Secrets can be delicious. Glimpses of them can be alluring. Revelations can completely change perceptions. All to explain why tattoos are so addictive.

Chennai’s tattoo culture is gradually coming of age.It’s also finally now moving into the age of secret, personal, grown-up tattoos. While the old favourites — angels on shoulders, tribal art on the lower back and Yin-Yang across biceps — are still popular, people also design their own art now. Tattoo artists are constantly asked to come up with unusual concepts. Most people rarely stop at one tattoo – the city average is, in fact, is about five per person.

Before Going for a Tattoo

Ask yourself the following questions

Do you really want a tattoo?

Don’t get tattooed impulsively. Tattoos are permanent, and though you can get them removed, the process is expensive and painful.

Do you feel a connection with the design?
Spend some time thinking about what design you would like. It’s going to be with you for a long time, so make sure you feel a connection with it.

Where do you want to place your tattoo?
Think about your lifestyle and what a tattoo will represent in your social circles and in your line of work. Decide how visible your tattoo will be accordingly.

Also remember that it takes about 2 weeks for the tattoo to heal. You will need to protect it from direct sunlight and chafing during that period.

How big a tattoo do you want?
The larger the tattoo, the more time you will have to invest in getting it done. A really large tattoo is a grand spectacle, but can take many sittings to complete.

Getting a Tattoo
Step 1: Make an appointment  or drop by the studio

Step 2: For tattoos- choose a design or bring one of your own.
Studios have millions of designs for you to choose from or you can bring in one of your own. If you do bring one of your own or if you want to modify one of  the designs, the actual tattooing will be done on another day.

Step 3: Get tattooed or pierced

Tattoos

The design is transferred onto a stencil which is then positioned on your body. You can decide exactly how you want it placed.
Once you are satisfied with the positioning, the tattooing begins.

Time: 20 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo

Cost: Starts from Rs. 2000/-

For best results you need to carefully follow the aftercare instructions provided.

Taking care of your body art…

TATTOOS

A tattoo is basically a wound, and like any wound it needs time to heal. To ensure that it doesn’t get infected and to keep it looking sharp and vibrant please do the following…

When you leave the studio

For the first 3 days

Wait 2 or 3 hours before removing the bandage
Wash the tattoo carefully with drinking water and a mild soap (do not use Savlon or Dettol)
Pat dry
Apply a thin layer of Soframycin cream or Silverex. Use only a small amount.
Use the Soframycin or Silverex at least 3 times a day.
Clean the tattoo before every application

After the third day

Start applying baby oil or coconut oil. Never let the tattoo dry.
Keep this up for the next couple of weeks.
Till the tattoo has healed…

DO NOT!

Use body creams or perfumed lotions
Swim, work out at the gym, or use a sauna
Expose the tattoo to the sun (definitely no tanning). Sunburn on a fresh tattoo can cause severe irritation and allergy.
Pick, scratch or ‘help’ the scab to come off
Showers are fine; just remember to use a mild soap.

BODY PIERCINGS

Avoid unecessarily pulling, twisting or fiddling the studs, rings etc.

Information Courtesy : Irezumi

Contact :

Irezumi
Chennai’s professional tatoo and body piercing studio
18, College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai
Ph: +91-44-4231 7318 (Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 10 pm)

website : http://www.tattooschennai.com