The world of tattooing is one that can often seem quite scary or mysterious. There’s a lot of myths and legends surrounding this art form, and they can be quite off putting if you’re looking to get a tattoo for the first time.
That’s what we’re going to be taking a look at today. In this blog, we’re going to be going over the top 10 myths about getting tattooed that we hear in our studio. Some of them are silly, some of them are quite serious- but we think that all of them are worth debunking.
Tattoos are only for gangsters or criminals
To start off with, let’s look at a popular myth about the tattoo world. This one often stems from older generations, but we’ve heard it from all sorts of people. There’s a stigma surrounding heavily tattooed people, in that they seem like criminals, gangsters or thugs.
There are, of course, places in tattoo history where crime and gangs are relevant. For example, the yakuza in Japan are heavily tied into tattoo history, as are prison tattoos. This stereotype is also perpetuated by uniforms and dress codes that ban tattoos, for the sake of ‘a professional appearance’. 
There is no basis to this myth. Tattoos are a beautiful form of self expression, with a wonderfully rich and vibrant history. Anyone can get a tattoo, no matter who they are or where they are in life.
Once you have a tattoo, that’s it forever 
While this may have been true a few decades ago, it’s not the case now. If you end up with a tattoo that you’re not thrilled with, there are some great options out there to help you feel happier with your skin again. 
There are some wonderful artists who specialize in covering up tattoos, for example. There’s also been a lot of development in the world of laser removal, and blast-over tattoos are always an option as well. 
It’s okay to get a replica of someone else’s tattoo 
This may not apply to every shop in the world, but no reputable studio is going to replicate another tattoo. Similar designs are, of course, fine to get done- but getting a photo of another tattoo and demanding a line-for-line copy simply isn’t great practice.
It’s disrespectful to the artist who originally drew it, and to the person who’s wearing it. It also limits your actual artist in regards to what creative freedom they have. 
Tattoo shops are scary, dirty and cold
This is a myth that we hear a lot, as people are often surprised by how welcoming our studio feels. Tattoo shops may have been intimidating and dirty in the past, but they’re absolutely not now. 
Any good studio nowadays focuses on creating a beautiful, calm and sterile environment to create artwork for their clients. 
Darker complexions can’t get colored tattoos
This isn’t just a myth that we hear clients talk about, it’s a myth that some artists actually perpetuate too. People of all complexions can get tattooed. No matter how pale or dark your skin is, you can get a color tattoo, and it’ll look beautiful. 
Performing color tattoos on darker complexions simply requires a skilled artist and a good understanding of how to work with pigments. If you’re a person of color looking for a colored tattoo, please don’t be put off by this myth; you can get whatever style you like. 
Getting tattooed should be a scary experience
This one will never cease to amaze us. Some older generations enjoy saying that tattooing should be an intimidating or scary experience, in order for it ‘to be authentic’. This is absolutely not the case.
Modern studios will always strive to make sure that their clients are comfortable, well fed and happy. Getting tattooed can feel scary or emotional, and it’s our job to make sure that our customers have as nice of a time as possible.
The cheapest tattoo studio is the best option 
Hunting for bargains with tattoos is never a great option. It’s not the same as trying to find a cute new top or a nice notebook to doodle in; this is a piece of art that’s going to be permanently etched onto your skin.
We would strongly recommend going with an artist that has the best reviews or reputation and the tattoos that you like the most, instead of just the cheapest option. If you’re unsure, visit the studio for a consultation and ask as many questions as you need to.
Every tattoo has to be meaningful 
It’s always nice when a tattoo has a lovely meaning, but it’s not a necessity. You can get a tattoo just because you like it. If it’s got a meaning, great! If it hasn’t, then that’s just as good. Getting a tattoo is deeply personal, and it’s about making yourself feel comfortable in your own skin. 
You should stock up on painkillers before a tattoo
While taking painkillers might seem like a good idea before a tattoo, we would strongly advise against it. Most painkillers are actually blood thinners, and this can make the whole tattoo process a lot more unsafe and unpleasant for you. 
Once you’re out of the chair, that’s it
The tattoo process doesn’t end as soon as you walk out of the studio. Aftercare is such an important part of getting a tattoo, and it’s one that people tend to skip over a lot. If you really want to get a tattoo, make sure that you’re prepared to look after your skin and keep yourself healthy to keep the tattoo in great shape.  
To sum up 
Tattooing isn’t as scary or mysterious as some people might like to say it is. If you’re someone who’s looking to get a tattoo but have been too nervous or unsure so far, we hope this post has helped to calm a few of your worries. It’s an emotional process for sure, but with the right studio and artists it can be a breeze.
Here at Ink Kingdom 876, we think that tattoos are for everyone. No matter what style you’re into, and no matter where you’re from, we’d be honored to tattoo you. Take a look at our website to find out more about all the different artists and styles that our shop has to offer today.

Tattoos are a beautiful way to decorate your body, and they should be treated with the utmost care. You’d be surprised at the amount of people who assume that a tattoo is done and dusted as soon as they hop out of the chair. 
This is not the case- tattoo aftercare is an absolute essential, and should be taken seriously. Leaving the shop and ignoring your aftercare instructions is a surefire way to end up with a tattoo healing poorly, or even ending up with an infection. 
But what makes up a good aftercare routine? And what are some possible negative aspects of tattoo aftercare that you need to know about? That’s what we’re going to be looking at in more depth in this blog post. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at the importance of tattoo aftercare and how to make sure that you’re caring for a tattoo properly.
Tattoo aftercare will vary from studio to studio
Firstly, it’s important to bear in mind that not every studio and artist will have the same aftercare. In fact, it’s possible that artists within the same studio might have different preferences when it comes to aftercare. Don’t take it for granted that one artist will use the same aftercare solution as another one that you’ve visited before.
If you have any questions about your aftercare, do make sure to bring it up with your artist- they should be happy to discuss any concerns you might have.
If you’ve got a product in mind that you want to use, please make sure to check with your artist if it’s suitable. It’s all well and good reading reviews about a product online, but the artist is going to know better than anyone how to heal their tattoos the best. Products that you find online or in shops may have added scents or essences that could damage your tattoo.
Some of it may not be vegan friendly
If you’re vegan, it’s important that you check the ingredients of your aftercare products- not all of them are suitable for vegans. There are plenty of products that use lanolin, which is made from sheep’s wool. Additionally, there may be other additives like beeswax which make the product unsuitable for vegans to use. 
Generally speaking, cocoa butter is a wonderful vegan alternative to use for tattoo aftercare. However, it’s important that you check with your artist whether they approve of this, and whether it would be suitable for you to use. Again, your artist is going to know best here.
People may occasionally suffer allergic reactions to it
As with any cosmetic product that’s applied to the skin, there are some people who suffer allergic reactions to tattoo aftercare. Of course, this will vary depending on the individual in question, the size of the tattoo and the aftercare that is being used. 
It’s not very common at all, but if you’re somebody with sensitive skin, this could be worth bringing up to your tattoo artist. Booking a consultation before getting a tattoo is always a good idea anyway, so make sure to bring this up before the day of your tattoo. Your artist will be able to help you make the best decision from there. 
Tattoo aftercare is essential for a smooth healing process
On a technical level, aftercare is hugely important. As this Healthline article states, aftercare starts as soon as a tattoo is done. An artist will usually apply petroleum jelly or ointment to the skin after cleaning it up, and wrap it up to prevent any bacteria getting in.
After that, the aftercare responsibility comes down to you. An artist is not responsible for your tattoo not healing properly if you disregard their after care instructions. Your artist will give you instructions on when to unwrap your tattoo, how to wash it and how to use the product that you’ve been given. 
Using your aftercare product properly will also make the healing procedure much more pleasant for you too. Tattoo ointments and butters can help to reduce itchiness and swelling. Additionally, it can be calming to know that your tattoo is healing nicely and on track to being sorted.
Not listening to your aftercare advice could have adverse effects
As you may well know already, not listening to your aftercare advice can result in adverse effects. If you choose to wash your tattoo incorrectly, care for it poorly or use an unverified product, you may run the risk of getting an infection. This can be incredibly unpleasant, and it can also make the tattoo look bad visually, too.
Incorrect aftercare may also lead to scarring or excess scar tissue. This can be itchy, uncomfortable and unpleasant to look at. It’s important to note that scar tissue on a tattoo is just as permanent as the tattoo is.
To put it simply, not caring for your tattoo is an unwise decision. It can ruin the tattoo entirely, and make the healing process unpleasant and painful.
To sum up 
Aftercare is a hugely important part of getting a tattoo. If you want your tattoo to look beautiful in the future and prevent any complications with it, you’re going to need to keep on top of your aftercare and follow your artist’s suggestions to the letter. Don’t assume that you can just use a product you picked up online- your artist may dislike or distrust the product.
If you’re concerned about aftercare in regards to allergies or lifestyle requirement like veganism, make sure to let your artist know. They’ll be able to advise you on how best to care for your tattoo, and provide alternative solutions where necessary. 
Are you looking for somewhere to get a beautiful, high quality tattoo? Here at Ink Kingdom 876, we’re proud to have a wide variety of tattoo styles up for grabs. Our work is custom to fit each client, and we’d love to help you with your tattoo. Feel free to pop into the studio to speak with one of the artists, or book a consultation online today.

​