos of penguins and glaciers. If you want a tattoo of a blue rose wrapped around a cross, find pictures of real roses and crosses that you like. If the pictures don't show exactly what you want, just take them to your artist to use them as guidelines and tell them what changes you want made to the original pictures. A real artist will welcome the challenge of a custom piece.

Question
Is it OK to lay out in the sun or go to the tanning bed when you have tattoos?

Answer
It might be really tempting to get some rays during the summer months, but before you ruin your tattoo, please read this article about Tattoos and Tanning.

Question
I just got a new tattoo on my leg - can I shave?

Answer
After a couple days of stubble and bristly skin, the urge to shave can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, at this point, shaving is about as brutal on your tattoo as a weedwacker. The wound is still fresh, and especially if you have any scabbing or raised areas, you run the risk of damaging your artwork by running a razor across it. Chemical hair removers are just as bad if not worse - you never want to put anything like that on a fresh tattoo.

Of course, you can shave the area around the tattoo. Be sure any and all creams, gels and/or hair follicles are cleaned away from the tattoo immediately afterward, and then apply your ointment or lotion as directed by your artist.

Question
So, when is it safe to shave again?

Answer
Your tattoo will go through several different stages, one of the last being the peeling stage. Once the peeling has finished, your skin will start to regenerate and produce a new protective layer over your tattoo. Once this new layer has appeared, it is usually safe to shave again. Depending on your tattoo and your own body's ability to heal, this can take anywhere from 5-10 days in most cases. Do this simple little skin test to see if it would be safe for you to shave:

Close your eyes and run the tips of your fingers across and around your tattoo. Are there any bumps? Raised areas? Hard scabs? The tattoo should feel the same as the skin around it - if you can tell where the tattoo begins and ends or feel any skin irregularities, you might need to wait a little longer.

Sometimes a tattoo can remain raised slightly for as long as a couple months. This can be very frustrating and itchy to the wearer. In this case, if the tattoo is completely healed with no open sores or scabs, an electric razor is you best option. Even a chemical hair remover would be better than a blade, but be sure to leave it on for the minimum time required to remove the unwanted hair. If you must use a blade razor, exercise extreme caution. Your tattoo is so close to being successfully healed - the last thing you want to do now is open it up.

Once a tattoo is completely healed, you can shave just like normal without worry.

Question
My friend just bought a tattoo kit and wants to practice on me. Should I let them?

Answer
NO! Your friend could be putting both of your lives in danger by foolishly trying to learn this at home. Tell them they need to get a proper apprenticeship, and they can start practicing on you when their mentor (master) feels they are ready. If they don't know how to get an apprenticeship, read Apprenticeship: On the Hunt!

PIERCING FAQ"S

Question
Are Piercings Safe?

Answer
Most of them, especially when performed by a professional. There are some areas of the body that can be severely damaged if not pierced correctly. A professional piercer has to know how to avoid harmful mistakes. They also understand the weight of the responsibility when they take another's life into their hands.

Question
Do They Hurt?

Answer
Yup - they do. Some more than others. Some people are more or less sensitive than others, so there is no way to really say how bad a piercing is going to feel to you. But, the point is this - could you handle a really bad pain for 30 seconds? Well, most piercings last even less time than that, and most piercings are not that bad. Yes, they hurt. But it's over so fast, you really don't have much time to think about it. Some will bring a tear to your eye, but I've never heard anyone screaming bloody murder from the next room. Honestly, if you're really that scared of the pain, you probably shouldn't get the piercing.

Question
Can I use some kind of numbing ointment?

Answer
Some piercers will use an ointment similar to Orajel for tongue piercings, but all that does it take an edge off. Other piercings are done flat out. It's not worth the bother, time or expense of some pain-reducing agent for something that is only going to last a few seconds.

Question
How much does it cost?

Answer
There are a lot of factors that determine price of a piercing. The type and location of a piercing will obviously make a difference. It also will depend on whether jewelry comes with the price of the piercing, or if the two prices are separate.

Piercing Price
Cartilage $40
Daithe $50
Earlobe $30 each with ring
Eyebrow $50
Frenum $120
Genital Usually $120, ask piercer for details
Helix $40
Hood $120
Industrial $80
Labret $60
Marilyn $60
Navel $50 plain barbell, $65 jewel
Nipple $50 for one, $90 for both up to 12G ring
Nostril $50
Orbital $80 $80
Rooke $50
Septum $60
Tongue $60 for 14G-12G
Tragus $50

Question
Should I tip my piercing artist?

Answer
Tipping is a really nice gesture! But, there are no real solid ground rules for tipping, so follow the suggestions at To Tip or Not To Tip.

Question
What should I get? And where?

Answer
This is really up to you. No one can make that decision for you. You might, however, find out what the rules are at your place of employment. It would be a real pain to go through the trouble (and money) to get a piercing, only to have your employer demand you remove it. Or you might decide that the company's policy of wearing band-aids over piercings goes against your good fashion sense. Other than that, get what you want. It's your body.

Question
I work out/exercise regularly. Will this hurt my piercing?

Answer
As long as you're keeping your piercing clean, it should not be harmed by your workout routine. Sweat can, however, irritate a piercing and introduce germs and bacteria into the wound. It's important that you shower and clean the piercing well after your workout is complete.

Question
Is it OK to get a piercing if I'm sick?

Answer
Getting a piercing (or tattoo) when your immune system isn't at 100% isn't a good idea. You're going to need your strength and your white blood cells to heal your piercing, something your body won't be able to do if it's already doing battle against virus and bacteria. Not to mention the fact that it's very inconsiderate to bring your illness into the tattoo/piercing studio and risk passing the germs onto others, particularly your artist. If you have an appointment, call and reschedule for when you're feeling well again.

Question
I've always been told to rotate my jewelry when cleaning, but now I'm hearing that this is wrong. Which is it?

Answer
The reason some piercers advise rotating the jewelry is to keep it from adhering to the skin during the healing process, and to ensure that the entire piece of jewerly and the pierce (hole) itself are thoroughly cleaned. The reason for advising against this practice is because too many people rotate unclean jewelry and push the crusties, dirt and germs right back into the piercing. The latter can be avoided simply by ensuring that the jewelry is completely cleaned (per your aftercare instructions) before spinning or rotating the jewelry. However, in my own experience, I do find that it seems most effective to just wash the piercing thoroughly and not worry about rotating the jewelry unless you notice it trying to stick.

Question
Ew! What is this dry, yellow, crusty stuff around my piercing?

Answer
Don't worry, this is perfectly normal, and appropriately nicknamed "crusties". Crusties are just the result of your body trying to heal itself. Dead blood cells and plasma surface, and then dry when exposed to air. They do need to be cleaned carefully and thoroughly whenever you notice them. After a couple weeks, you will see less or possibly even none of the crusties.

Question
It's only been a few weeks, but my piercing feels great! Can I stop the aftercare regimen?

Answer
We would strongly advise against that. It's great that your piercing is doing well, and it is tempting to slack off on the aftercare at this point. But as soon as you do, problems will sneak up on you overnight. If your piercing is doing really well, you need to keep it on this course by continuing your aftercare regimen for the recommended duration.

Question
I think my piercing is infected. Should I take the jewerly out?

Answer
No, the last thing you want to do is remove the jewelry. If your piercing actually is infected, and you remove the jewelry, the bacteria and puss can get locked inside if the hole closes up. The solution to healing an infection is removing it - you need to keep the pierce open in order to allow the infection to drain. Infection can lead to other serious problems, so you should see your piercer or doctor to get recommendations on how to handle it.

Question
My friend just bought one of those at-home kits and wants to pierce me. Should I let them?

Answer
NO! Your friend could be putting both of your lives in danger by foolishly trying to learn this at home. Tell them they need to get a proper apprenticeship, and they can start practicing on you when their mentor (master) feels they are ready. I will repeat from the top of this page with, "A professional piercer has to know how to avoid harmful mistakes. They also understand the weight of the responsibility when they take another's life into their hands." Can you honestly say that about your inexperienced friend?

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONCERNING YOUR TATTOO OR OUR SERVICES FEEL FREE TO CALL US AT OUR STUDIO: 281-894-2282

PLEASE CONTACT TEXAS BODY ART OR A HEALTH PRACTITIONER IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE AN INFECTION, ALLERGIC OR ADVERSE REACTION RESULTING FROM THE APPLICATOIN OF YOUR NEWLY APPLIED TATTOO. ALL DIAGNOSED INFECTIONS, ALLERGIC OR ADVERSE REACTIONS MUST BE REPORTED TO TEXAS BODY ART AND THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. (1-888-839-6676)

LAWS AND HEALTH INFO

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