Which Piercing Locations Are The Most Painful?

A big question we get asked a lot at our downtown Toronto tattoo shop is “how much will it hurt to get pierced there”? 

To answer that burning question we’ve ranked the most popular piercings locations by pain level from least painful to most painful.

Least Painful

Lobe Piercings

A lobe piercing is so painless and common that it’s the only piercing that can be done under the age 16 without parental consent. Even babies get them done. People compare the pain to a slight, brief pinch. To get an idea of pain, pinch your earlobe.

Eyebrow

Eyebrow piercings aren’t as common and they’re certainly more for the trendy crowd. However, they aren’t painful to get despite what many people think. People say it’s more of a slight pressure pain than anything.

Navel

Who didn’t get their bellybutton pierced during the early 2000’s? This piercing location’s popularity has died down some but it’s still a hit spot. The good news is that it’s pretty painless with piercers comparing the pain to a brief bee sting.

Moderately Painful

Nasal

When it comes to nose piercings there are tons of options. The pain can differ depending on where on the nose you get pierced. The nostril is the least painful while the septum, which has more cartilage, is more painful. Overall, a nose piercing is moderate in terms of pain though expect your eyes to water.

Lip

There are lots of options for lip piercings too. Most lip piercings are the same amount of pain but if you get multiple the pain multiples too. These piercings aren’t too painful though but the swelling afterward can be (and it makes you look like you took a hit!).

Ear

The lobe isn’t the only popular location to piercer on the ear nowadays. Other location on the ear, basically anywhere on the ear, is popular today. These locations tend to be more painful than the lobe though. The exact pain level depends on where you get pierced but the thicker the cartilage in the area the more painful it will be.

Tongue

Tongue piercings are still more taboo than other facial piercings. People expect them to hurt a lot, especially since the only experience people have to compare it to is biting one's tongue. The truth is that the pain is fairly moderate as the pain is more localized than accidentally biting your tongue. It can swell afterward though making it difficult to eat and talk.

Most Painful

Nipple

Thanks to celebrities like Rihanna and Kylie Jenner, nipple piercings have become incredibly popular. Toronto tattoo shops get more of this requested every day. Be warned though- they hurt. This area is sensitive which only increases the pain. Clothing rubbing against them also makes them more uncomfortable than other piercings.

Dermal

Dermal piercings are different than other piercings in that they don’t go all the way through the skin. They are either placed partially or completely under the skin. Because of this, dermal piercings are incredibly painful. They can be placed almost anywhere on the body and depend on where they’re placed the higher the pain is.

Genital

As expected, genital piercings are the most painful. Whether you’re getting male or female genitals pierced it’s going to hurt. The pain is intense but it’s over pretty quickly. It’s extremely important to follow aftercare advice for these piercings though as serious health issues could arise.

Conclusion

Much like tattoos, the piercing pain is all based on where it gets done. They don’t always hurt as badly as tattoos, nor are they as permanent, but a professional Toronto piercer should do them.

Options For Regrettable Tattoos

Tattoo artists always hate when they hear stories about people regretting their tattoos. As more people are getting them it’s only fitting that the rate of regret and removal increased too. Whether it’s design, time, or a bad artist, the reason for regret are numerous. Luckily, so are the options for removal.

Laser Removal

Laser removal is the most popular option for completely removing a tattoo. The ink is targeting with pulses of concentrated light that break down the ink. The bad news it that it takes at least 10 treatments for the tattoo to be fully removed. This is less if you only go in for a partial fading. The more treatments you get the more your skin gets damaged which means blisters, scabs, and scarring are all possible side effects of laser removal. This process is incredibly painful and it’s pretty pricey. Colored ink, especially blues and greens, are significantly harder to remove also.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

IPL is another treatment option that is gaining popularity. It’s similar to laser removal. A high-intensity light is emitted from a wand onto the targeted areas. This method is a lot less painful than laser but unfortunately, it is also more expensive. It’s relatively new so specialists aren’t sure about recommending it or not yet.

Dermabrasion

This is an old school removal option that isn’t used much today. It involved “sanding” or “blasting” away the top layers of skin through abrasive friction. If it sounds painful that’s because it is. It’s also not super effective, which is part of the reason it’s not even offered in most places anymore.

Tattoo Creams

Tattoos creams claim to lighten and fade tattoo ink. If this sounds too good to be true because it is. Most of them don’t work or at least don’t work effectively enough to match their hefty prices. Chances are they won’t work but if you really want to try them there aren’t really any side effects other than a loss of money.

Cover Up

Cover-ups are a good option for some people. A skilled artist that specializes in or has experience with cover-ups can give you a new ink to replace the bad one. If done well you can’t even see the old one at all. Cover-ups are only good if it’s the design, not the idea or placement of the tattoo, that you regret. A good cover-up can be expensive depending on the size and detail needed. Look at artist portfolios to make sure you’re not getting another bad one. Colored tattoos are harder to cover up and may require some laser fading first.

Restoration

Ink fades and spreads as time goes on causing some people to fall out of love with their tattoo. In this case, restoration might be the option for you. Top tattoo artists can go over old pieces and bring them back to life. Be sure to find an artist that specializes in this.

Conclusion

Tattoo regret is unfortunate but there are tons of reasons people regret tattoos. In order to avoid regret always research your artist, make sure you love your design, and think about the long term. Thankfully, there are far more options out there for removal than there used to be. Contact our Toronto tattoo shop today to set up an appointment for cover-ups or restoration.

7 Things Your Piercer Wants You To Know

Getting piercings isn’t as big of a deal as it used to be. Nowadays they are common, socially accepted, and usually aren’t as permanent as a tattoo. 

Still, anytime you are putting a needle into your body (even for a second) you should take it with some seriousness. There are a few things that piercer’s wish people knew before heading to their local Toronto tattoo shop. Here are seven of them:

1.    Avoid Piercing Guns

Almost everyone has gotten a piercing with a gun at some point, usually as a child in the mall. But piercers wish people would stay away from them. Not only are they not regulated or precise but they also are extremely hard to sanitize properly meaning you’re more likely to get an infection. Guns also use a dull stud rather than a sharp needle, which makes them more likely to damage the area.

2.    Only Listen to Professional Aftercare Advice

You should only listen to aftercare advice of a trained, professional piercer. In other words, avoid the Internet. People are still spouting off aftercare advice that they learned from a Claire’s piercing handout as a kid. Don’t twist the piercings when it’s dry as this can cause damage. Always clean it properly to avoid infections. If you ever have any questions or concerns be sure to contact a professional piercer to get your answers, not Google.

3.    Don’t Throw Around the Word Infected

People toss around the word infected about their piercings far too often. It’s actually pretty rare for a piercing to become infected as this can only really happen in the first few weeks. Most often people confuse normal irritation and healing with infection. Some hurting, soreness, oozing, crusting, and swelling is perfectly normal and part of the healing process.

4.    Don’t Go to a Doctor For a Piercing

As soon as people worry their piercing is infected they go running to the doctor. This is a big mistake though as most doctors don’t actually know a whole lot about piercings and can just make the situation worse. Always go back to your piercer first if you have any concerns. They will best advise you on when and if you should go see a doctor.

5.    Don’t Haggle

Save the price haggling for the flea market, not the tattoo shop. Getting a piercing done by a professional can be a little pricey, especially if it’s a unique piercing. But you get what you pay for. Going cheap can lead to an uneven, unsanitary piercing that will end up costing you more later on. Professional piercers are trained, experienced, and follow certain regulations so they know what they are doing. Don’t insult them or their work by haggling on a price. Prices are set for a reason.

6.    Communicate and Be Honest

They say communication is key for a reason. Communicate with your piercer every step of the way. Be honest with them about your feelings, concerns, and what you want. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions, even if you think they sound dumb. Your piercer isn’t going to judge you. Even if you go in with a piercing you did yourself or by a poor non-professional piercer to get fixed your piercer just wants to help you out go be open and honest with them always.

7.    Listen to Your Piercer’s Advice

You go to a professional for a reason. They know what they’re doing and talking about so be sure to listen to them and follow their advice. If they tell you a certain piercing can’t or shouldn’t be done listen to them. Head their advice on placement, jewelry size, and all aftercare tips. It’s their job to give you the best possible piercing and advice, that’s why you’re paying for a professional after all.

Everything About Tattoo Regret

It’s a shame when people regret their tattoos. Tattoos are expensive, time-consuming, and pretty permanent. Unfortunately, it happens, though. As more people are getting them more people are also getting them removed. It raises some questions, like who, why, and when are people getting their tattoos removed. Here is everything you need to know about tattoo regret so you don’t end up regretting your own ink.

Who

People often wonder who is regretting their tattoos. Women actually make up the majority of people getting their tattoos removed. They account for closer to 72% of all tattoo removal procedures. It might also be surprising to learn that it’s not teenagers or young adults getting tattoos removed. Most people who regret their tattoos are middle aged.

When

A big concern for some people getting tattoos is that they’re worried they will regret it when they get older. The majority of removals happen between the ages of 35-50 so it’s a valid concern. In the past few years, people over the age of 85 gave been starting to make a dent in the removal population.

Why

There are a number of reasons people regret their tattoos. Some of them are pretty valid too. Here are the top reasons.

It’s Related to An Ex

The biggest reason people regret a tattoo? It’s related to an ex. Whether it’s their name, one-half of a couple tattoo or just something that reminds them of the ex, any tattoos related to an ex-significant other is cause for regret. Love isn’t permanent but tattoos are, so be 100% before getting a tattoo with your S.O.

It’s Too Visible

Sometimes people regret a tattoo not because of the design but because of the location. A tattoo being too visible is a cause for regret. Society is more accepting of tattoos now but some jobs still require them to be covered, which can be difficult. People often feel that certain visible tattoos hold them back professionally.

Faded Ink

No matter how good a tattoo artist is, ink fades. The older the tattoo is the more faded it will be. Certain things can be done to slow this down but nothing can be done to stop it. Some people love their original tattoo but as it fades it starts to lose their appeal. Luckily, a faded tattoo can be restored so it doesn’t have to be removed.

Poor Quality Work

There’s nothing worse than going in for a tattoo and coming out with poor quality work. A poor job done on a tattoo is probably the top reason people regret them. Not all tattoo artists are the same so be sure to research yours before hand.

Design Mistake

Who hasn’t gotten a good laugh from seeing those tattoo mistake pictures online? Whether a word is misspelled, a translation wrong, or a font choice that makes a word look like something else design mistakes suck. They’re not only a product of a bad artist but they are a cause for regret. Sometimes they can be fixed but other times it’s a permanent reminder of not double-checking.

Feelings Towards Image Changed

Feelings and attitudes towards certain things change over time. Sometimes it’s because of age or maturity, or it could be because of a major life event. There’s no way to tell if you’ll love your tattoo in the future. If you’re worried about this write down your idea, put it away for a while, and then look at it again. If you still want it then go for it and get it done.

Drunken Mistake

There’s a reason tattoo shops don’t like to tattoo drunk people. Alcohol makes people’s blood thinner, which causes more bleeding during the process. But more than that, people tend to make bad decisions when they’re drunk. So do yourself a favor and stay away from tattoo shops when you’re intoxicated to avoid a butterfly tramp stamp in the morning.

Inappropriate Image

When you’re young an inappropriate image seems funny and daring, even rebellious. When you’re older it’s just stupid. Even the most relaxed jobs about tattoos will take issue if it depicts something offensive or inappropriate. Not to mention many parents regret certain tattoos once they have children. Kind of hard to explain that naked girl on your arm to your toddler.

Aged Badly

Certain tattoos don’t age well and it’s not always because of ink fading. Bodies change, as people get older. Muscles disappear, fat appears, and skin becomes less tight. All of this can impact the look and design of a tattoo. Certain areas will be more affected by age than others so consider this when getting inked. No wonder the older crowd is beginning to make a dent in the removal population.

Conclusion

It’s a good thing that tattoos are becoming more accepted and popular in this age. It’s even better that tattoo removal options are becoming more effective and cheaper too. In order to prevent regretting a tattoo though thing about it before you go through with it. Sit on a design for a while, research your artist, and make sure you’ll love it now and in the future. Contact our Toronto Tattoo Shop today to discuss getting a tattoo, covering one up, or getting a touch-up.

Underboob Tattoos 101

Everything you need to know about underboob tattoos

At our Toronto Tattoo Shop underboob tattoos have become a hit trend. It all started in 2012 when Rihanna got an underboob tattoo of the Egyptian goddess Isis in honor of her late grandmother. Rihanna, a celebrity icon that already oozed coolness, suddenly became even cooler. Since then this location has only become more popular as each year passed.

Underboob Placement

This location is hard to define since it over creeps into chest, sternum, stomach and rib regions. There’s a defining shape to underboob tattoos though that mirror Rihanna’s iconic one. Underboobs tattoos tend to be symmetrical, sweeping into arches under the breasts.

Design and Look

Part of the reason this tattoo location has become so trendy is that a lot of them look the same. Even a one of a kind tattoo looks similar to others because they all have the same shapes. There’s a natural shape to the underboob region that requires this similar shape.

Designs tend to follow certain patterns for this region. Half mandalas, chandelier or jewelry pieces, and creatures with feathers are all popular. Octopuses are rising in popularity as well. The design has to look good with the natural curves of this area.

Pain

There’s a downside to this trendy location- they’re painful to get, like really painful. The skin in this area is more sensitive and thinner than other areas. There’s also more bone in this region, especially on the sternum and ribs. All tattoos hurt but if you have a low pain tolerance consider getting a tattoo in another location.

Artist

The thing about trendy tattoos is that you have to pick the right artist and shop to get them done at. A trendy spot or style typically hasn’t been around as long meaning not everyone has skill in it. Look at an artist’s portfolio or a tattoo shop’s Instagram to find an artist that has experience and skill in underboob tattoos.

Controversy

We should let you know that there’s some controversy about underboob tattoos. You should never let anyone dictate what goes on your body but it’s still a good idea to know what people are saying about them ahead of time. Underboob tattoos are often called the “new tramp stamps”. The location is risqué and a little trashy to some people.

The only opinion that should matter when it comes to tattoos is your own. Just make sure that you’ll be happy with your tattoo, not just weeks and months afterward but years. This location is hard to do cover up tattoos and to get removed.

Conclusion

Underboob tattoos are a beautiful and bold trendy location for people that want to make a statement. Make sure you find the right artist, design, and tattoo shop to get yours done at.

Top 12 Locations People Are Tattooed

Toronto tattoo shops have seen and tattooed it all. From the extremely visible to the incredibly personal, tattoo artists will ink anywhere; it’s part of the job. Some places are more popular than others, though. Gender plays a big role in where people get inked more than any other factor. Here are the top 12 places people get tattooed.

Neck

The neck has been gaining popularity as tattoos have become more socially acceptable. In the past, this location was avoided because it was hard to cover up, a problem for people with certain jobs. Females have especially been getting more lately but it’s still not the most popular location.

Males: 8%

Females: 4%

Upper Back/ Shoulders

The upper back and shoulders are by far one of the most popular places to get inked. The area is pretty painless (as painless as a tattoo can be), the area is large, and can be covered easily by clothing. For both men and women, it’s the second more popular location for tattoos.

Males: 34%

Females: 25%

Chest

Thanks to celebrities like Rihanna, chest tattoos have become more popular among women. It’s actually become the third most popular location for them and it’s always been a popular place for men. Be warned, though, it’s a painful place to get tattooed due to the thin skin and boney areas.

Males: 17%

Females: 20%

Abdomen

Stomach tattoos aren’t as popular as they use to be but they’re still high on the list. The area isn’t as painful as other places and it has the added benefit of being able to be covered easily.

Males: 5%

Females: 13%

Arms

Arms are the top spot that men get tattooed. That number drops significantly for women, though. The arm is a pretty painless area and getting a sleeve ( a full arm of tattoos) has become popular thanks to celebrities like David Beckham.

Males: 75%

Females: 7%

Hands/Fingers

Getting hands and fingers tattoos is rising in popularity, in fact, tiny finger tattoos are becoming a trend. In the past, this area was considered taboo, as it was hard to cover and was usually reserved for criminals and thugs. The area can be painful and tattoos here tend to fade quicker so be warned.

Males: 47%

Females: 1%

Lower Back

The lower back, home for the infamous tramp stamp. The popularity of lower back tattoos has definitely dropped in recent years. Tattoo in this area, thanks in part to the common nickname “tramp stamp” have gained the perception of being not classy.

Males: 5%

Females: 18%

Hips

Hip tattoos aren’t as popular and there’s a simple reason why- pain. Tattoo artists say the hip is one of the most painful areas to get tattooed. The area there is usually all bone, which is why it hurts so badly.

Males: 2%

Females: 9%

Buttocks

When we said tattoo shops get personal, this is what we meant. Butt tattoos are only one of the intimate places tattoo artists get to see. The area isn’t super popular but we still see our fair share. This area is easy to cover, isn’t seen by a lot of people, and is pretty painless due to the lack of bone and thin skin.

Males: 3%

Females: 15%

Legs

Leg tattoos are a favorite among clients and artists. The area is big enough to allow for detailed pieces. The leg isn’t too painful to get tattooed either but that all depends on what area of the leg you get inked at.

Males: 20%

Females: 14%

Ankle

Ankle tattoos tend to be small and simple pieces. Be warned though that this area can be painful due to the bone here. This area is really popular, though, especially for women. It’s one of the least popular places for men, though.

Males: 2%

Females: 27%

Feet/ Toes

The feet and toes aren’t very popular for either men or women. It’s also a difficult place to judge the pain. Some people say it’s the most painful spot while other’s say it didn’t feel like anything at all. This area is full of bone, tendons and thin skin.

Males: 2%

Females: 4%

Tattoo Statistics You Might Not Know

We’ve tattooed a lot of people at our downtown Toronto Tattoo Shop - like, a lot. But even after all this time, we were still shocked by some of these tattoo statistics. Tattoos use to be the mark of military and criminals. Today, tattoos are for everyone and the statistics are certainly proving that.

Prevalence

It used to be that tattoos were something for military personnel, criminals, or rebels. Today they are becoming more common every year. About 3 out of ten Americans have at least one tattoo, which is up from a few years ago when it was one out of five. People aren’t stopping at one tattoo either. They say getting tattoos is addicting, which explains why 69% of people with tattoos have two or more.

Gender

In the past, men dominated the tattoo market. From artists to clients, men were the main ones there. That’s changing now, though. Almost an equal number of men and women are getting tattoos. In fact, 22% of women have tattoos, while 26% of men have them. This disparity is way less than it uses to be.

Age

It shouldn’t be surprising to anyone that tattoos are more popular among the younger generations. 36% of people aged 20-31 have at least one tattoo, 24% of people aged 32-42 have one, and 15% for people aged 43-53. It also shouldn’t be surprising that Millennials and Gen Xers are more likely to have multiple tattoos too.

Regret

As the number of people getting tattoos goes up it’s not surprising that the number of people getting them removed gets higher too. About one-fourth of people says they regret one of their tattoos. There are so many reasons people end up regretting their ink, from having it being related to an ex to it being done by a bad tattoo artist. Make sure you don’t end up regretting your tattoo by researching your artist and studio ahead of time. Make sure you like the design as well by going on Instagram and online portfolios for inspiration.

Location

Some locations are more popular than others when it comes to tattoos. Factors like design, size, coverage, pain and personal preference go into selecting where people get tattooed. Shoulders are popular for both men and women, while men get their hands tattooed significantly more than women and women have a proportionally larger number of ankle tattoos.

Occupation

In the past, even as tattoos became more socially acceptable, many jobs required them to stay covered. This made it difficult for some people who selected locations that weren’t easily covered. Today, most job environments don’t require tattoos to be covered as long as they aren’t obscene or offensive.

Conclusion

Social ridicule or job limitations are no longer reasons to not get a tattoo. More people are expressing themselves with tattoos every year.

10 Things Your Tattoo Artist Wants You To Know

Getting a tattoo is a personal decision but making life easier for your tattoo artist will only guarantee a smoother and more fun process. Here are ten things your tattoo artist at our Toronto Tattoo Shop wants you to know before sitting down in their chair.

1. They’re Not Mind-Readers

While the world artists make looks magical, they aren’t magicians. They can’t create an awesome design that you’re going to love until you communicate with them what you want. You’ll discuss the final design with them but make sure you have ideas ready when you walk in. Look at Instagram or portfolios before you go in for inspiration.

2. Be Prepared to Wait

If you’re walking into a studio for a tattoo be ready to wait. Even if an artist is available they still need time to set up and get ready. Artists need to set up and sterilize equipment and need time to create a design. If you don’t have time to wait around book an appointment ahead of time.

3. They Don’t Enjoy Nit-Picking Clients

Tattoo artists understand that a tattoo is personal, intimate, and permanent. But making multiple tiny changes is a sure way to irritate your artist. At the end of the day, you need to have faith in them. Once you go over the design and the details that are important to you trust them to do the rest.

4. Large Work Takes Time

TV shows and movies have created the untrue perception that any tattoo can be done in an hour. The reality is that large work, especially large tattoos will a high level of detail, will take many hours. They can even require multiple sessions. In addition to sitting under the needle for that long, it will require consultations for designing. If it requires multiple sessions expect to have to wait a few weeks in-between each session.

5. No Kids Allowed

Look, even the most well-behaved kid has no place in a tattoo shop. There is dangerous, sharp, and hazardous material there. Kids get bored, they get hungry, and they like attention. You’re going to be immobilized, distracted and in pain. In other words, you’re going to be in no position to take care of let alone want to take care of a kid.

6. Take Bathroom Breaks Ahead of Time

There’s nothing worse for an artist then getting into the groove and having a client ask for a bathroom break. Sometimes it’s an emergency and it can’t be avoided. But most of the time its simply because the client didn’t go before they sat down. So please, sure the bathroom before sitting down in the chair.

7. Don’t Expect An Exact Price

Toronto tattoo shops get countless people coming in asking for an exact price while only providing a vague description of what they want. General descriptions like “a sleeve” or “a dragon” do little for us. The price will depend on the size, the level of detail, the style, and the time it takes. We can’t give you’re a price based on general knowledge.

8. They Don’t Work Well Under Time-Constraints

The pressure of a time constraint is intense for anyone. For tattoo artists, it is the worst to be given a time limit by a client. Tattoos are works of art and while most artists work as efficiently and quickly as possible these things can’t be rushed. If you have to be somewhere at a certain time come back at another time when you’re less busy.

9. Don’t Pretend to Be A Master of Tattoos

There’s nothing worse for an artist than having a client thing they know everything about tattooing. Unless you’re a professional tattoo artist, and honestly not even then, don’t give advice. Your artist is a professional with experience and talent. No matter how many tattoos you have or how many documentaries you’ve watched we can bet your artist knows more. And if they really don’t then why are they tattooing you?

10. Don’t Haggle

Haggling has no place in a tattoo shop. Tattoo artists and studios have set prices that are based on the artists, the detail, the design, and the time it will take to complete. Give your artist your budget ahead of time so they can create a design within that. Leave the haggling for the flea market.

Contact us today to set up an appointment in our downtown Toronto tattoo shop.

Day of Tattoo Preparations

To make sure you have the most enjoyable time possible and the best quality work, be sure to follow these preparation tips before heading to your Toronto tattoo shop. Being prepared on the day of getting your tattoo is extremely important.

Tip 1: Eat a big meal before

This will make sure you are energized, awake, and full. You don’t want your stomach growling and distracting your tattoo artist to you?

Tip 2: Drink lots of water

Your body gets put under stress when you’re getting a tattoo. Make sure it’s at full fighting power by staying hydrated.

Tip 3: Avoid alcohol

Alcohol acts like a blood thinner. It will also impact your ability to follow directs and make good judgment. Don’t wake up with both a hangover and a tattoo you regret. Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before getting inked.

Tip 4: Don’t take any painkillers

Painkillers like aspirin are actually blood thinners. Avoid taking them at least 48 hours before. Thinner blood means more bleeding during the process.

Tip 5: Pack snacks, water, and cash

If you’re getting a large tattoo expect to be there for a while. Pack snack and water to keep you going. Also remember to bring cash to tip your tattoo artist for their time and talent.

Tip 6: Wear comfortable clothing

You might want to look cute for your post-tattoo Instagram picture, but trust us, wear comfortable clothing. You’re going to be sitting for a while so you want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.

Tip 7: Stretch

Sitting in the same position for a long time will take its toll. Stretch beforehand to get your body ready. Even the most comfortable position will start to hurt after holding it still for a long time.

Tip 8: Stay calm and relaxed

Staying calm and relaxed is extremely important. When you’re anxious, your tattoo artist is anxious. Not only will stress make your muscle tense up but you’ll begin to fidget. Bring along something to distract you from what’s going on, like a good or a game.

Tip 9: Set aside extra time

Not even the most experienced tattoo artist can tell you exactly when your tattoo will be finished. Always set aside more time than you think you’ll nee. You don’t want your tattoo to be rushed- trust us.

Tip 10: Bring along company

Most people love to bring along company for getting tattoos. Bring someone that will help distract you from the pain. Make sure they’re supportive, encouraging, and calm.

Make getting a new tattoo as simple as possible by following these day of preparation tips. 

Types of Lip Piercings

Interested in getting a lip piercing? There are tons of types and options out there. Here are some of the most popular lip piercings we see at our Toronto Tattoo Shop.

Madonna

Named after the musical icon, the Madonna piercing is placed on the right side of the face just above the upper lip. The exact location of Madonna’s own mole.

Monroe

There’s no more iconic beauty mark than Marilyn Monroe’s. The Monroe piercing is in homage to that. It is placed on the left side of the face just above the top lip, exactly where Marilyn’s beauty mark was.

Labret

While considered a lip piercing, with a labret the lip isn’t technically pierced. The labret is right below the bottom lip above the chin.

Medusa

The medusa piercing is placed in that little dip on the top of your lip below the nose. Placement is important here, as you don’t want to throw off the symmetry of your face. So find a good piercer.

Vertical Labret

A vertical labret has two holes. One is in the same place as a regular labret, with the second hole coming out of the middle of the bottom lip.

Jestrum

Jestrum piercings, also known as vertical medusas, are placed in the dip above the upper lip with the other end coming out the underside of the upper lip.

Spider Bites

Spider bite piercings are a pair of piercings close together. They are placed either on the top or bottom lip. Getting two piercings so close together at the same time can be painful, so you’ve been warned.

Angel Bites

Angel bite piercings are two evenly separated piercings on the upper lip. Think of them as a combination of Monroe and Madonna piercings. Snake bite piercings are the opposite of this.

Cyber Bites

Cyber bite piercings are a combination of medusa and labret. One hole is placed in the center just above the top lip with the other hole in the center just below the bottom lip.

Dolphin Bites

Dolphin bite piercings are two piercings centered on the lower lip close together. They are similar to snake bite piercings only closer in distance.

Dahlia Bites

Dahlia piercings are done at the corner of the mouth. You can get them done in pairs or only one done. They can be rings but studs are more popular.

Canine Bites

Canine bites are a combination of angel bites and snake bite piercings. Two piercings are placed above the upper lip with a distance between them, with two more placed even spaced below the bottom lip. This makes a total of four piercings.

Snake Bites

Snake bites consist of two piercings evenly spaced on the lower lip. This piercing can be done with either rings or stud.

Shark Bites

Shark bites are two close together piercings on either side of the bottom lip. This is four piercings total. It is essentially double spider bites.

Horizontal Lip

Horizontal lip piercings involve putting a horizontal barbell through the center of the bottom lip.

Ashley

The Ashley piercing is one of the most popular piercings. It is a single piercing placed in the center of the bottom lip. It is still a fairly new piercing so be sure to get it done by a professional.

Lip piercings have come a long way. They make a bold statement without being overpowering. Contact our Toronto Tattoo Shop today to set up a lip piercing appointment in our downtown Toronto tattoo shop.

Nose Piercings Explained

What was once a symbol of punk, goth, and general rebellion has now become a common trend. Nose piercings are continuing to advance and gain popularity at our Toronto Tattoo Shop. There are eight main nose piercings styles today.

Nostril

Standard nostril piercings are the most traditional and common nose piercings people get. Situated in the crease of your nose, a nostril piercing consists of a single hole. It can be done on either side depending on your preference. Either a stud or a ring can be placed in this area.

High Nostril

As you would expect based on the name, a high nostril piercing is just above a standard nostril piercing. Some people even get both to have a layered look. This piercing isn’t as simple as a nostril piercing due to it being tricky to reach.     

Septum

Septum piercings have gained popularity lately. The septum is the region of your nose separating the two nostrils. A ring is usually worn here, giving the wearer an appearance of a bull. The good news about this piercing though is that it can be flipped upwards to hide it when desired. Just a warning, the septum is made of thick cartilage so getting it pierced can be very painful.    

Bridge

Bridge piercings are located at the top, the bridge, of the nose. They’re technically surface piercings as no cartilage or bone is actually pierced. Because of them being surface piercings they are susceptible to migration. That is when the body pushed the piercing out as it heals away from it.     

Vertical Tip

Also known as the rhino, vertical tip piercings are very unique. A piercing runs vertically from the tip of the nose to just under the nose. It’s a rare type of piercing so find a skilled piercer to make sure it’s done properly.     

Septril

Septril piercings are a combination of a gauged septum and a half vertical tip. The tip is pierced and linked internally to the gauged septum. The gauging septum process can take years to achieve and is extremely delicate. It’s a time-consuming, expensive, and painful process. Make sure you get an experienced piercer to do it so it is successful.     

Gauge

Gauged can be placed either in the septum or in the nostrils. Like ear gauges, the process must happen slowly. Gauges will grow through a long period of time from small to large. The look is one of the most unique nose piercing. It is not a process that can be undone so be sure before going through with it.     

Nasallang

Nasallang piercings look simple but they are anything but that. This piercing goes through both nostrils and the septum. A barbell piercing is typically worn. This process is extremely difficult and painful due to the tri-piercing it requires.     

Interested in any of these nose piercings? Contact our Toronto Tattoo Shop today to set up an appointment in our downtown Toronto tattoo shop with our amazing in-house piercer.

Types of Ear Piercings Explained

The amount of ear piercing options has doubled since your grandmother’s day. Any and every location on your ear is not available for piercing by a top Toronto piercer. Below are the most common types of ear piercing types available today.

Lobe

Your standard lobe piercing is so common now babies even have them. This piercing hurts less than all the rest and heals quickly with proper care.     

Upper Lobe

The upper lobe is often what people get for their second piercing. It is now just as common as the love piercing. It hurts a little more but not by much.     

Anti-Helix/ Snug

Snug, or anti-helix piercings, are located just inside of your outer ear. The area here isn’t as hard making it easier and less painful to get pierced.     

Tragus

The tragus is the cartilage that extends over your inner ear from your head. The cartilage there is really thick making it a painful area to get pierced.     

Anti-Tragus

As the name implies, the anti-tragus is opposite the tragus. This area can be small for many people making it hard or even impossible to get pierced. In addition, it is extremely painful, difficult, and uncomfortable to get pierced.     

Surface Tragus

The surface tragus is the area on the outer part of the tragus. The piercing won’t go through to the inner ear but this piercing is the most painful part of the tragus to get pierced.     

Conch

The conch is the larger concave region on the outer part of the ear. The area is very easy to get pierced due to the large and soft cartilage.

Daith

The daith, pronounced “doth”, area is situated just above the inner ear. The cartilage here is hard making it more difficult to get pierced but it looks great.     

Rook

The rook is the area just below the cartilage. Just a warning, this area is considered one of the most painful places to get pierced.

Helix/ Cartilage

The helix area is the outer part of the ear. Most often it is simply referred to as a cartilage piercing. The pain of the piercing depends on where along the helix you get pierced. The area is hard to heal though due to the low blood flow.

Forward Helix

A forward helix piercing gets placed through the upper, outer cartilage- the part at the front near the head.     

Flat

The flat area is the part of your ear between the upper cartilage and the rook, which is flat as the name implied. This area can take over a full year to heal so take care of it.     

Industrial

An industrial piercing is a rod between two holes on the top part of your ear cartilage. It takes a skilled piercer to get the two holes in the right position so find a good one.     

Gauges

Gauges are a type of piercing that makes large holes in the earlobe. The process requires you to start out slow and then work toward stretching out the ear lobe.  

Come visit us at our Toronto tattoo shop to discuss getting one of the following piercings.