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Zombina Corpse
Captain

PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 5:07 pm


Welcome. In this thread you'll find information about piercings and tattoos. You'll also read about answers to frequently asked questions to both tattoos and piercings, as well and learn how to take care of them. Finally, you'll see what the most common types of piercings look like and their names, as well as find out what tools are used during the piercing and tattooing process.
Enjoy~


t a b l e . o f . c o n t e n t s
- Piercing FAQ
- Tattoo FAQ
- Piercing Dos and Donts
- Tattoo Dos and Donts
- What Do They Look Like?
- Tools For The Job

PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 5:13 pm


Piercing FAQ:

Q. What is an autoclave?

A.A steam autoclave is the device I use to sterilize my jewelry and equipment. Hospitals and dental offices use the same, or similar, equipment for their sterilization needs. Steam autoclaves work through a combination of heat and pressure over an extended period of time. Dry heat, chemical solutions, boiling, and alcohol do NOT provide the same disease killing capabilities as a steam autoclave, and are not acceptable for use in body piercing.If a piercer or studio is unwilling to explain their sterilization process and prove that their items are sterile, LEAVE.


Q. Why don't you use piercing guns?

A. Piercing guns are made of plastic and cannot be sterilized. They would melt under the extreme heat and pressure of autoclave sterilization. Cold sterilization (soaking in a chemical solution) has not been proven to kill all blood borne pathogens and is not considered appropriate for body piercing. Microscopic particles of tissue, blood, and other potentially infectious materials may be present on a piercing gun from each use and can spread disease. A piercing performed with a needle is also considerably less painful than one done with a piercing gun. A piercing needle is hollow and laser sharpened. Piercing studs are solid and blunt. Instead of creating an incision, they tear the skin and split cartilage. Such tissue damage can result in an extremely long and difficult healing process. Typical piercing studs are not made of implant grade metals and poor metal quality can cause allergic reactions. Butterfly and barrel backs used on studs trap oil, dirt, bacteria, and hair against your piercing, causing numerous healing complications.


Q. Why shouldn't I pierce myself or have a friend pierce me?

A. Piercing involves a number of risks when performed by a professional. When performed by an amateur, these risks increase dramatically. Most doctors and nurses are not trained piercers and, as such, should be considered amateurs. A doctor is not a piercer, just like a piercer is not a doctor. Having the initials MD, RN, or LPN do not qualify an individual as a trained and experienced body piercing professional! Risks associated with body piercing include: migration, rejection, metal allergies, infections, severe bleeding, scarring, disease transmission, and many others. A professional piercer offers a hygienic environment and the knowledge to select jewelry that is appropriate in terms of metal content and design. If you want to alter your body, respect yourself enough to have it done safely and properly by a professional.

Q. Do piercings hurt?

A. There is some discomfort when getting pierced. Usually, the anticipation of pain is worse than what you actually experience while getting pierced. The best things you can do to help reduce discomfort is to eat a good meal a 2-3 hours before getting pierced, try to relax, and breathe normally.


Q. Can you numb the area before you pierce me?

A.
Only a licensed physician can legally administer anesthesia. The use of either topical or injected anesthetics can result in anaphylactic shock or even in death. Use of ice as a numbing agent makes tissue swell, causing problems with placement. A properly done piercing will only hurt for a moment and the risks of numbing the area far outweigh the benefits.


Q. What kind of jewelry is appropriate?

A.
Research has shown the following materials to be best tolerated by the human body for long term wear under the skin: implant grade titanium (6Al4V, ELI ASTM-F136), implant grade steel (316LVM, ASTM-F13 cool , niobium (ASTM-B392) , and 14 or 18 karat solid nickel-free gold. Most gold is NOT nickel free, so buyer beware and ask before you purchase. INAPPROPRIATE materials include sterling silver, lesser grades of steel, titanium, or gold, most acrylics (although there are a few types of autoclavable dental acrylic), gold plated or gold filled metals, and natural materials such as bone, horn, or wood. All threaded jewelry should be internally threaded. Appropriate sizes vary from piercing to piercing and person to person. There is no one size fits all jewelry.


Q. Why is internally threaded jewlery popular?

A.
Internally threaded jewelry (the threads stick out of the ball and screw INSIDE the post) causes much less trauma when being inserted or removed. The exposed threads on externally threaded jewelry (the screw is on the OUTSIDE of the post) can cause damage to both new and healed piercings. Internal threads have more threads per inch, which makes them less likely to fall off and get lost. Internal threads are typically standardized with a 1.2mm thread spacing, which means that one company's ends will fit on another one's post. Although it is initially more expensive to buy an individual piece of jewelry, once you have a single post, you can buy as many ends as you want since they all fit, even if they were made by different companies. This saves you a lot of money in the long run! Also, internally threaded jewelry tends to be made of implant grade materials which are safer and last a lot longer than inexpensive "junk" jewelry. Externally threaded jewelry is less expensive to make (about one quarter to one eighth the cost of internal threads) and many piercers still use it. Piercers who do that are sacrificing your health to make an extra buck.


Q. How should I take care of my piercing?

A.
Non-oral piercings should be washed twice daily with a liquid anti-microbial soap. You should perform a sea salt soak at least once a day for ten minutes. Mix 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt (not table salt) with 8 ounces of DISTILLED WATER (not tap water). Mix until the salt has dissolved and heat it up so it is hot, but not scalding. Soak directly in the cup, if possible, or use clean cotton balls to apply the sea salt mixture to your piercing. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after a sea salt soak. I also have a new alternative for piercing aftercare. I have experimented with pure refined emu oil and have discovered that it is a very safe, effective, and easy product to use. Emu oil is a natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory product that actually reduces healing time. It easily penetrates the layers of your skin without leaving behind a greasy film and does not clog pores. Applying emu oil to your piercing two to three times daily takes the place of washing your piercing with anti-microbial soap. The oil must be shaken well before applied, and you MUST wash your hands before applying the oil as well. I do still suggest doing sea salt soaks along with the use of emu oil. For oral piercings, you need to rinse 4 times daily with alcohol-free mouthwash. Rinse after each major meal and before you go to sleep. In addition to the mouthwash, you should rinse at least twice daily with a sea salt mixture. Follow the directions above, but swish the mixture gently around your mouth for one minute. For lip piercings, follow both sets of directions. Each client will receive a detailed written aftercare packet before getting pierced. We also have all of our suggested aftercare products available for purchase online!


Q. How long will it take for my piercing to heal?

A.
Every person heals differently. Factors such as diet, stress, adherence to aftercare, and underlying health conditions affect how quickly a piercing heals. The best way to help your piercing heal quickly is to follow your aftercare instructions, and don't slack off on your sea salt soaks! Avoid touching your piercing with unwashed hands and do not play with your jewelry!


Q. Can I take my jewelry out without the hole closing?

A.
It depends upon your body and the location of the piercing. An old, well-healed piercing can have the jewelry removed without the hole closing in most cases. Piercings that are not completely healed, or piercings such as tongues, will begin to shrink immediately after the jewelry has been removed. A good rule of thumb is that if you like your piercing and don't want to lose it, don't leave your jewelry out for extended periods of time. If you take your jewelry out and cannot get it back in, do NOT force it. Come in and I will be happy to insert it for you.


Q. Can my piercing "grow out"?

A.
There is always a chance of rejection with any piercing. Some piercings, such as eyebrows, are more prone to rejection than others. Rejection can occur for any number of reasons, including: inappropriate placement, incorrect jewelry dimension or design, friction, metal allergy and many others. In some cases, no matter how perfect a piercing is, you body just doesn't co-operate and rejects it.


Q. What should I look for in a piercer?

A.
Being a member of the Association of Professional Piercers is a good start. Although the APP does not endorse a piercer's skill, membership in the organization requires a piercer to meet its stringent standards of safety, hygiene and knowledge as well as additional training and certifications. Piercing is widely unregulated and almost anybody can call him or herself a body piercer, depending upon state and local legislation. Visit the person's studio and ask questions. Make sure sterile equipment and aseptic techniques are being used. Ask to see the autoclave and most recent spore test results. Find out if they use integrators, or if they even know what integrators are. Make sure needles are individually packaged, sterilized, and disposed of in a sharps container after use. The piercer must wear clean gloves and change them often to prevent cross-contamination. If the person you are researching does not want to fully answer your questions or treats you rudely, LEAVE! You deserve to be treated respectfully and to be pierced in a safe and responsible manner.


Q. Can I exercise or play sports while my piercing is healing?

A.
Yes, you can. Just listen to your body. If something hurts, ease up for the time being. When playing contact sports, it is advisable to protect n****e or navel piercings with a hard vented eye patch. They are available at most pharmacies. Most activities do not cause problems. However, you should clean your piercing afterwards if it gets dirty or sweaty.


Q. Can I go swimming while my piercing is healing?

A.
It is best to wait until your piercing has fully healed before you swim. Natural water is full of harmful bacteria. Pools and hot tubs have harsh chemicals to treat the water, which can damage your piercing. If you can't wait until it has fully healed, use a gas permeable patch such as Tegaderm, Polyskin, or Clean Seals over your piercing before you go in. I have found that waterproof Band Aids do not adhere as well to the skin, and have a tendency to leak. This makes them unacceptable for wear over a piercing that is still healing. Merely washing your piercing after swimming is not likely to prevent an infection and will not protect it from chemical exposure.


Q. What will happen to my piercing if I get pregnant?

A.
If your piercings are not completely healed, you should take them out. All of the changes to and demands on your body during a pregnancy make it almost impossible to heal a piercing. Healed piercings should be fine during pregnancy. If you have a navel piercing, consider changing your jewelry to a flexible barbell made of PTFE or Tygon. These barbells are more comfortable and allow for changes in the shape of your abdomen. If your jewelry must be removed for delivery, I can instruct you in removal and reinsertion ahead of time.


Q. Can I have sex with healing genital piercings?

A.
Yes, but it must be hygienic. Piercings that are not fully healed must be protected from others' bodily fluids. Condoms and/or dental dams are essential during the healing period. You must use these even if you are in a monogamous relationship. Exposure to your partner's bodily fluids greatly increases the risk of bacterial infection. Do not rush into sexual activity. If something feels sore, stop or ease up. Your piercing will heal faster if it is not irritated from excess friction.


Q. Will I set off metal detectors?

A.
In most cases, no. Most metal detectors are calibrated to detect carbon based metals. Implant grade steel is low carbon and implant grade titanium is carbon-free. However, people with many piercings in a small area, people who wear a lot of large gauge jewelry, or people who wear cheap non-implant grade metals may set off sensitive metal detectors.


Q. What should I do if I have a question or a problem?
A.
Consult your piercer and ask them if they know anything that can help your problem. The members of the guild could also offer good feedback and responses to questions that members ask. But it's best to seek a professional.


Piercing FAQ List taken from : JonesCustom.com

Zombina Corpse
Captain


Zombina Corpse
Captain

PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 9:28 pm


Tattoo FAQ's

WHAT ARE SOME BAD THINGS FOR MY NEW TATTOO?

SAUNA OR STEAM ROOM

Once it is healed, there is very little that will screw up a tattoo. The one exception is prolonged exposure to sunlight. (the other is scarring, but that is patently obvious).

SUNLIGHT

Well, unfortunately it is. The newer inks are better at resisting fading but whatever you do, if you spend lots of time in bright sunlight your tats will fade (over a lifetime, not over a week). Best to try and keep them out of bright sunlight. No one wants to become a cave dweller just to keep their tats looking good, so just use some common sense. Think of your tattoo as an investment, so rub on that sun block so it doesn't turn into a dark blob. Our culture has erroneously labeled the tan as healthy. Did you know that your tan is your skin's way of dealing with the damage caused by the sun? It's like the formation of a scab when you have a cut. You will pay for your years of sun exposure when you are in your 40s and 50s. Leathery, wrinkled, dry skin with freckles and liver spots. Melanoma. Skin cancer. Regular visits to the dermatologist. Like I say, "There's no such thing as a healthy tan!" Tanning booths are not good for you! They are not regulated by the FDA, and the staff that work at these salons have been known to give out patently false information. Many salon operators will suggest dosages far exceeding industry recommendations, and the FDA would actually prefer that these booths be banned altogether. Do not believe the salon operators who tell you there is NO damage caused by their UV rays. There are indications that tanning booths emit rays that cause the type of damage that only shows up years later, when it is difficult to fault any one operator. Their industry motto is "tan safe." There is no such thing as a SAFE tan. "SPF" stands for Sun Protection Factor. If you can normally stay out for ten minutes without getting sun burnt, then an SPF 2 should protect you for 20 minutes, an SPF 6 for an hour, and so on. HOWEVER, this does *NOT* mean an SPF 30 will let you stay out for five hours with just one coat. Keep your exposure limited to the minimum amounts, and always use an extra strong sun block with at least SPF 30 for your tattoo. "Waterproof" and "sweat proof" sun blocks protect you while in the water. However, reflections from the water add to your exposure. Make sure you use a high SPF number, and always re-apply your sun block when coming out of the water. Sun block is not just for the beach! Make it a habit to carry one with you during the summer months so you can protect your tattoo always! The Watermelon Stick from the Body Shop is nice and portable, but in a pinch, a tube of lip balm (Blistik, etc.) will work, as long as it has an SPF. Dab a bit on your tattoo whenever you will be outside. Other products recommended: Banana Boat for Kids - SPF 50, Banana Boat's SPF 50, for Extra Sensitive Skin "Deep Cover" Super Sun block, advertised in some tattoo magazines (distributed by Deep Cover in Long Beach, CA) The Body Shop's Watermelon Stick, Bullfrog Moisturizing Formula - The Body Lotion (not the Gel Formula), Neutrogena's Sensitive Skin SPF 17, and Schering-Plough's "Shade Sun block" in various SPFs.


SALT WATER, CHLORINE, DUST OR DIRT

Try to avoid these things until your tattoo is completely healed


AFTER TATTOO CARE INSTRUCTIONS

The artist that did your tattoo will have something very definite to say about the care of your new tattoo, and it is probably a good idea to listen to him/her. Many shops will have an information sheet listing care instructions. The information provided in this section may or may not be the same method your artist offers. Regardless, there are three things to remember about caring for your new tattoo: Moisturize, Don't over moisturize it, and whatever you do, Don't pick your onion peel scabs! Basically, as long as you follow these three points, you will be okay. However as people get more tattoos, they begin trying out slightly different methods, and not all of them will work on everybody. Some people will find that they are allergic to some products. How do you know which method is best for you? It depends on the type of skin you have, and how sensitive it is. I suggest you try a patch test on your skin for a week or so before you get a tattoo to see if you react to the ingredients.

Other people will recommend different ointments and lotions. Some people swear by Tea Tree Oil (toner) from the Body Shop for its healing qualities. Others like A&D Ointment (marketed for diaper rash, I find it somewhat greasy), and the cheapest is probably regular Vaseline Intensive Care.


MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

DOES IT HURT

Yes! It always hurts to be tattooed. After all, the color is being inserted into your skin by using needles but, tattooing never hurts so much that you can not manage the pain. It is very difficult to explain just how much it hurts, as it is different from person to person and from the place on the body that the tattoo is being applied. The more relaxed and easy you feel, the more easy the process is for you and the artist. Don't bother about anesthetics of any kind, and never mix tattooing with alcohol. Being drunk while being tattooed is just an old myth, and absolutely is no good because it thins the blood making it more difficult for the tattoo artist to do his or her work.

HOW EXACTLY IS A TATTOO DONE

Tattoos are applied using a tattoo machine which has remained basically the same design since it was patented in 1896. Advances have been made in the quality of the equipment, but the process is the same. The machine causes a needle or combination of needles to first scribe a line
and then apply color. The tattoo pigment is inserted into the skin cells in the epidermis and new skin grows over the top forming a protective layer over the tattoo.

HOW LONG DOES GETTING A TATTOO TAKE

The time it takes to do a tattoo depends mostly on the design. The size and complexity of the design are the two major factors. Another would be where the tattoo was to be applied. Certain areas of the body such as the arm takes less time because the tattooist can get a good grip on the area and stretch the skin, which is essential to applying a good tattoo. Flat areas like the stomach take more time because they are harder to stretch

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHOP

Look at work that the artist has done on other people if possible (artist should have a portfolio that you can look at). Spend some time in the shop to see some of the work that is being done. Talk to the artist. If he/she doesn't want to take the time to talk to you and make you at ease about the process then maybe their shop isn't the place for you. The shop should be clean and well lit. As with piercing, autoclave sterilization should be used on any instruments that are not disposable. A dry-heat sterilizer does NOT take the place of a steam autoclave. If you're in doubt, ask to see the autoclave. It may sound picky but a reputable artist should have no problem in explaining and talking over any concerns or questions that you might have.

How can I become a tattoo artist

There are instructional books and videos on both subjects and I can tell you that they are worthless without hands-on instruction from someone who knows what they are doing. The only thing I can say is to first find out if you have the talent or if you're ready to make the commitment to
get the educational art background necessary to do good artwork. Then you have to find an artist willing to take you on as an apprentice. DO NOT think you can buy a book or video, a kit that promises "everything you need to open a studio is included" and you're on your way to a successful career. All you will do is a bunch of bad tattoos, get disgusted, and sell your investment for half of what you paid for it. Find a reputable artist and ingratiate yourself to him/her. You can start by getting a lot of tattoo work. This proves you're serious. There may be a fee involved and possibly the signing of a contract. This to me is the only right way to get started in the business.
these are your tattoo facts, jack!

This Tattoo FAQ List was found on www.mytattooink.com
PostPosted: Sat Mar 19, 2005 9:33 pm


Piercing DO's and DONT'S:

DON'T get any piercing done with a ear-piercing gun or cheap ear studs.

DO verify the piercer uses one-use-only hollow needles, sterilized forceps, latex gloves, and other procedures to prevent infection or disease transmission.

DON'T get a piercing at a convention of any sort. It's the worst possible situation for the piercer, you, and your piercing.

DO select a time when you are healthy, well-rested, and mentally ready for the piercing. If you aren't sure, you aren't ready. Eat a balanced meal 2-4 hours before the piercing. (If you can't get a meal, tell the piercer so you can be given a soda or juice to boost your blood sugar before the piercing.)

DON'T accept "temporary" or "starter" jewelry. A professional piercer will be honest; if what you need isn't in stock, he/she will say so. You'll be happier waiting for the right jewelry than if you "make do."

DO ask to have each step explained to you. (Before the piercing, if you'd rather not know exactly what's happening when.)

DON'T fail to tell the piercer if you have any medical conditions, medications, or other health concerns which may affect the piercing procedure or healing. They may make a difference in placement, timing, or aftercare. If you don't trust the piercer enough to tell him/her the truth, you haven't found the right piercer. (A professional will keep the information confidential.)

DO obtain and read complete, written aftercare instructions. Ask questions about caring for your specific piercing, if general instructions are given.

DON'T accept the myth that "all piercings get infected." Piercings shouldn't get infected. And won't, if the piercing was done correctly and you take proper care of it.

DO follow the aftercare instructions. If you are instructed to clean the piercing twice a day for six months, do it. Even if the piercing appears fully healed and in good condition. (Navel and n****e piercings, especially, are notorious for "flaring up" if you stop early.)

DON'T remove or replace jewelry earlier than specified. If you must remove it temporarily, use nylon monofilament in the same size as the jewelry gauge to keep the piercing open; replace the original jewelry as soon as possible.

DO call or visit the piercer if you have any questions or concerns about your piercing. If you aren't comfortable with the quality of the piercer, consider visiting another studio for a "second opinion."

DON'T hesitate to seek medical help if:

1. The jewelry is pulled out (splitting the skin).
2. The piercing gets seriously infected and doesn't clear up within a few days of proper care.
3. A nostril or septum piercing becomes infected. (It's true nose infections can be very serious or even fatal.)

DO replace original jewelry (if desired after fully healed) with body jewelry of equal quality (surgical grade stainless steel, 14K or higher yellow gold, or niobium/titanium). If you absolutely have to wear non-body jewelry, wear it through an "ear thimble" (a.k.a "eyelet"). These are specially made tubes of surgical stainless steel or niobium which will protect your body from the "whatever" you want to wear. Thimbles are available in 12g. and larger (the piercing must be one gauge larger to accommodate the flared ends of the thimble).

DO ask around to get an idea of the reputation of the artist or piercer. [thank you Shimegamis_Rage]

DON'T just take the piercer or artist's word for it. Do your research on each type of piercing BEFORE you get it. [thank you Shimegamis_Rage]

DO try to make sure that the artist does not autoclave or re-use tattoo/piercing needles. [Check for a sign that says 'One-Time Use Needles']. [thank you Shimegamis_Rage]

And finally,

DO be proud of your body piercing. It's as special as you are!

Do's and Dont's list taken from Expert Dos and Donts
&
Shimegamis_Rage

Zombina Corpse
Captain


Zombina Corpse
Captain

PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 8:06 am


Tattoo Do's and Dont's:

Don't Expose your new tattoo to sunlight, UV light is bad for tattoos. No tanning Bed!

Do put Sunblock on your tattoo if you are planning on being in the direct sunlight for a while.

Ladies, Don't Shave over your tattoo if it is on your leg until it had healed.

Do listen to your tattoo artist when your tattoo is completed. He/she will tell you the best way to take care of your tattoo.

Don't Listen to Your friends, your cousin, your brother or your significant other about tattoo aftercare..... Unless they are the artist who gave your the tattoo.

Do leave the bandage on you tattoo for as long as the artist told you to leave it on... It will stop it from sticking to clothing, bedsheets and other tattoo enemies.

Don'tleave the bandage on your tattoo longer than your artist told you to leave it on.

Don't rebandage your tattoo

Do use the Lubricant that your tattoo artist told you to use on your tattoo. And, Follow his directions to the letter.

Don't use Neo-Sporin, Vaseline or Peroxide on your new tattoo. These will destroy your tattoo and you will be bummed out afterwards.

Do wash your tattoo gently with soap and water before putting lotion on your tattoo. This will help your tattoo keep clean.

Don't put on a excessive amount of lubrication on your tattoo.

Do make sure to wash your hands when applying lotion or ointment to your new tattoo.

Don't pick or scratch at your tattoo when it is healing. It will itch, it is part of the healing process.

Do wash the tattoo everyday with your hand and a mild soap before you apply lotion or ointment.

Don't go swimming or soak the tattoo in water for the first 2 weeks of getting it done.

Do elevate your lower leg if you got your ankle tattooed, this will speed up the healing.

Don't let your dirty pets rub or lick your fresh tattoo. If your pet comes in contact with your fresh tattoo then you should wash it off that instant.

Do try and be patient when waiting in line to get a tattoo if the studio is busy. We do not rush to get to the next person. We take our time with each customer. You don't want us to rush with you, Do You!

Don't get drunk or high before you go to get your tattoo. This affects your judgment and you act like a dumbass which pisses off the artist who are trying to concentrate and do something permanent on your skin.

Do tip the artist that does your tattoo, most artist work on commission so if you feel like they really did a good job you should tip them.

Don't Bring your child into a tattoo studio. They make tiny disasters and distract the artist when they are trying to work. It is not an enviroment for children.

Do some research on the tattoo you are wanting to get. Make sure you know what you are getting and if it is something you want for the rest of your life.

This list of Do's and Dont's was taken from Tattoo Do's and Dont's.
PostPosted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 8:30 am


Piercing Photo Guide:
You may have often wondered what each piercing looks like. Well there are tons of piercings you can get on your body, but I'll show you the most common ones out there! Also, head over to the Post Your Bod Mods thread to see what members here have.

Ears.

---- under construction ----







Facial/Body.


---- under construction ----

Zombina Corpse
Captain


Zombina Corpse
Captain

PostPosted: Wed Mar 23, 2005 12:27 pm


Tools For the Job:
Currently Under Construction.
PostPosted: Wed Mar 29, 2006 5:26 am


MiLK`

Don't rebandage your tattoo.


Huh?
I've always told that you should put a bandage on a fresh tattoo for the first two nights, so that the sheets don't get all inky and bloody.

The guide is exellent, though. =)

sa-mi-ra


Zombina Corpse
Captain

PostPosted: Fri May 19, 2006 7:48 pm


sa-mi-ra
MiLK`

Don't rebandage your tattoo.


Huh?
I've always told that you should put a bandage on a fresh tattoo for the first two nights, so that the sheets don't get all inky and bloody.

The guide is exellent, though. =)


    You shouldn't. Once you take off the bandage, leave it off. Your tattoo isn't going to smear or rub off or anything.

    < c : / / z o m b i n a . e x e >
PostPosted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 11:27 pm


I've had 5 out of the 6 piercings in each of my ears(so 2 lobes and 3 cartilage in each) done at Claire's.

They pull each needle-thingy out of a package, and throw it away afterwards. Is that that one-time use needle, or what?

2aetH


Warninglv100
Crew

PostPosted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 6:34 pm


reitha n-aroshi
I've had 5 out of the 6 piercings in each of my ears(so 2 lobes and 3 cartilage in each) done at Claire's.

They pull each needle-thingy out of a package, and throw it away afterwards. Is that that one-time use needle, or what?


Claire's doesn't use needles. They use a slightly sharper stud earring to do the "piercing." Although "piercing guns" have made some improvements in the design, by adding the attachable cartrige, they are still not appropriate for any kind of piercing.
PostPosted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 8:44 am


I'd like to add:

DO ask around to get an idea of the reputation of the artist or piercer. Many show great images of piercings when first done, or great tatts in their portfolios. What they dont show is the mess ups and after effects.

DONT just take the piercer or artist's word for it. Do your research on each type of piercing BEFORE you get it. I've known many piercers that didnt know what the hell they were doing screw people up. ESPECIALLY with Corsets and other surface piercings. CBRs are NOT ACCEPTABLE for this kind of piercing unless your only wearing them for a day at most (play piercing), past that you risk rejection, migration, infection and nasty scarring.

DO try to make sure that the artist does not autoclave or re-use tattoo needles. This is NOT a safe method. Not only has it not been approved for safety and hygeine, but it can damage the needles. Also, re-use wears down the needle and can cause bending. Which means crappier tattoos for you as well as possible health risks.

StrawberryGumiho


Amze_

PostPosted: Sun Apr 08, 2007 11:56 am


That's a great guide. I know a lot more now, thanks : )
PostPosted: Tue May 13, 2008 9:30 pm


Zombina Corpse
sa-mi-ra
MiLK`

Don't rebandage your tattoo.


Huh?
I've always told that you should put a bandage on a fresh tattoo for the first two nights, so that the sheets don't get all inky and bloody.

The guide is exellent, though. =)


    You shouldn't. Once you take off the bandage, leave it off. Your tattoo isn't going to smear or rub off or anything.

    < c : / / z o m b i n a . e x e >


Random comment: my tattooist told me to take off my bandage in a couple hours.

Slept on it that night, and, sure enough, I had a mirror image of my tattoo on my bedsheet the next day.

It never washed out, either. O.o

I mean, it looks badass, but it did come off on stuff.

I'd suggest wearing some pajamas over your stuff that you don't mind getting ink on?

Simim

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ZombiePiratesNeedLoveToo

PostPosted: Fri May 23, 2008 12:36 am


Simim


Random comment: my tattooist told me to take off my bandage in a couple hours.

Slept on it that night, and, sure enough, I had a mirror image of my tattoo on my bedsheet the next day.

It never washed out, either. O.o

I mean, it looks badass, but it did come off on stuff.

I'd suggest wearing some pajamas over your stuff that you don't mind getting ink on?

Depending on where your tattoo is, and how much "trama" your skin has gone through, it is completely normal to "ooze" ink for the first few nights, even up to a week. I would suggest NEVER sleeping ON a new tattoo, especially if it is still in this stage of healing. The best thing to do when this happens is to let the tattoo dry out a bit, and make sure you are sleeping in a position that lets plenty of air get to the tattoo. Try not to roll on to it in the night or cover it, even with a blanket. You should only have to put up with this for a few days, and both your tattoo, and your bedspread will be happier for it.
Most of the time, it is a bad idea to rebandage a tattoo. Oxygen is your friend, your skin needs it to heal. In my experience, rebandaging can "suffocate" your skin and cause you to sweat more, and in turn ooze more.
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