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!

Will Prince William Get Inked In Israel?

The royal family has been talked about a lot in the news lately, but this time the focus isn’t on Prince Harry. Prince William is currently undergoing a historical trip to Israel. While royal family members have visited the country in the past, they’ve never undergone an official trip until now. This trip is important politically, but as a tattoo shop we only have one question- is William going to follow in his ancestor’s footsteps and get a tattoo while he’s there?

History

As we mentioned, Prince William isn’t the first member of the British royal family to go to Israel. At least three of William’s ancestors have gotten inked after traveling to Jerusalem. They received the tattoos after making pilgrimages to the Holy City.

Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, who later went on to become King Edward VII, (he was the oldest son of Queen Victoria if you need a little refresher on the royal family tree), began the tradition in 1862. Later, two of his children, Prince Albert Victor and Prince George (who later became King George V) made the same trip. They also both received tattoos.

Cultural Significance

Most members of the British royal family refrain from getting tattoos. Otherwise, Prince Harry would probably be covered. However, in this instance, the Queen might forgive it. After all, it’s become common for people that go on a Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem to get tattoos marking the journey.

Christian pilgrimage tattoos actually date all the way back to the early 7^th century. Islam was beginning to spread into Egypt, which at the time was mainly a Coptic Christian society. After the Muslims conquered Egypt, they forced many of the Christians to convert to Islam. Some resisted and received crosses across their inner right wrist to mark them as Christians.

Over time, the Coptic Christians adopted this practice. They began the tradition of tattooing themselves with the crosses, and for many centuries Coptic Churches would only grant entry to those that could prove their Christian identity with this ink. These days, a tattoo is seen as a must for many Christian pilgrims that visit the Holy City.

Tattoo Design

So now you’re probably wondering what design the past royals received on their visit? There aren’t any pictures, but reportedly the tattoo depicted the Jerusalem cross and the three crowns of Israel. King Edward VII’s sons got the same the same design, and they also got some sweet dragon tattoos on a visit to Japan.

Tattoo Artist

No one really knows who tattooed the British royalty back in the day, but it’s said to be the Razzouk family. They are Coptic Christians that specialize in tattoos, who came to Jerusalem in 11750 from Egypt. The Razzouk’s still have a tattoo shop today, and have been tattooing pilgrims for the past 700 years!

They use a special technique, utilizing hand-carved stamps that have been passed down through the family for generations. A lot of these stamps have now found their ways into collectors or new tattoos artists, but the family still has a few originals ones. In fact, Wassim Razzouk who is still tattooing today still has what he believes is the original stamp that William’s ancestors were tattooed with.

Conclusion

As cool as it would be to see the British royalty picking up the tradition of getting tattooed again, chances are it won’t happen. Prince William’s trip so far has mainly been about addressing the Israel-Palestine issue. However, there’s still hope! If you want a tattoo worthy of a royalty though, contact us to book an appointment!

Man Denied Entry Into Bar Over Face Tattoos, And Yes It’s Legal

In 2018, tattoos, piercings, and body modifications barely get a second glance. They don’t hold the same taboo that they once did due to their ever-increasing popularity. But even as society has become more accepting, facial tattoos are still viewed negatively. A Winnipeg man found this out the hard way recently after he was denied entry into a bar over his facial tattoos.

Craig Ginter is a local Winnipeg tattoo artist. He and a few friends decided to grab food at a bar after work. However, he was stopped at the door by the bouncer and informed he wasn’t allowed in, even despite the fact that he had visited the bar before.

The reason? The bouncer notified them there was a sign stating they no face tattoos were allowed.

Ginter was understandably frustrated, stating, “If that’s what they think … that if I have face heavily tattooed that it makes me a bad person … well it doesn’t. I am a father. I work every day of the week. I am just trying to provide.”

While it does seem ridiculous that a man can be denied entry over harmless facial tattoos, unfortunately, the law isn’t on his side. The law prohibits discrimination on a variety of grounds, such as race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. It doesn’t, however, exclude discrimination based on appearances, such as having tattoos.

This is why businesses can get away with those “no shirt, no shoes, no service” signs. The issue becomes a little greyer in some cases. If Ginter had a facial tattoo related to religion or nationality, there might be more grounds for a complaint. But a facial tattoo or physical appearance alone is not prohibited ground in the eyes of the law.

As frustrating as this may be for Ginter and others that have been discriminated against due to facial tattoos, it’s perfectly legal. This sort of bias is one big reason why many tattoo shops refuse to do “life ruining” tattoos such as graphic images, crude words, or facial tattoos.

Nobody should be denied entry or service due to facial tattoos, especially innocent ones that aren’t rude or graphic. However, with the law not on their side, it’s something that people with tattoos in these locations should prepare for.

This case is precisely why we always encourage our clients to think carefully before selecting their tattoo design and location. Whether or not it’s right, people can and will discriminate based on how many tattoos, what tattoo designs, and where the tattoos are located. If you want to discuss this more, or want to get some new ink (facial or otherwise) please contact us! We look forward to hearing from you!

We're Living In The Future-You Can Now Put DNA Into Tattoos

The Oringinal Avengers Got Matching Tattoos!

Celebrity friends getting matching tattoos is nothing new. But it's always nice to see a cast that has worked on multiple movies do it. The OG Avengers just went under the needle and got matching tattoos to celebrate the release of Avengers: Infinity War.

Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), Chris Evans (Captain America) and Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye) all got matching Avengers tattoos. The sixth original member, Mark Ruffalo that plays Hulk, was asked but apparently declines. Still, five out of six isn't bad.

The tattoos were done by Joshua Lord of East Side Ink Tattoos. Evans and Johansson were the first to get inked in New York. Lord then flew out to LA to tattoo the rest.

So what exactly did they get tattooed? It's the Avengers symbol with an arrow and the number six. It's a pretty fitting design, and hopefully, Ruffalo changes his mind.

Each of them tattooed artist Joshua Lord too. No new on how that turned out, but who can say no to Captain America and Iron Man tattooing them?

If you want a tattoo worthy of a superhero, feel free to contact us to book an appointment, or stop by our downtown Toronto tattoo shop! New ink might not save the world, but it’ll keep you looking good while you enjoy life.

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.

Q&A: Can You Get A Tattoo If You're Sick?

Getting sick sucks, and it's even worse when you can't stay home with some soup and a box of tissues. But while life must go on, there are still some things you can't do when you're sick. Like, getting a tattoo.
We get asked all the time if people can get tattooed while fighting a cold, a cough, or even the flu. The answer is a solid NO. This is why it's a bad idea.

Immune System
When you're sick your body isn't at 100% and getting a tattoo puts a strain on your body. A new tattoo is no different from any other wound to your body, so it works to heal the area. If your sick, your body is already working to fight that so trying to heal a tattoo at the same time could push it too hard. Basically, your immune system can't fight off a virus/bacteria and heal your tattoo at the same time.

Healing Time
Simply put, if your body is fighting a battle on two fronts it can't be as effective. It also can't do it as fast as normal. This means that your tattoo won't heal as quickly. The longer a wound is open the greater chance of infection there is.

Spreading Germs
No one likes that person that gets everyone sick. Your tattoo artist has to get pretty close to you, so if your sick chances are you'll get them sick too. So do everyone a favor and just reschedule your appointment if you're not feeling well.

Sitting Still
People often forget this, but you have to sit pretty still when getting tattooed otherwise you could cause your artist to make a mistake. You know what causes your body to move a lot? Being sick. Think about how much your body moves when you cough or sneeze.

Aftercare Time
Being sick doesn’t just complicate the actual tattooing process, but it also impacts your ability to care for it afterward. A fresh tattoo needs care, and if you don’t follow proper aftercare you increase your chances of infection or ruining your tattoo. Are you really going to feel like running out to get tattoo cream when you can barely breathe out of your stuffed nose? Are you really going to want to wash your new ink when you have a fever? Make aftercare easier for yourself by just waiting until you're better to get inked.

Medications
So what if you’re feeling better but are still on medications? We recommend you still stay at home and reschedule. Even if you’re feeling better, taking medication means your body still isn’t at it’s best. Your body is still running hard, even if you no longer feel the symptoms of the sickness. Plus, certain medications can aggravate the healing process. If you’re on medications for reasons other than small illnesses, contact your doctor and get their advice regarding tattoos. Be sure to also discuss any medication you’re taking or any long-term medical conditions you have with your tattoo artists.

Conclusion
It sucks having to put off a new tattoo, especially if you've been looking forward to it. But do everyone a favor, including us and you, and just rebook your appointment. It's important that you're at your best so that your tattoo turns out perfect.Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need to reschedule your booking.

The Differences Between Dermal, Surface, and Regular Piercings

There are tons of different piercings, which unfortunately means people sometimes get confused about the differences between them. Piercings can differ based on location, jewelry type, and how it's inserted into the body.
When it comes to piercings there are three ways it can be done: regular, dermal, and surface. Here are the differences between them.

Regular Piercings
Regular piercings are what most people are familiar with. It’s when the skin is piercer all the way through. Think of a basic earlobe piercing. That’s an example of a regular piercing. The needle goes in one side of the skin and comes out on the other side. Regular piercings are the easiest to do, the cheapest, and heal the quickest.

Cost: Regular piercings are the cheapest. Most of the cost goes towards jewelry.
Heal Time: It depends on the location of the body. Lip and earlobe piercings heal faster than areas that have more cartilage like the upper ear and nose.
Jewelry: Studs, rings, and barbells can all be used for regular piercings. Some jewelry works in certain locations on the body better than others.

Dermal Piercings
Dermal piercings are more complicated than regular ones, and they are composed of two parts, the piercing, and the anchor. A small pouch is made under the skin where the anchor is then placed. The chosen jewelry is then pierced through only one side of the skin and attached to the anchor.

Dermal piercings are super versatile and can be put almost anywhere on the body. Some people find their body rejects them and notice their piercing coming to the surface of their skin. That’s rare though so don’t be too worried about it. Dermal piercings do hurt a little more, depending on where they’re placed, and they require more skill than regular piercings. It can also take longer for them to heal.

Cost: Dermal piercings are more expensive as they require more skill, special equipment, and specific jewelry.
Heal Time: This type of piercing usually takes 6-12 weeks to heal fully, though it could be longer depending on the individual.
Jewelry: Specialized jewelry is needed for dermal piercings. Jewelry is typically a stud shape.


Surface Piercings
Surface piercings involve two holes, with the jewelry running under the skin and coming out of the ends. Most surface piercings use bar type jewelry to achieve this look. The issue with surface piercings is that they put strain on your skin. Most people’s bodies end up rejecting the piercing, meaning they don’t last forever.

There are a few limitations to surface piercings. They don’t do well on flat surfaces on the body, which means they can’t be put anywhere. They tend to take awhile to heal too, longer than dermal or regular ones.

Cost: Surface piercings cost more than regular ones, but not as much as dermal. They don’t last forever though so think carefully about if you want one.
Heal Time: Surface piercings usually take at least 3 months of healing before jewelry can even be changed, and need longer to be fully healed.
Jewelry: Barbell jewelry is typically used for surface piercings.

Conclusion
If you still have questions about the differences between piercings, feel free to contact us or stop by our tattoo shop. It’s important that everyone knows exactly what type of piercing they’re getting and everything that comes with getting it. Make sure to pick a professional piercer that has experience in the type of piercing you want to get. More skill and experience is needed to have a good dermal or surface piercing.

5 Spots On The Body Where Tattoos Are More Likely To Fade

Tattoos are permanent, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stay looking good forever. Every tattoo fades, but how much it does depend on how much you protect it, your lifestyle, and where on the body it’s located. Some locations, unfortunately, fade faster than others, so if you want your tattoo to stay looking fresh and avoid going in for retouches, avoid these 5 spots.

Hands

Your hands are used every single day, for almost everything. They take a lot of wear, which unfortunately means your tattoo will too. Not only are your hands exposed to the sun a lot, the skin on there also doesn’t take ink well which leads to blurring and fading. Little finger tats may be trendy, but they won’t stay Instagramable forever.

Feet

Like hands, feet take a lot of wear too. Ink here is more susceptible to fading because of constantly rubbing from socks and shoes. Barefoot would help, but then your feet would be exposed to sunlight which also causes fading so no matter what expect your foot tat to fade more quickly than other places.

Elbows

Not only do elbow tattoos hurt, but they also fade pretty easily. Outer elbow tattoos especially. The skin there is constantly being bent and rubbed up against, plus it’s usually exposed to the elements.

Arms

Arms generally get more sunlight than other parts of the body. Most people expose their arms during the warmer months, but this sun exposure and UV rays lead to fading. Inner arms aren’t any better because they’re constantly being rubbed up against your body or clothing.

Face

Although face tattoos are a little taboo still, the rising popularity of cosmetic tattoos (such as eyebrow microblading) means more people are getting inked there. Just know that your face gets a lot of sun exposure, which causes fading. If you have a face tattoo, permanent or semi-permanent, use a face moisturizer with some SPF in it to limit fading.

Places That Fade The Least

The good news is that not every spot on the body fades as much or as quickly. Of course, it all depends on what areas of the body get exposed to the elements and rubbed up against the most, but these areas generally fade less.

·            Inner Forearm

·            Upper Chest

·            Back of Neck

·            Lower Back

Conclusion

Fading is something that will happen to every tattoo, no matter how well you take care of it. How much it fades though depends on your body, your lifestyle, how much sunlight it gets, and where on the body it is located. You can decrease fading by keeping the tattoo moisturized, protected from the sun (by clothing and sunscreen), and avoid tight clothing that would rub against it.

At the end of the day though, don’t stress too much about fading. Tattoo artists can always go in and add more ink to freshen it up later on. Take care of yourself and enjoy your tattoo! If you want to learn more feel free to contact us or book an appointment.

How To Prepare For A New Piercing

Piercings aren’t as serious or permanent as tattoos, but there is still some preparations that should be taken before you sit down in the chair. No matter what piercing you’re getting, here’s what you need to know to get ready for your new piercing.

Research Ahead of Time

Before going in for a piercing, it’s a good idea to always do some research. Safety and cleanliness are what you should be looking for. Make sure it is a licensed studio and your piercer is a professional. It’s a good idea to make sure they do the piercing you want ahead of time too.

Drink Water and Get Sleep

When you get a piercing, you’re introducing a foreign object to the body and causing trauma to it. The body will work to heal itself, which requires it to work harder than normal. Being hydrated and well rested will help your body do its job.

Sick, Stay At Home

If you’re sick, it’s okay to reschedule your appointment. Being healthy is important to proper healing. Plus, when you come in sick you expose others to the illness, especially your piercer who is likely working close to your face. Be considerate and stay home if you’re sick.

Disclose Medical Conditions

Toronto tattoo shops and piercers don’t need a full medical history, but have certain medical conditions should be disclosed. Some conditions may even need a doctor’s note before you can get piercer. Medical conditions like blood disorders or heart conditions should be disclosed, simply so your piercer can take extra precautions if necessary. Just because you have a medical condition doesn’t mean you can’t get piercer. We just want to ensure everyone’s safety involved.

Bring ID

Tattoo shops in Toronto require valid government ID before doing any piercings or tattoos. Certain piercings have legal age restrictions on them. Anyone under the age of 16 needs parental consent to anything more than a love piercing, and nipple and genital piercings will absolutely only be given to people over 18, regardless of if they have their parent’s consent or not.

Leave Plenty of Time

Arrive a few minutes before your scheduled appointment so that you have time to select your jewelry and ask any questions. After the piercing is done your piercer will chat with you and go over aftercare tips. Being rushed just makes everyone stressed, so have plenty of time.

Prepare Mentally

Piercings are quick and pretty painless (other than some initial discomfort), but if you’re squeamish prepare mentally ahead of time. Bring along a friend or two for emotional support too if you need it.

Hair and Clothing

Hair should be kept out of the way, especially for facial piercings. Long hair can get tangled in them, which can be painful if they’re new. Clothing should be loose and avoid wearing anything that could rub against or get caught in your new piercing.

Come Sober

We legally cannot piercer anyone that is intoxicated, and even if we could we wouldn’t. Alcohol thins the blood, which can lead to more bleeding during a piercing. There’s also the chance that you’ll be a drunken fool and accidentally harm your new piercing. So arrive sober, or leave without a new piercing.

Please Come Clean

We shouldn’t have to say this, but please come clean. Wash, shower, and groom ahead of time, please. We also recommend doing any shaving because it may not be possible while the piercing heals.

Aftercare

Aftercare is the most important step for a new piercing. Your piercer will go through it all with you but it’s up to you to follow it. Keep the area clean, and avoid touching it. If you think it’s infected, come back to the original piercer to get their advice.

Tattoo Questions: Can I Get My Own Art Tattooed?

We get asked this question a lot in our Toronto tattoo shop. Here is everything you need to know about potentially getting your own artwork tattooed on yourself.

Not All Art Works As Tattoos
Tattoos are a whole other art form in itself. That means that not every drawing will translate well into a tattoo. Don’t be afraid to show your design to the artist, but just know that they’ll likely have to make a few changes to make it looks its best.

It Will Have To Be Redrawn
Even if your artwork can perfectly be turned into a tattoo, that tattoo artist will still have to redraw it. They may have to alter the proportions of the body, or simply redraw it onto the stencil that will be their guide.

Art Style Will Impact Your Artist
Like art, tattoos have different styles. What type of art do you create? This will impact what tattoo artist can best translate it into a tattoo. Finding one with a similar aesthetic will be key to getting the best results.

You’ll Have To Pay The Same Amount
This may seem unfair, but the design is only a portion of what you’re paying the tattoo artist for. The price also covers the equipment, the ink, the artist’s skill, and their time. You may have saved them a few minutes by creating the initial design, but all of the other work is left to them.

Don’t Be Offended If We Say No
If we say no to your tattoo design it isn’t a personal insult. Some tattoos just won’t work. Tattoo artists work for years to reach a level of skill and expertise so if they say it won’t work, they’re not lying to you and it’s not because they don’t like the artwork.

If It Has Meaning, Let Us Know
We understand that tattoos are personal and not everyone feels comfortable opening up. Tattoo artists are like therapist though in that many people do open up to them. Let us know if a piece of artwork has some meaning so that if we have to make any changes we can make sure to still capture what’s so special about it. We don’t want to press you for the whole story, but a little insight will ensure your tattoo artist delivers something that you’ll love.

Some Artists Won’t Under Any Circumstances
You know what they say about artists. Some tattoo artists have worked in the industry so long that they only do their own original work. It’s not personal; they just have reached a place in their career where they can be a bit picky about what they do. Most artists are open to tattoos clients work though; just ask ahead when booking to be sure.

Conclusion
The answer to the question isn’t straightforward. You can get your own artwork tattooed but it may be to be changed and altered for the best outcome. Book a consultation with a tattoo artist in our downtown Toronto tattoo shop today to get started!

Walk-In Etiquette For Toronto Tattoo Shops

Tattoo shops love walk-ins. There’s nothing quite like it to perk up a slow day in the shop. However, it can be frustrating for tattoo artists when new clients don’t understand how walk-ins work or have if they have unrealistic expectations for them. Here is everything you need to know about walk-in etiquette for tattoo shops in Toronto.

Know What You Want

If you book an appointment ahead of time, there is typically a consultation where you and the tattoo artist will discuss what you want and collaborate to come up with a design. With walk-ins, you’re expected to already know what you want. There may be a chance to discuss a few minor things with the artist, but there isn’t time for a full consultation. If you don’t have a design decided on and printed out, or if you have tons of questions or don’t know what you want, then a walk-in tattoo appointment might not be for you.

Call Ahead

It’s always a good idea to call head on the day you’re thinking of coming in. That way you can avoid arriving at the busiest time or on days where everything is booked up. We don’t like making clients wait hours, but unfortunately, that might happen if you just arrive.

Flash Is Your Friend

All tattoo artists have a book of pre-designed tattoos called flash tattoos. For walk-ins, these are great because they’re already designed and ready to go. Some artists are open to small changes but don’t expect to alter anything major.

Expect To Wait

If you’re walking in for a tattoo there will be a waiting period. Even if on the off chance the shop is dead empty, the tattoo artist will still need time to draft up the template. Toronto tattoo shops will also give priority to booked appointments. Expect to wait at least a half an hour, if not more. If you want to avoid longer wait times then call ahead.

Don’t Bring The Whole Gang

We get it, getting a tattoo is fun and exciting and you want to share that with your friends. But please limit how many people you bring. Tattoo shops in Toronto are typically small, so a large crowd can be in the way. A friend or two brought along for moral support is fine, but an entire entourage is not.

Don’t Haggle The Price

People like to think of tattoo shops like farmers markets where they can bargain the price. Prices are set because tattoo artists know exactly how much time it will take, what the materials will cost, and what their art is worth. Negotiations on price aren’t an option for walk-ins or booked appointments.

Show Up Sober

Who hasn’t thought about a tattoo while having a fun night out on the town? Just know that Toronto tattoo shops don’t tattoo people that aren’t fully sober. Alcohol makes blood thinner, which causes more bleeding during the process. Plus, no studio wants to be responsible for a horrible drunken tattoo.

Other Tips

·            Don’t bring pets

·            Don’t bring kids

·            Make sure you have payment available (Call ahead to know what payment types they accept)

·            Dress appropriately

·            Trust your tattoo artist

Conclusion

Don’t be discouraged from walking in to a tattoo shop in Toronto, just know what to expect. Contact us or stop by our downtown Toronto tattoo shop to learn more or get a new sweet tattoo today.

Nape Piercings 101

Just like tattoos, piercings have fads and trends too. The latest one has been big in Asia and Europe for a few years, but now it’s made its way here. Nape piercings are the hottest piercing trend right now and it’s expected to get even bigger this summer.

Location

As the name implies, the nape piercing is located on the back of the neck, of the nape. The area is pretty large, so people can decide exactly where on the nape they want the piercing to be. Some people get one other go for two or more. Whether you want a single one centered, them stacked or side-by-side, it’s completely up to you.

Design

There’s not one design for nape piercings. The most popular styles are to have a single piercing centered in the neck, or double piercings side by side.

Pain

Pain is always a valid concern for people. Dermal piercings do hurt more than regular ones, but not by much. People who have gotten nape piercings before say the pain is pretty mild.

Piercer and Aftercare

You should always go to a trained professional piercer that knows how to do dermal piercings. There is a higher chance of infection with dermal piercings and the neck has its own risks being so close to the spine and head. Concerns of paralysis aren’t necessary unless you’re going to someone untrained.

Make sure you follow all aftercare advice. Snagging is a big issue with the nape location so be mindful of hair and clothing. Healing could take between two to six months, so keep it clean until it’s healed.

Contact us with any question or concerns or stop by our downtown Toronto shop to get a nape piercing today.

What Medical Details Do I Need to Disclose to Tattoo Artists?

Your tattoo artist doesn’t need your entire medical history, but it is important to let them know if you have certain medical conditionals or are taking certain medications. Tattoos aren’t dangerous usually, but there are cases where medical conditions have made tattoos deadly. Be smart and tell your tattoo artist if any of the following medical details pertain to you.

Medical Conditions to Disclose

Certain medical conditions make getting a tattoo incredibly dangerous. In many cases, having one of these conditions doesn’t mean you can’t get a tattoo. It just means that you and your tattoo artist may need to take extra precautions to keep everyone safe and healthy.

If you have any of the following medical conditions you should disclose them to your tattoo artist:

·            Heart Conditions

·            Diabetes

·            Hemophilia

·            HIV

·            Hepatitis

·            Severe Allergies

·            Epilepsy

·            Pregnant or Nursing

·            6 Months (or Less) Postpartum or Post-Weaning

Medications to Disclose

Some medications can make getting tattoos dangerous too as they cause strange reactions. If you’re taking any of the following medications be sure to talk to your doctor first and then tell your tattoo artist.

·            Acne Medications: Acne isn’t a major medical condition, but if you’re taking certain medications like Accutane, Minomycin, or any other prescription drug for acne, you probably don’t want to get tattooed. These medications make the skin incredibly sensitive. Getting a tattoo on these medications can lead to pain and scarring.

·            Antibiotics: Discuss all antibiotics you’re taking with your tattoo artist. Some are perfectly safe to get tattoos on, but others make skin hypersensitive or can cause unusual skin reactions when tattooed.

·            Blood Thinners: If you’re taking any medication to thin your blood, your tattoo artist should definitely be informed and you should consult with a doctor. Depending on the medication, it may not be smart to get a tattoo, or it may require shorter sessions.

·            Anti-Rejection Drugs: If you have had an organ transplant or are on anti-rejection meds, getting a tattoo may not be wise. Ask your doctor first to determine if it’s safe. Some medications may interfere with the healing process.

Concealing vs. Revealing

Going ahead with getting a tattoo even knowing it isn’t safe isn’t a smart move. It puts your life at risk and is potentially dangerous to others. Make sure to disclose any of the medical details discussed above. Also, make sure you follow all the aftercare advice. If you have any questions or want to book an appointment please to contact us or visit us at our Toronto tattoo shop.