Showing posts with label tattoo shop toronto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tattoo shop toronto. Show all posts

Monday, August 13, 2018

15 Tattoos That Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again

Everyone gets tattoos for different reasons. It could be to honor a loved one, commemorate a memory, or just show off something you love. Tattoos that reference characters from one’s childhood seems to tick all three of those boxes. Who wouldn’t want to remember the bliss of childhood when they look at their tattoo? Nostalgic tattoos are some of our favorite to do. Here are a few of our favorite ones we’ve done recently!

1. Back when we all cried over P. Sherman, Wallaby Way, Sydney:



2. Back when we all said “ssssssmokin’ “!:



3. Back when bedtime stories were the best time:



4. Back when Dr. Seuss was the definition of poetry:



5. Back when everyone knew how to spell “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”:



6. Back when Saturday wasn’t complete without cartoons:



7. Back when everyone quoted “there’s no crying in baseball”:



8. Back when snacks were just food:



9. Back when Sailor Moon was the HBIC:



10. Back when Halloween wasn’t complete without a little Hocus Pocus:



11. Back when Shel Silverstein was our literary icon:



12. Back when everyone argued over which Sailor they were:



13. Back to the first time we went to a galaxy far far away:



14. Back before Jurassic Park didn’t star Chris Pratt:



15. Back when all we wanted was a giant wolf to ride:



Want an awesome nostalgic tattoo of your own? Stop on by our downtown Toronto shop or contact us today!

Monday, April 16, 2018

Nail Tattoos 101



Move over cuticle tattoos, this trend is the next evolution of tiny hand tattoos. Nail tattoos are exactly what they sound like, but there's some more info people should know before getting them. Here's everything you need to know about nail tattoos, the latest tattoo trend.

Location
Did you know you can actually tattoo your fingernails? Well, you can. Other trends such as cuticle tattoos were on the area just around the nail, but this trend takes place on top of the nail itself.

Pain
As painful as it sounds to get your nails tattooed, it’s actually not that bad. Most people who've gotten them say they're pretty painless. That makes sense since your nail doesn't have any nerves. At most you'll feel some small fibrations on your fingers.

Time
Small tattoos take more time to complete than people realize. The exact time all depends on how detailed the design is and how many fingers you're getting done, but the most amount of time goes into the consultation and planning. It should also be noted that these aren't permanent. As your nails grow out so will the ink. They should last around 6 weeks, but it all depends on your individual nail growth.

Design
Nails are pretty small, so the design has to be too. Most nail tattoos fall into the minimalist style out of sheer necessity. Designs like letters, dots, lines, or simple images like flowers are popular.

Artists
This is a fairly new tattoo trend. So new in fact that only a few locations in the world probably do. If you’re looking for a local artist it’s best to find one that has done it before, or who at least has experience doing tiny tattoos. There's a risk of going too deep which can have serious consequences.


Conclusion
This tattoo trend certainly is crazy, but it’s definitely fun.  If you’d like to learn more or want to book an appointment feel free to contact us or stop by our downtown Toronto tattoo shop.

Monday, January 15, 2018

Q&A: How To Tip Your Tattoo Artist?




It should be said from the beginning, that tipping for tattoos isn’t just nice it’s expected. Many tattoo artists will tell you “if you can’t afford a tip, you can’t afford a tattoo”.  Tipping in Toronto isn’t complicated, but here’s what you should know before walking into that tattoo shop.

Average Tip is 15-35%
Tipping is absolutely expected. Add 15-35% extra to the cost of the tattoo as a tip. The average tip is around 20%, but some people tip a bit more or less depending on the size and level of detail.

With Multiple Session Tattoos Tipping Is Up To You
Larger tattoos will require multiple sessions to complete it. This can complicate tipping. It’s up to the client whether or not you want to tip at the end of each session or wait until the end. Most tattoo artists prefer smaller tips at the end of each session, but if you let them know you’re waiting until the end they’re fine with that as well. As long as they know they won’t be getting stiffed, tattoo artists are good.

Compliments and Gifts Are Nice, But Not Replacements
Ever hear the saying, “compliments don’t pay bills”? Well, it’s true. As great as gifts and compliments are, they aren’t things we can use to pay our bills. Tattoo artists are professionals that expect to get paid for their services. And like other industries, like salons and restaurants, tips are apart of that payment.

Tattoo Artists Aren’t Rich
While some tattoo artists make it big, most don’t. Tattoo shops often take a percentage of each tattoo. Artists also have to pay for equipment like ink, needles, and other supplies. Tips are important and matter more than people realize.

Tattoo Artists Deserve Tips
You should recognize that this person is marking your body forever. If they do a good job with that, they deserve that tip. Tattoo artists work hard to make clients happy, so give them the respect they deserve and tip accordingly.

Tip Accordingly
While tipping is important, the rules become fuzzy if a client isn’t happy with their tattoos. If you aren’t happy with the final product, discuss this with your artist, and give them a chance to fix it. Tipping is a judgment call. If you love a tattoo tip more than average if you like it tip average, and if you are unhappy tip less or none at all. Just try not to be a jerk.

All Tips Are Great, But Cash Is Best
Tattoo artists aren’t picky, they’ll take tips in whatever form whether that’s cash or credit. Most artists prefer cash though. It’s quick, easy to use right away, and they don’t have to go through the process of calculating and cashing it out at the end of the day.

Conclusion
Tipping tattoo artists in Toronto is pretty simple. It’s just like tipping in a restaurant or salon. A decent tip is expected, but the client determines the amount according to the level of work. Expect to add on at least 20% to the quoted price, if not more. Try to tip in cash, always convey your feelings truthfully to your artist, and most of all if you can’t afford a tip you can’t afford a tattoo. If you have any questions about tipping feel free to contact us or visit our downtown Toronto tattoo shop.


Monday, October 23, 2017

Questions You’re Too Scared to Ask About Vagina Piercings



Piercings may no longer be taboo, but some are still shrouded in mystery. Genital piercings, and particularly vagina piercings, aren’t discussed as openly or freely as ear, nose, or lip piercings. The area is far more intimate, and some women may be afraid to ask certain questions. Fear not, we’ve answered all the questions you’re too scared to ask about female genital piercings.

What types of piercings are there?
Professionals use the term “vagina” piercings, but vulva would probably be more accurate. There are tons of different types of piercings out there- vertical and horizontal clitoris piercings, inner and outer labia piercings, and also fourchette and Christina piercings. It ultimately comes down to a women’s anatomy to determine which piercings work best.

How do I find the right piercer?
It’s a lot harder to find a good piercer when it comes to vagina piercings. It’s not like professional piercers can advertise that sort of work on their Instagram. Many of them only have images of that type of work in their portfolios in the shop. Read some reviews, ask friends, and once you’ve found a reputable piercer ask what sort of vagina piercings they’ve done before.

Will it bleed?
Not a ton, but if you rip it out that’s a whole other story.

How old do I have to be?
In Ontario, a person needs to be 18 years or older to get genital or nipple piercings. Even if a person has parental permission, this sort of piercing can’t be given to anyone under 18.

Do I need to shave before?
Nope, piercers are able to work with whatever hair you have down there.

How much does it hurt?
Of course, it hurts, but the pain isn’t unimaginable. Most people find the pressure put on the skin before the needle goes in to be the most painful part of the process.

Will it increase sensitivity?
Some people say it does for them. The piercing may add some spice to your sex life, but it won’t necessarily increase sensitivity to the area. What happens is the piercings increase stimulation to the area.

What aftercare is there?
Trust us, you’ll want to make sure any piercing near your vagina is well taken care of. Luckily it comes with a pretty good self-cleaning system. Some warm water and soap are all it needs. Ask your piercing for a complete list of aftercare tips.

How long until I can have sex again?
Everyone heals at different rates, but piercers say it’s important to wait until it’s healed. Of course, in reality, most people don’t want to wait months. Be careful, avoid touching it with hands as much as possible, and if anything hurts stop immediately.

What about if I get pregnant?
Pregnancy doesn’t impact piercings usually. Most doctors will require patients to remove vagina piercings before giving birth so that nothing gets caught or torn during delivery. If it starts to feel uncomfortable when you’re pregnant take it out, but most women don’t notice pregnancy impacting it.

Contact us if you’re interested in a vaginal piercing!

Monday, October 16, 2017

Cuticle Tattoos 101




Yet another tattoo trend we can credit Rihanna for bringing into popularity. The Queen of Cool first sported cuticle tattoos back in 2013, and since then they have taken over Instagram. These tiny tattoos are just the latest in tattoo trends.

Location
The name says a lot, but cuticle tattoos aren’t actually on the cuticle. Rather, they’re placed around the nail. People usually opt to stick close to the nail but some people have taken to extending the design up the fingers and even across the whole hand. One choice people interested in these tattoos have to make it how many fingers they want to be done. Some get a few, some get only one hand, and others get them all done. It’s all up to you!

Pain
Here’s the bad news- the hands hurt to get tattoos. That pain only increases for that area on the finger. Hands and fingers are mostly bone and skin, with very little fat to cushion. The area near the nail is even more bony and sensitive. Ever gotten a hangnail? Imagine that pain times a thousand.

Time
Since most cuticle tattoos are small and have simple designs, the process can be done quickly. Make sure that you find an artist skilled in small tattoos though so that they don’t make any mistakes and can work in the small area.

Design
There is no single design for cuticle tattoos. Some popular designs are geometric shapes, lines, dots, and henna-style designs. Due to the small space simpler designs tend to work best.

Aftercare
It’s super important to follow all aftercare instructions. Since your hands usually come in contact with germs and objects first, it’s important that you keep your new ink clean and dry.

Conclusion
Cuticle tattoos act like jewelry, elevating whatever outfit one is wearing. They can hurt though, and it’s pretty costly for a small tattoo. Some people are opting for alternatives like temporary tattoos or nail art to get the design. If you want to book an appointment please contact us today!

Monday, September 25, 2017

10 Historical Figures You Didn’t Know Had Tattoos


Tattoos have been around for a long time. While they remained taboo in the Western world until recently, quite a few powerful political leaders had hidden ink of their own. So next time someone shames you for your tattoos, inform them about these 10 historical figures that had tattoos of their own.

Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson was the 7th president of the United States. He’s mostly remembered for his controversial campaign to kill and relocate Native Americans. As if that wasn’t enough, he ironically had a tattoo of a giant tomahawk on his inner thigh. Yeah, a tomahawk, a weapon, and toll closely associated with the culture he tried to destroy.

James K. Polk
Another president with another hidden tattoo. James Polk spent most of his presidency buying up land for the US. We can also credit him with starting the Chinese character tattoo craze. President Polk had a tattoo of a Chinese character, which translates to “eager”. It could have been worse!

Teddy Roosevelt
Teddy Roosevelt was the 26th President of the US and had such a great run as president that his face even made it up on Mount Rushmore. What Mount Rushmore didn’t capture was his ink. Roosevelt reportedly had the Roosevelt family crest tattooed on his chest. We would expect nothing less from a man like him.

John Wilkes Booth
John Wilkes Booth wasn’t a president, but you probably learned about him in history class. He was a 26-year-old actor that shot and assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. They say actors have big egos, and we believe it after learning that Booth had his own initials tattooed on his hand.

Thomas Edison
Thomas Edison invited a ton of things, but did you know he also had a hand in creating the first tattoo machine? He was the one that created the first electric pen, which Samuel O’Reilly then used to develop the first tattoo machine. Edison was so intrigued that he ended up with 5 cryptic dots on his forearm.

Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill was a fantastic leader for Britain during WW2. Many would be surprised to know that he had a tattoo, a classic anchor on his forearm. His mother probably didn’t mind, seeing as she had a tattoo of a snake on her wrist that she hid with jewelry.

Czar Nicholas II
He’s known as the last emperor of Imperial Russia, but Czar Nicholas also had some ink. In 1891 he traveled to Japan to try to improve Russo-Japanese relations. He came back with a little souvenir- a colorful dragon tattoo on his arm. That’s one way to mend a relationship.

George Orwell
The famed author of classics like, 1984, no only used ink to get his words across but also to mark his body. While serving as a policeman in Burma in his youth, Orwell for a blue dot on each knuckle, the dots were supposed to protect the wearer from harm.

King Frederick IX of Denmark
King Frederick led Denmark for 25 years, and he was known for being a badass. His number of tattoos only reinforced this. His ink covered his arms and chest and he acquired them during his time as a sailor.

R.H. Macy
You might not know the name, but you sure know his legacy. R.H. Macy was the founder of Macy’s department store. You probably know the red star logo, but did you know it was inspired from R.H. Macy’s own tattoo? He had a red star on his forearm that he got in his youth when he was a sailor.

Want some cool ink? Contact us to set up an appointment today.

Monday, August 28, 2017

Nose Tattoos 101




Some tattoo trends are more out there than other’s, and this is one of them. Facial tattoos have a long history, but now some people are getting just nose tattoos and this trend is taking off. Demons, skulls, and tribal ink, this location is the newest hotspot.

Who’s Getting Them?
Right now this trend is pretty limited to those into body modification and hardcore tattooist. Facial tattoos are extremely taboo, especially in Western countries. They’re often associated with criminals and jails. Some people have embraced facial tattoos, but get them in more discrete locations where they can be hidden like on the skull, behind the ear, or along the hairline. But there’s no hiding a nose tattoo.

Controversy
Tattoos aren’t really in the taboo zone anymore. Most of society and most work places are pretty accepting of them as long as they aren’t of anything offensive. But facial tattoos are still pretty taboo. So if you’re interested in a nose tattoo just know that you may not get a job because of it.

Pain and Time
The bad news about nose tattoos is that they will hurt a lot. Even people that have multiple tattoos say they’re extremely painful. They compare it to getting punching in the face with a sharp object repeatedly. If you’ve ever had your nose pierced, just image that pain but times a thousand.

The other bad news about nose tattoos is that they aren’t quick. While they’re usually pretty small, the shape and curves of the nose can take awhile for the design to be completed.

Design
Due to the shape of noses, some designs look better than others. Skulls and demons seem to be popular and compliment the nose well. Tribal designs, like Maori and Samoan tattoos, are also popular. Some people are doing more geometrical designs, with straight lines and triangles.

Artist
Any tattoo should be done by professionals, but especially facial tattoos. There are no hiding facial tattoos, especially nose ones. Make sure you find an artist that has done face tattoos before and is skilled in the style you like. Look at portfolios and discuss the design beforehand. We should note that not every tattoo shop will do facial tattoos. Some places find them too controversial so they refuse them.

Contact us or visit our tattoo shop to talk about getting a tattoo today.

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Lettering Tattoos 101




Lettering tattoos are classic and timeless. They range from bold to delicate, large to small. Whether it’s a single letter, a solitary word, or a phrase, this style of tattoo is one of the most gorgeous and most popular.

They’re also the one’s you see most often on those “biggest tattoo fails” list.

Make sure you don’t end up on there by following these tips.

Size Matters
Size matters, especially when it comes to tattoos. Even the most experienced and skilled tattoos artist’s work will smudge and bleed over time. It’s a natural part of a tattoo aging. Most of the time it won’t impact the design, but for a small script, smudging can make it unreadable. The point of lettering tattoo is to be able to read it. Make sure you pick a font and size that will still be readable even after years.

Fonts Carry Meaning
Just like with symbols, certain fonts carry certain meanings. So if you fall in love with a certain style, make sure you know what others will interpret it as. For example, gothic calligraphy is often associated with prisons and gangs.

Double, Triple, Check Grammar and Spelling
The easiest way to land on that list of tattoo mistakes is not checking grammar and spelling. It’s up to you to double and triple check this, not your tattoo artist. Tattoos are permanent, so don’t end up looking permanently stupid with a spelling mistake on your arm. It’s a good idea to have someone else look it over to catch mistakes before getting it tattooed on.

Translate Properly
It’s incredibly popular nowadays to get tattoos in other languages. We get it, some language just looks prettier than English. Just please, PLEASE, make sure you translate it correctly. That goes for spelling and grammar too! Don’t rely on Google Translate or your cousin that took one semester of Latin, either. Make sure you get a native speaker to help you out. Otherwise, you’ll end with a Chinese symbol that says “trash”.

Pick the Right Font
Picking the right font for your letting tattoo is important. Ever see one where at first glance something looked off? Even with the right size, spelling, and grammar, some fonts can make certain words look like something else. You’ve probably seen those tattoos where an innocent work gets turned into something dirty because of the font choice. Once you get stenciled, take a step back and make sure it’s clear as to what it says.

Choose Placement Wisely
Placement is always important. A single word can fit almost anywhere, but phrased need more room. Phrases tend to look good length wise on arms and backs. While it is possible to get a bracelet style, with it wrapping around an arm or leg, be prepared for people to awkwardly twist your arm going “wait, what does it say?”

The Meaning
Tattoos don’t have to have meanings, but lettering tattoos more than any other style usually do. Whether it’s an inspirational word, a favorite phrase, or a loved one's name, these tattoos can have a special hold. Be prepared for people to ask what the meaning behind your tattoo is- but you don’t have to tell them!

Pick the Right Artist
We always stress getting the right artist because that can make all the difference. Artists usually specialize in certain styles. People often forget that lettering isn’t just a design; it’s a style too. Make sure you look at artist portfolios to see past lettering work. It might look simple, but it’s one of the hardest styles since there is little room for error. A skilled and experienced artist can give you advice on placement, design, font, size and other elements so that your tattoo looks its best.


Contact a Toronto Tattoo Shop today to get your new lettering tattoo!

Monday, June 26, 2017

All of the Tattoos and Piercings Kylie Jenner Has


You can hardly go a week without hearing something about Kylie Jenner. She’s become a cultural icon of coolness and youth culture. From her makeup line to her endless love life, people love to talk about her. More than anything it’s her body they talk about- Plastic surgery, fashion, and body modification.

When you live a life in the public eye it’s pretty hard to keep things secret, especially permanent fixtures like tattoos and piercings. Thankfully, Kylie is pretty open. She documents her growing collection of body modifications on Instagram and Snapchat.


Here are all of the known Kylie Jenner piercings & tattoos:


Piercings
Kylie Jenner is constantly doing new photo shoots and red carpet appearance. This can make it hard to know which of her piercings are real and which are just for those. We do know she hasn’t just limited herself to ear piercings though.
Here are all her known piercings:
  • Industrial piercings: In 2015 Kylie posted a picture on Instagram revealing a stunning industrial piercing in her right ear.
  • Daith piercing: Kylie sports a beautiful ring in her daith in her right ear.
  • Forward Helix Piercing: Also in her right ear, Kylie sports a small dainty forward Helix ring.
  • Lobe Piercings: It looks like Kylie has one lobe piercing in both ears
  • Cartilage Piercings: Kylie has multiple cartilage piercings. In her right ear she has one about mid-helix. Her left ear has at least five cartilage/helix piercings, which she debuted with piercing spelling “KYLIE”. It looks like she upped that number to 8 now.
  • Nipple Piercings: Kylie Jenner’s nipple piercings continue to make headlines. They’re constantly being coyly flashed on her social media. They look so good that they actually convinced her big sister Kendall to get her own too.
Tattoos
Many people don’t realize that Kylie Jenner actually has quite a few tattoos. She prefers smaller, minimalist ones so they can be easy to miss. She got her first one for her 18th birthday and hasn’t looked back.

Here’s a list of her known ink:
  1. Ankle “t”
Kylie has a small lower case “t” on her ankle. It was done as a tribute to her on-and-off again (now seemingly permanently off) boyfriend Tyga. Tyga himself rocks a large Kylie tattoo on her arm. We wonder how he’s going to cover that up now that the breakup is final.
  1. Back of Arm Heart
The first tattoo Kylie ever got was a small red outline of a heart on the back of her left arm. This tattoo was supposedly also a tribute to her Tyga, although this isn’t verified.
  1. Hip “Sanity”
Only 3 months after her first tattoo Kylie Jenner went under the needle again. Hey, they do say it’s addicting. Her second tattoo was another red piece. It featured the phonetic spelling of the word “sanity” (\′sa-nƏ-tè\) on her right hip. Due to the placement, size, and color of this ink though people often joke about it looking like a best-before date stamp on an egg.
  1. Arm “Mary Jo”
Kylie definitely seems to be fond of red tattoos. Her third tattoo was another scarlet one, this time something a little more personal. She got her grandmother’s name “Mary Jo” on her left bicep in February 2016. To add an extra level of sentiment, the tattoo was done in her late grandfather’s handwriting.
  1. Finger “M”
Yup, you guessed it, another red one! In May 2016, Kylie got a squiggly “M” tattoo done on the inside of her pinkly finger. This was done with her BFF Jordyn Woods. We’re not always a fan of couple tattoos, but getting matching ink with your best friend does sound sweet. They do say boyfriends come and go (sometimes the same one, looking at you Tyga) but friendship is forever!
  1. Hip “Before”
In July 2016 Kylie added to her “sanity” hip tattoo. She put the word “before” in the area so that the tattoo now reads “before sanity”.
  1. Leg “Butterfly”
You’d think Kylie Jenner would have learned that boyfriends aren’t forever. That didn’t stop her from getting matching butterfly tattoos with her new boyfriend Travis Scott. It’s a minimal butterfly design (this time not in red!) on her lower left leg. The tattoos seems to reference Travis Scott’s new single “Butterfly Effect” which people suspect is about Kylie.
Contact us to get your next Kylie Jenner inspired tattoo or piercing!

Monday, June 12, 2017

Everything You Need To Know About Pregnancy and Piercings



Piercers get asked all the time how pregnancy will affect piercings. Certain piercing locations, such as facial ones, usually aren’t affected. Other places will be impacted. Everyone experienced different changes during pregnancy so some individuals have issues while others don’t. You should always contact your specific piercer if you have any issues but here a few things to keep in mind about piercings and pregnancy.

Belly Button Piercings
It should come as no surprise to anyone that the stomach is what changes the most during pregnancy. What this means for piercings is that as the baby grows and the stomach expands belly button piercings will probably have to be removed. Not only will the area become tight and uncomfortable, but even innie belly buttons become outies.

The good new is that they make special large plastic curved barbell piercings for pregnancy. They are flexible so they bend easily and can be worn during ultrasound appointments. Some women opt to just remove their piercings altogether during pregnancy, which is an option too.


Nipple Piercings
Nipple piercings are also affected by pregnancy. They don’t always have to be removed but the breasts become larger and more sensitive during pregnancy. Piercings here can become uncomfortable.

During breastfeeding, nipple piercings do have to be removed. A piercing can cause the baby to have trouble latching, they may damage their mouths, and there’s always the risk of the jewelry choking them. Some women remove the piercings only when feeding and then put them back in. This is an option but the nipples may become sore and the piercings have to be kept very clean when removed to avoid infection. The piercings may close if removed but can easily be re-pierced later on.

Genital Piercings
Genital piercings may be affected depending on where they are. Clitoral ones usually aren’t a problem except for slight discomfort at times when the area becomes swollen. Most doctors do require all genital piercings to be removed when it comes time to giving birth. This is done to limit the risk to the baby and yourself as it could get caught on the baby or the area could tear during birth.

New Piercings
No doctor, piercer, or tattoo artist recommends getting any new ink or piercing while pregnant or breastfeeding. In fact, most tattoo shops will refuse. Even when carefully done there is a risk of infection. They body runs harder during pregnancy making the immune system compromised. It’s best to wait for you and your child until you have given birth and the child is weaned.

Conclusion
Piercings during pregnancy really depend on the individual. If you experience any discomfort it’s best to remove them. Even if the holes close they can always be re-pierced later. If you have any questions feel free to contact a Toronto Tattoo Shop. 


Monday, June 5, 2017

Helix Tattoos 101


Tiny tattoos became a hit trend in 2016. People were sporting them behind their ear and on their fingers. In 2017 the tiny tattoo has found a new home- the helix.

Placement
The helix is the outer cartilage of the ear. Because this location is narrow, smaller vertical tattoos are placed here. Helix tattoos have quickly taken the place of helix, cuff, and cartilage piercings. They’re the updated, fresher version of the behind the ear tattoos everyone was getting last year.

Design
Designs for this area are fairly limited just by the size and shape that the ear allows for. Most people opt for small, minimal designs. Flowers are by far the most popular design style but others are opting for dot work, stars, geometrical shapes, wording or paw prints. There is also the option of extending a helix tattoo to other parts of the ear for more room.

Artist
You should always go to a skilled artist for a tattoo but especially for a small one. People often think since it’s smaller they can go cheaper but that’s a mistake. Tiny tattoos are harder than larger pieces since there is no room for error. Getting the right amount of detail in such a tight space takes practice. Make sure to look through artist’s portfolios to make sure they’ve done tiny tattoos before.

Aftercare
Aftercare is extremely important for helix tattoos. The ear has limited blood flow meaning healing will take longer. A helix piercing takes longer than a lobe piercing to heal so expect the same for tattooing. Make sure to follow all of the aftercare advice you’re given. If there are any additional care tips your artist will let you know.

Life Time
Here’s the thing about Helix tattoos- this trend is so new artists can tell you how long they’ll last. All tattoos fade but as the ear gets more sunlight it’s possible these will fade faster. Be warned that ink may bleed as it ages too. The tissue on the ear is thin so the ink doesn’t get held in place as well. Keep this in mind when selecting a design, as you don’t want to end up with a blob.

Pain
Cartilage piercings are some of the most painful so it should be no surprise that helix tattoos are painful too. Piercers are relatively quickly but no matter how small the tattoo is, a helix tattoo won’t be over in a minute. The end result will look cute but just be prepared for the pain.

Conclusion
Helix tattoos have become a trend for a reason- they’re so cool looking. Make sure you find a good artist and do research before hand. If you’re still unsure, helix piercings are always an option as an alternative. Contact us today to get a helix tattoo that you won’t be able to stop Instagraming!

Monday, May 29, 2017

7 Questions People With Tattoos Always Get Asked



1.    “Did it hurt?”

The simple answer to this question is, “duh”. All tattoos hurt, but the amount of pain depends on a lot of things. Some locations on the body hurt more. Design, size, the length of time, and personal pain tolerance are also factors.

2.    “Don’t you respect yourself?”

This question is so rude and judgmental it almost doesn’t even deserve a response. People need to let go of the outdated thinking that tattoos are related to rebellion and criminals.

3.    “Do you regret them?"

Some people do regret their tattoos, but most don’t. The longer you live with a tattoo the more meaning it takes on. It becomes less about the design, or even the original meaning, and becomes a marker for who you were during the period of time when you got it done.

4.    “How will you feel about then when you’re old?”

People’s bodies change when they age. Skin gets looser, wrinkles take over, and all of this does impact a tattoo. Maybe your tattoos will be faded and distorted by wrinkles but how great will it be to reminisce about your youth when you’re older?

5.    “What does your tattoo mean?”

Here’s the thing- sometimes tattoos don’t have meaning behind them. I know, shocking right? Sometimes they do, but not everyone is willing to share those stories. It’s ultimately up to the person who has the tattoo if they’re willing to share the story behind their tattoo (if there is one). If they don’t want to then respect that. 

6.    “What do your parents and grandparents think about them?”

This question assumes that everyone’s parents and grandparents think the same. Some parents are against them, other’s annoyed, some amused, and some for them. The same with grandparents. We aren’t the first generation to get tattooed so chances are that some parents and grandparents are tattooed themselves.

7.    “Would you ever get them removed?”

Tattoo removal is expensive, painful, and not guaranteed to work. Asking someone if they’re getting a tattoo removed implies that you think they should. If someone does want to change their tattoo there are tons of options out there today from removal to cover-ups.

Contact a Toronto Tattoo Shop to book your next appointment. 



Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Oral Piercing Types


Tongue and mouth piercings have been gaining popularity recently. They are still far more taboo and out there compared to other piercings (like the ears, nose, and lip). But if you’re looking for an oral piercing here are all the options available.

Tongue Piercings

Tongue Piercing
The most common oral piercing is the standard tongue piercing. It’s also known as the midline tongue piercing since it is placed vertically through the middle of the tongue.

Horizontal Tongue Piercing
Horizontal tongue piercings are also known as snake eyes. This piercing does horizontally through the tongue using a curved barbell. This is a controversial piercing; some Toronto piercers don’t even do it since it can cause severe tongue damage.

Venom Bites
Venom bites are identical looking to snake eyes but much safer. This piercing is two separate piercings placed side by side.

Angel Bites
Angle bites are the vertical version of venom bites. Two (or more) piercings are placed one in front of the other along the middle of the tongue.

Tongue Frenulum Piercing
This piercing isn’t for everyone. It involves piercing the web of skin under the tongue, which is why it’s also called the tongue web piercing. Some people like this piercing since they can keep it hidden.

Tongue Tip Piercing
As you probably guessed by the name, this piercing is done on the tip of the tongue. It’s a horizontal piercing, not a vertical one, and is classified as a surface piercing.

Side Tongue Piercing
Instead of a standard midline piercing in the center of the tongue, some people are opting for side tongue piercings. These piercings are placed on either the left or the right side, making it an off-centered tongue piercing.

Other Oral Piercings

Uvula Piercing
You know that little dangly thing in the back of your throat? That’s called your uvula and it can be pierced too. It’s a risky and rare piercing, since touching it can activate one’s gag reflex.

Upper Frenulum Piercing
A frenulum is the skin that connects the lip to the gums. Getting the upper frenulum piercing is also known as vampire piercings.

Smiley
Out of all of the oral piercings, smiley piercings are probably the most popular after standard tongue ones. A smiley piercing is when the tissue beneath the lip bow is pierced.

Frown
This piercing is the opposite of the smiley piercing. It’s known as the frown since it’s the bottom central tissue connecting the lip to the gum pierced instead of the top.

Dental Piercing
When people say piercings we think of skin or cartilage. But dental piercings are becoming a hot new thing. It’s when a small hole is drilled into your tooth with a dental drill where jewelry is placed.

Gum Piercings
Gum piercings are so new that most piercers probably haven’t heard of them. The jury is still out on them but it involves piercing the actual gums. Ouch!

Contact a Toronto Tattoo Shop today to book your next oral piercing appointment.


Monday, May 15, 2017

Jobs and Tattoos



Society’s perception of tattoos has changed a lot through time. Today, tattoos no longer signal a rebel. It’s trendy to have one, a firm part of popular culture rather than a sign of counterculture. Even with these changes, people worry about how tattoos will affect their ability to get jobs.

Changing Attitudes
Tattoos are used as a form of self-expression. More industries are accepting of them than ever before. Many young professionals, 86%, don’t think that tattoos or piercings will reduce their chances of getting a job. They’re right often. Attire and grooming are shown to be far more important influences.

Limiting Attitudes
Not every workplace shares the new changing attitude about tattoos. Hiring managers might not hire someone with piercings or tattoos. This isn’t necessarily due to personal view, but rather they worry about how customers will perceive workers with tattoos. This concern is valid too since consumers have shown a preference for non-tattooed front-line staff.

Factors
In a lot of workplaces, there isn’t a hard and fast rule on tattoos (although be sure to check out the company dress code policy to be sure). Instead, the size, placement, and design make a huge impact on whether they’ll be allowed or not. Smaller tattoos, like wrist or finger tattoos, tend to be accepted but facial tattoos are usually a hard no. Employers also reject offensive tattoos like swear words, racist symbols, and nude images.

What To Do
Consider the location, size, and design of a tattoo when you get it. Don’t ever let a job dictate your self-expression but keep employment in mind. Most tattoos can easily be covered up by clothing so don’t worry. When in doubt ask your boss, in most cases it should be fine.

Contact a Toronto Tattoo Shop today to get a new tattoo that everyone will love- even your boss.