7 Tattoo Myths We Hear All the Time (And the Truth Behind Them)
There's a lot of misinformation floating around about tattoos. Some of it is outdated, some of it is just plain wrong, and some of it stops people from getting a tattoo they'd absolutely love. Let's set the record straight.
Myth 1: Tattoos are unbearably painful
Pain is subjective, and placement makes a huge difference. The ribs? Yes, that one stings a bit. The outer arm or thigh? Most people are surprised by how manageable it is. The vast majority of our clients tell us it was nowhere near as bad as they expected. A good artist and a relaxed environment make a world of difference too.
Myth 2: Tattoos always fade badly
A well done tattoo, properly cared for, will look great for many years. The main culprit for fading is sun exposure, which is why we always recommend high SPF sunscreen on tattooed areas. Quality ink and a skilled artist also play a massive role in longevity.
Myth 3: Colour tattoos fade faster than black and grey
There's some truth here but it's heavily overstated. Modern colour inks have come a long way, and with good aftercare and sun protection, colour tattoos hold up brilliantly. Placement matters more than colour when it comes to fading.
Myth 4: You can't get a tattoo if you have dark skin
Absolutely not true. Skilled artists know how to work with all skin tones. Some styles and colours work better than others depending on your skin, and a good artist will advise you honestly, but there is no skin tone that rules out getting a great tattoo.
Myth 5: Cheap tattoos are a bargain
We hate to be blunt but a cheap tattoo is rarely a good tattoo. Tattooing is a skilled craft and you get what you pay for. A tattoo is permanent. It is always worth investing in quality.
Myth 6: You have to know exactly what you want before booking
Not at all. Many of our best pieces start with nothing more than a rough idea or a feeling. That's what our artists are here for. Come in with a direction and let us help you shape it into something brilliant.
Myth 7: Touch ups mean something went wrong
Nope. Touch ups are a completely normal part of the process. Skin heals differently for everyone and occasionally a small area needs a little extra attention. It doesn't reflect badly on the artist or the client. At Okey Dokey, your first touch up is always free.
Got a question we haven't answered here? Get in touch and we'll give you a straight answer.