FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

1. Does Getting a Tattoo Hurt?

One of the most common questions we hear at Tradition Tattoo is, “How much is this going to hurt?” The honest answer is that every tattoo involves some degree of discomfort, but everyone’s experience is different.

Most clients describe the sensation as a constant scratching, vibration or mild burning feeling rather than a sharp or unbearable pain. Areas with more muscle and soft tissue, such as the upper arm, thigh and calf, are generally less sensitive than areas where the bone sits close to the skin, such as the ribs, hands, feet, sternum and spine.

Your mindset, stress levels, sleep, hydration and whether you’ve eaten beforehand can also affect how comfortable you feel during your appointment.

Our artists work at a pace that’s comfortable for you, and if you need a break, just let us know. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, we’ll do everything we can to make the experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.

Many first-time clients leave saying, “That wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be.”

Helpful Tips

• Get a good night’s sleep before your appointment.

• Eat a proper meal before arriving.

• Stay well hydrated.

• Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs before your appointment.

• Let your artist know if you’re feeling anxious or need a break.

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Still have questions? If you’re nervous about getting your first tattoo, we’d be happy to talk you through the process and help you feel comfortable before your appointment.

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2. How Much Does a Tattoo Cost?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all price for tattoos because every design is different. A small, simple tattoo may only take a short time to complete, while a detailed sleeve or back piece can require multiple full-day sessions over several months.

When we provide a quote, we consider several factors, including:

• The overall size of the tattoo

• The level of detail involved

• Black and grey or full colour

• Placement on the body

• Whether it’s a custom design or a cover-up

• The estimated tattooing time

Our goal isn’t simply to complete your tattoo as quickly as possible—it’s to create a piece of artwork you’ll be proud to wear for life.

We encourage clients to think of a tattoo as an investment rather than just another purchase. Choosing an experienced artist who takes pride in their work often saves disappointment and costly cover-ups in the future.

If you’re working within a budget, let us know. We can often adjust the size or level of detail while still creating an amazing tattoo.

Helpful Tips

• Bring reference images to help us provide an accurate quote.

• Be open about your budget.

• Larger tattoos are often completed over multiple sessions.

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Ready for a quote? Contact Tradition Tattoo or visit the studio with your ideas and we’ll happily discuss the best options for your design.

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3. How Should I Prepare for My Tattoo Appointment?

Preparing properly can make a huge difference to your tattoo experience. A well-rested and well-fed body is generally more comfortable during the tattooing process and often heals more effectively afterwards.

Before your appointment, we recommend getting plenty of sleep the night before and eating a substantial meal within a couple of hours of arriving. Low blood sugar can make you feel lightheaded or nauseous during longer sessions.

Drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment also helps keep your skin hydrated, which can make the tattooing process easier.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being tattooed, and avoid tight-fitting garments that may rub against your fresh tattoo afterwards.

If you’re booked in for a longer session, feel free to bring snacks, water, headphones or something to keep yourself entertained during breaks.

Avoid arriving under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs, as this may increase bleeding and affect the quality of the tattoo. If you’re feeling unwell, it’s always better to contact us and reschedule your appointment.

Helpful Tips

• Eat before you arrive.

• Stay hydrated.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

• Bring snacks for long sessions.

• Don’t arrive hungover or intoxicated.

Need advice before your appointment? We’re always happy to answer questions and help you prepare so you can enjoy the experience.

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4. What Should I Eat Before Getting a Tattoo?

Many people underestimate how physically demanding sitting for a tattoo can be, especially during longer sessions. Tattooing places your body under stress, so arriving with stable blood sugar levels can make a noticeable difference.

A meal that includes slow-releasing carbohydrates and protein will help keep your energy levels consistent throughout the appointment. Good options include chicken and rice, eggs on toast, pasta, oats, or a healthy sandwich.

Avoid arriving on an empty stomach. Low blood sugar can increase the chance of feeling dizzy, shaky or faint while being tattooed.

If you’re booked in for several hours, consider bringing snacks such as fruit, muesli bars, nuts or sports drinks to enjoy during breaks.

Staying hydrated is just as important. Drinking water before and during your appointment helps keep your body functioning well and supports the healing process once your tattoo is complete.

Helpful Tips

• Eat within two hours of your appointment.

• Choose meals with protein and complex carbohydrates.

• Bring snacks if you’ll be tattooed for several hours.

• Drink plenty of water.

Planning a full-day tattoo session? Let us know if you have any dietary requirements or concerns—we’re happy to offer advice before your appointment.

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5. Can I Use Numbing Cream Before Getting a Tattoo?

Numbing creams have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly for larger tattoos or more sensitive areas of the body. While they can reduce discomfort for some clients, they aren’t suitable for every situation.

Different brands contain different active ingredients and strengths, and some products can temporarily change the texture or elasticity of the skin. This may affect how the tattoo goes into the skin or how the skin reacts during the appointment.

For this reason, we always recommend discussing numbing cream with your artist before your appointment. We can let you know whether it’s appropriate for your tattoo and, if necessary, recommend products we’ve had positive experiences with.

If you decide to use numbing cream without speaking to us first, there’s a chance we may need to remove it or delay the appointment if it has significantly affected the skin.

For many clients, proper preparation—such as getting enough sleep, eating well and staying hydrated—makes the tattoo experience much easier than expected, even without numbing cream.

Helpful Tips

• Always check with your tattoo artist before using numbing cream.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

• Never apply more than the recommended amount.

• Let your artist know if you’ve used any product before arriving.

Thinking about using numbing cream? Contact Tradition Tattoo before your appointment and we’ll help you decide whether it’s the right option for your tattoo.

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