Myths about tattoos - Part 2

Here’s the second part of our “Myths” feature, see how many you thought were true beforehand.

You should take a painkiller before getting a tattoo

This sounds like a good idea, but it’s not. A lot of painkillers have anticoagulant properties, which will thin your blood and make it difficult to clot. This in turn means you’ll bleed more, and that brings its own problems, such as a higher risk of infection. Popping a couple of aspirin before going to get your tattoo may seem like the sensible thing to do, but please don’t. MYTH BUSTED

You can’t donate blood after getting a tattoo

You can absolutely donate blood after getting a tattoo, but there is of course a waiting period. It differs from country to country, but here in New Zealand, you can give blood six months after getting a tattoo. We recommend donating- you can save someone’s life, and maybe someday someone will save yours. MYTH BUSTED

Only gang members have tattoos

Oh please, do we even have to debunk this one? Especially here in New Zealand? We have perhaps the most tattoos per capita in the world, and obviously not everyone is a gang member! And yes, it’s true gang members are notorious for their tattoos, but that doesn’t mean everyone with a tattoo is in a gang. That’s like saying both Hitler and Stalin had moustaches, so everyone with a moustache is an evil dictator! MYTH BUSTED

Black ink tattoos will turn blue over time

While this may have been true 50 years ago, the advancements in tattooing ink have made sure it doesn’t happen today. That old, faded blue tattoo your uncle has isn’t a true representation of tattoos in the modern world. MYTH BUSTED

If you’re interested in tattoos or have any questions, please feel free to give Sunset a call. Our friendly staff will only too happy to help.

Myths about tattoos - Part 1

For those not part of the “sub-culture”, tattoos can seem like something dangerous, rebellious or even crazy. But sit and talk for two minutes with anyone who’s inked up, and you’ll soon realise they are just normal everyday people. There are a lot of myths about tattoos, and some of these myths go back a long time, but others appear along with new technology or cultural watersheds. In this article, we bust a few of the most common tattoo myths.

Myth: Getting a tattoo can be a health risk

Ok, let’s be clear here; anything can be dangerous if not done correctly. Tattoos are no exception, but as for the myth that you’re risking catching Hepatitis or HIV, well the statistics don’t agree. Licensed tattoo studios must undergo strict health and safety checks by the council, and for this reason, there has NEVER been a single documented case of HIV transmission from a tattoo in New Zealand. MYTH BUSTED.

Myth: Anyone who can draw can tattoo

There was always that one kid in class who was amazing at drawing, but pretty dumb at everything else. He could draw Eddie from Iron Maiden and it looked AWESOME, so one day his friend decides he wants a tattoo. “I’ll do it for free!” Bad idea. Just because someone can draw, doesn’t mean they can tattoo. Without the proper training, equipment, health & safety knowledge or technical ability, all you’re going to end up with is a mess that will have to be covered up by a professional anyway. MYTH BUSTED

Myth: Tattoos only hurt if you’re a pussy

Ask any “tough guy” if his tattoos hurt, and you’ll get a “Hell no!” in response. Maybe even a “I fell asleep during mine!” Here’s the thing- pain is subjective. What hurts one person may not hurt another. People have different sensitivity, especially when it comes to skin. And of course, WHERE you get a tattoo is also a huge factor in how painful it will be. It’s true some people feel nothing, but it’s also true others scream the studio down. You just don’t know which one you’ll be until you go! MYTH BUSTED

Why do tattoos fade over time?

As anyone who's had a tattoo for at least a decade will tell you, they tend to fade over time. But why? Surely once you're tattooed then that should be it? And if it fades, then why doesn't it disappear completely? Well, get ready for a science lesson...

Basically, your skin is made up of two separate layers, an outer and inner layer. The outer layer is called the epidermis, and this layer heals itself easily. New skin cells grow underneath and over 3-4 weeks will gradually move up to the surface, replacing old skin. This is why you can get a scratch, but it's gone a couple of weeks later. 

The bottom layer, the dermis, is different. It's usually protected by the epidermis, so doesn't need to replenish itself every month. It is in this layer where a tattoo is injected, and because the dermis doesn't regenerate like the outer layer, the ink stays where it is. 

Ok, but this doesn't explain why tattoos fade over time. Well, it comes down to the actual microscopic ink particles in your blood. They come in all different sizes, and some are bigger than others. Don't forget, this ink is a foreign body, and your white blood cells see it as a threat. They'll attack the ink particles and those small enough will be "eaten" by your white blood cells and removed from the body via the liver. You'll literally piss out your tattoo. As for the bigger particles, the white blood cells can't destroy those, so they stay in your body.

This is why tattoos fade over time. Some of the ink is taken by your body's natural immune system, and the rest is left, meaning it fades over time as the ink is broken down.

If you have an old tattoo that needs topped up, give us a call!

Meet our team of tattoo artists.

Here at Sunset Studio, we have put together a dedicated and exceptionally talented team of tattoo artists. From home-grown talent to artists from the other side of the world, everyone here has their own style and speciality, making it easy for you to find the exact tattoo you’re looking for.

Tattoo artists at Sunset

Tom McMillan

Tom McMillan opened Sunset Tattoo in 2014 after working around the world as well as in some of New Zealand's best tattoo studios. He has been tattooing for over 10 years and focuses on specializing in his own unique take on western traditional and Japanese tattoo styles. Tom switches easily between large-scale full body tattoos to palm size one-shot tattoos, and is always on the look out for new, original design challenges.

Tristan Marler

Tristan Marler is of Te Rarawa descent, from the Hokianga in the far north. He is trained in Whakairo Rakau (traditional wood carving). He has been blending his knowledge of carving and Maori art over to the art of Tattooing. Tristan is now tattooing full time, and specializes in Ta Moko, Blackwork, pattern work, geometric and dot-work tattoo styles.

Fabian Bidart

Growing up in Santiago, Chile, Fabian was initially drawn to tattoo artistry through the local music scene, and soon started working from a friend’s shop when he was still just a teenager. From working with and learning from other tattoo artists in Spain, Fabian finally settled in New Zealand in 2007 where he continues to refine his art. He specialises in western traditional tattooing.

Jacob Cross

Jacob Cross does a regular guest spot at Sunset Tattoo. He is always available for consultations. He is fast becoming one of New Zealand's best known Traditional tattoo artists. His no-nonsense, bold, bright, traditional style has it's roots firmly in American and European tattoo history.

Looking for a tattoo studio in Auckland?

Have you been thinking about getting a tattoo recently? Then you’ve landed on the right website.

Sunset Studio is a professional tattoo studio in Auckland. We specialise in custom design skin art. We can design something unique that reflects your personal taste and will keep you happy for the rest of your life. But first of all … let’s make sure you want a tattoo!

Why get a tattoo?

A tattoo is a big deal, so maybe we should start with the reason why you should not get one. Don’t get a tattoo because you want to be cool or because you think it’s in fashion. Don’t get one because all your friends have one. Don’t get one because you want to express your undying affection for someone. You never know how long it will last (and laser removal is expensive and painful!)

Now, let’s consider why you should get a tattoo at Sunset Studios. If you want something that is unique and arty, if you want to express your individuality, and if you are over 18 and mature enough to handle the pain (that’s right, tattoos hurt), then you should call our tattoo studio in Auckland studio right now. Because we love tattoos!

We take our profession very seriously, least of all our Health & Safety responsibilities. Getting inked in our tattoo studio in Auckland is a safe experience. We practice the highest level of hygiene and meticulously adhere to the Auckland council Health & Safety guidelines.

Why not check out our artist’s pages and have a look at their recent works? Or call our tattoo studio in Auckland today to book an appointment.