Allergies: It is possible to have an allergic reaction to the pigment used in certain tattoo inks. Not all tattoo artists know exactly what is in the ink and you may not know everything you are allergic to until you experience it. However, if you are worried about this, make sure to ask for ingredients of the ink. If you do experience an allergic reaction (red, bumpy, itchy, etc. during healing), call your tattoo artist and/or a doctor to ask what sort of topical solutions would be appropriate to help with the healing.
Autoclave: A device which sterilizes tools and jewelry through a process of heated and pressurized steam. Usually this means 274 degrees Fahrenheit at 18 PSI. It is very important to ask whether or not the tools being used for your tattoo have been sterilized with an autoclave. This is absolutely essential.
Cover-up: The term used when someone wants to get an old, bad or ruined tattoo covered. This happens a lot with people's names!
Flash: The name for the 'ready-made' designs you find on the walls of tattoo shops. It has this name because the artist can take the design from the wall, make a transfer and put it on you...all in a flash! Other designs may require more work by the artist, both in the initial and the tattooing stages.
New School Tattoos: Tattoos done with the artistic traits of an old school tattoo, but with a different subject matter. For instance, the same heavy shading and bright colors, but a more modern design.
Old School/Traditional Tattoos: Tattoos done in the "old school style" are characterized by bold outlines, heavy black shading and limited but bright colors. Usually this term is used for tattoos that have an older feel--designs with pinup girls, sailors, roses and things like that.
Sterilization: Proper sterilization completely eliminates all forms of microbial life. This is important because without sterilization, you are in danger of catching any sort of infections, viruses, diseases, etc. Always make sure to ask whether the tools have been sterilized and don't be afraid to leave if you feel uncomfortable about it!
Allergies: It is possible to have an allergic reaction to the pigment used in certain tattoo inks. Not all tattoo artists know exactly what is in the ink and you may not know everything you are allergic to until you experience it. However, if you are worried about this, make sure to ask for ingredients of the ink. If you do experience an allergic reaction (red, bumpy, itchy, etc. during healing), call your tattoo artist and/or a doctor to ask what sort of topical solutions would be appropriate to help with the healing.
New School Tattoos: Tattoos done with the artistic traits of an old school tattoo, but with a different subject matter. For instance, the same heavy shading and bright colors, but a more modern design.
