Q : Single-use needles ?

A : We never reuse tattoo needles. Never.

Q : What do you use to sterilize your equipment?

A :We use autoclaves to sterilize our equipment.

An autoclave is essentially a pressure cooker primarily used in the medical field for sterilizing medical instruments. An autoclave must maintain a temperature of at least 246 degrees for 30 minutes in order to fully sterilize the equipment.Autoclaves need to be regularly tested to ensure that they are working properly. Ask to see the results of their latest spore test.

Q : Do you wear gloves?

A : All of our artist wear medical grade . latex gloves.

An absolute necessity! Standard medical latex gloves should always be used. Granted, this is more for the safety of the tattoo artist, but no one wants an infected tattoo artist working on them. If the tattooist doesn't care about their own safety, why would they care about yours?

Q : What do you put your ointments,inks,water,and other things you use that you can not sterilize in?

A : Ointment, ink, water and other items are never returned to a universal container after it has been removed for use on a client.

The artist should be using these tiny little cups called "ink caps" to put just enough ink in for your tattoo, and whatever is left should be thrown away. The same goes for the water and ointments. Anything the tattoo artist uses on you should be thrown away afterward. Unused inks should NOT be returned to the original container! It is contaminated with blood, and should be tossed out.

All of our artist are screened and certified by the Orange County Health department as well as the city of Westminster.There are strict health and safety screening procedures required by local and county agencies. All of our Artist pass them with flying colors.

Q : And a sharps container is?

A : Sharps container is a plastic container, usually red, with a biohazard symbol on the outside. Just like the one in the doctor's office labeled "hazardous waste". Used needles, and anything else contaminated and not scheduled for autoclave sterilization should be placed in these containers and removed in a timely manner. We destroy and dispose of needles in a Sharpe container.

Q. Can I donate blood if a have a tattoo?

A. Donating blood plasma has always been a noble pursuit to help those in need. Since last September, there has been an upsurge in blood donations, as the need has become more emphasized and more empathized. But if you've had a tattoo or piercing within the last year, you will more than likely be turned away from any blood bank.

When you go to a blood bank to give plasma, they ask you a series of questions to determine if you are eligible to donate. Obviously, they don't want to risk accepting contaminated blood, so they will ask about your sexual history, current health status and other related questions, including whether or not you have gotten a tattoo or piercing within the last 12 months.

All blood that is donated is screened for disease such as HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis and other common blood-born ailments.


Q. How do i overcome my fear of needles?

A. As one with a long history of needle-phobia, I totally understand where you are coming from. But I have 4 tattoos right now, and that proves this fear CAN be overcome. It's all in the mind, and how badly you really want the tattoo.
I wouldn't really describe the pain as feeling like a needle..it doesn't go very far into the skin at all. It feels more like a hot vibrating sensation than anything else. And yes...if you have a fear of needles, watching can make it worse. But I will tell you that your lower back is a lot more sensitive than some other areas. Some of your less-painful areas are the back of your shoulder, your thigh, your hip, buttocks, and sometimes your upper arm.

Q. Does me getting a tattoo restrict me physical activity?

A. Physical activity (non-contact sports) is usually OK to continue when you get a new tattoo as long as you take extra good care of it. If you get sweaty, take a shower and clean it as soon as you can. If you're a body builder, just avoid lifting weights with that particular muscle for a few days so you don't stretch it too much. Keep it covered if it has to come in contact with any tight clothing that may rub during movement, but remove any covering as soon as your workout is completed.
Contact sports like football and wrestling, however, are much more potentially damaging for a new tattoo. In this case, a tattoo would really not be a wise choice unless it was possible to avoid the sport for at least a couple of weeks.

Q. Is it disloyal to change tattoo artist in the same shop or a differnt shop.

A. Are you the type that feels guilty for trying out a new hairdresser or even going to a new grocery store? I happen to have a lot of difficulty myself, switching from someone that I have been "loyal" to for some time, even if I'm not entirely happy with the results I'm getting. It took me weeks to get over my last hairdresser switch, which really did turn out for the best.
Changing tattoo artists can be just as difficult, if not more so. Changing to a different artist that just happens to work in the same studio as your other artist can be really touchy. So, what should you do if you find yourself in this situation?

If you're not happy with the results you are getting, then by all means you should find an artist that you can feel comfortable with. We're talking about ink you will no doubt be wearing for the rest of your life, and you should never settle for less out of some misguided sense of loyalty.

Q. Why is my tattoo peeling or flaking off is this normal?

A. Peeling and flaking of a new tattoo is perfectly normal. Before it actually begins to peel, the tattoo will look like it's covered with a whitish, cracking film. Then you'll see white or translucent flakes of old, dead skin start to peel off and some of the flakes may even contain some ink. Sometimes you can actually see a duplicate image of part of your tattoo peeling off - it's rather disconcerting, but it is also perfectly normal and there is no need to panic. It's a lot like a snake shedding its skin. Just add a little lotion (a LITTLE) to the tattoo to help keep it moist and encourage those flakes to come off. Do NOT scratch, pick or peel them. It will all be done in a few days and the color of your tattoo will start to return to normal.

Q. Can a mole be tattooed over?

A. Although moles are usually benign and we go through life ignoring them, there is always the possibility that a mole could serve as an indicator of cancer. This makes the preservation of a mole important. One of the ways a mole can indicate a problem is by changing color. If it has been tattooed over with pigment, it may hinder your ability to spot any color differences. For your safety, it is best that a mole not be tattooed over.
However, a mole can be tattooed around. Sometimes moles are even incorporated purposely into the design to serve an artistic purpose. Be sure to keep an eye on your mole for any changes in size or color, and see a doctor immediately if it does.

Q. Can I still get a tattoo if im sick?

A. Getting a tattoo when your immune system isn't at 100% isn't a good idea. You're going to need your strength and your white blood cells to heal your tattoo, something your body won't be able to do if it's already doing battle against virus and bacteria. Not to mention the fact that it's very inconsiderate to bring your illness into the tattoo studio and risk passing the germs onto others, particularly your artist. If you have an appointment, call and reschedule for when you're feeling well again.

Q.What's the best time of the year to get a tattoo?

A. Although you can get a tattoo any time of the year, your skin gets a lot more abuse during the summer with swimming, tanning and just being exposed to the elements more. Fall and winter are really the best seasons to get a tattoo.

Q. How old do I have to be?

A. You must be at least 18 years of age. Be ready to show proof because we WILL ask for it. We DO NOT tattoo minors, even with parents or legal guardian present. No exception.

Example of acceptable proof of age, valid drivers license.. As long as it has a picture, shows your date of birth and is legal we will accept it.

Many Of These FAQ's are compliments of www.about.com