Pregnant and want a tattoo? Read this first

There are two common questions revolving around tattoos and pregnancy. One; Should I get a tattoo while pregnant? and two; what will happen to my tattoos when I become pregnant? It’s a bit of a grey area, but we’ll try our best to answer them here.

I'm pregnant - can I get a tattoo?

Well, that’s not really the right question. Of course you CAN get a tattoo, but SHOULD you get a tattoo is more pertinent. While there is no solid scientific evidence to say what happens, the overwhelming consensus is that pregnant women should avoid getting a tattoo. There’s always a worry of Hepatitis or HIV, and while in reality this is practically impossible, the concern never truly goes away.

The main reason not to get a tattoo while pregnant is the chemicals in the ink. We know they may not have an effect on an adult, but we can’t tell for sure what effects they may have on a wee foetus. And when dealing with unborn children, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Any expectant mother will have no problem waiting a few months to a new tattoo.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY TATTOOS DURING PREGNANCY?

Ladies, that tattoo across your abdomen may look cool now, but if you’re planning on having kids, you can expect to it change dramatically in the process. Your skin is going to change so much while pregnant, it will have an irreversible impact on the ink, which not even retouching will correct. Distortion and discolouration are the two big aspects you should know about, although there are precautions you can take. Moisturise regularly to improve the skin’s elasticity, making sure whatever oils or creams you use are safe for the baby.

At the end of the day, every woman is different, and each person’s skin will react differently to pregnancy. Those who are blessed with good skin might not even notice a difference in their tattoos a few weeks after giving birth. Others may have stretch marks that turn that portrait of Jesus into Sloth from the Goonies. Either way, you’re probably going to be too busy changing dirty nappies to worry about it!

Come see us before getting a tattoo

Tattoos are considered part of the sub-culture, but in New Zealand they’ve always been part of the wider community. One in three people under 30 have a tattoo of some description in this country, so you almost certainly know someone with some ink.

But like everything in life, tattoos and piercings come with a risk. Tattoos are a great and popular form of self-expression, but anyone wanting a tattoo should always go to a professional tattoo studio. Here at Sunset Tattoo, we have all our licences in Health & Safety, so you know there’s no chance of us skipping hygiene procedures or putting you at unnecessary risk. Luckily tattoos and piercings are safer than ever, but before visiting us, you should still do your homework. If you’ve any questions about tattooing then we’ll be happy to sit down with you and have a chat.

You’ve been working on a cool design and saving up for your first tattoo, for the love of god don’t go round to your mate's house. Just because he was good at art at school and bought a tattoo gun off Trade Me, doesn’t mean he knows what he’s doing! It’s unsafe and let’s be honest, you’re probably not going to be happy with his “masterpiece”.

Getting a tattoo from un-sterile equipment and inexperienced artists can put you, and the artist, at risk for life-threatening infectious diseases. Hepatitis or skin infections can be caused by certain bacteria, so make sure you come to a studio that’s professional with a good reputation. A studio with experienced and skilled tattoo artists. A studio that has a long list of satisfied customers.

A studio like Sunset.

Tattoo Aftercare with Protat

Getting a tattoo isn’t as simple as walking in and out of the studio. There’s the research before concerning the design of course, but there’s also strict aftercare you need to adhere to. From basic health reasons (don’t pick at it) to aesthetic reasons (moisturise to keep the colours bright), you’ll have instructions to follow once you get a tattoo. Follow them and everything should be fine!

Sunset recommend Protat tattoo after cream

At Sunset, we suggest Protat Aftercare Cream. Protat are the world’s first tattoo aftercare company. By using chemists from their development team and overseas they are constantly researching new ingredients, with natural products receiving special attention. Each Protat product has been precisely formulated with highly experienced members of the tattoo and piercing profession. New developments by Protat can only benefit the industry and enhance respect for body art practitioners everywhere. Protat Premium After Care cream has been designed to be the primary product in the Protat range. It utilises the technology of the Soothing After Care Cream with the added ingredients.

How to use Protat Aftercare cream

Apply Protat Aftercare Cream (Protat Premium Cream for normal skin or Protat Soothing Cream for sensitive skin) Always wash your hands before applying cream or touching the tattoo. Evenly apply cream over the tattooed skin. Use only as much cream as the skin will absorb. Rub cream in gently as this will help stimulate the skin and bring blood flow to the area which helps in the body's natural healing process.

DO NOT leave a thick film on the surface. Most people experience a mild tingling sensation after the first few applications, this is quite normal. After 10 minutes or so, clothing will not stick to the tattoo. Apply cream 2 to 3 times a day or as necessary to keep the tattoo slightly moist.

DO NOT allow the skin to dry out. Wear clean clothes. Avoid close fitting clothes as they may absorb cream and dry the freshly tattooed skin. If you suffer from any allergies, seek advice from your GP and advise your body artist. Discontinue use of any product should irritation occur.

Just remember, stick to these basic rules and you’ll be fine. We sell Protat Cream here in the studio, so make sure you leave with a bottle on your way out! For long term care, always use sun screen (which you should be using anyway), and keep your tattoo moisturised.

Sunset Tattoo are looking for an artist to join their team!

We started strong here at Sunset, and we're getting stronger! And as we grow we're looking for a talented tattoo artist to join our exclusive team. Do you have what it takes to work for Sunset? 

What we're looking for

If you're applying for the position then please read this.

We're considering experienced artists only. Absolutely no apprentices under any circumstances. Any applicants must have a solid portfolio of work and preferably a strong client base. If you're planning on moving to Auckland and don't have any clients, then don't worry, we'll still consider you, as long as you have the ability to build a base.

All styles are welcome! We already cover a wide range of styles here at Sunset, including traditional, Japanese, and Maori, so we are looking for an experienced tattoo artist to compliment and add to the range of styles that the shop provides. 

The team at Sunset Tattoo

Meet the team you'll be working with if you join us.

Tom McMillan 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 lookout for new, original design challenges.

Tristan Marler is of Te Rarawa descent, from the Hokianga in the far north. In 2014 he graduated from the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts institute with a diploma in Whakairo Rakau (traditional wood carving). Tristan is now tattooing full time, and specializes in Ta Moko, Blackwork, pattern work, geometric and dot-work tattoo styles.

Fabian Bidart hails from Chile, and has been tattooing in Auckland City since 2007. He specialises in western traditional tattooing.

If you think you have what it takes, please apply with your portfolio to info@sunsettattoo.co.nz

The New Zealand Tattoo and Art Festival is back!

The New Zealand Tattoo and Art Festival will be held at the TBS Stadium in New Plymouth for the 6th year running, and the guys from Sunset Tattoo will be there. The festival is being held this year on the weekend of the 26th & 27th November, and our three artists, Tom, Tristan and Fabian, will all be taking pre-bookings and walk-ups. But not only will the Sunset boys be heading down, we’re also packing a couple of aces up our sleeve. Regular guest artist Jacob Cross will be joining us, and the outstanding Makoto Horimatsu is flying over from Japan for this special occasion!

In only five short years, the festival has become Australasia’s biggest tattoo show, with over 250 artists and models attending. As usual, the standard of the artists attending is world class. The festival will see such names as Tommy Helm from Empire State Studio and Megan Massacre from Grit N Glory tattoo, both in New York. Also representing the States is Jesse Smith, from Loose Screw Tattoo, and Teresa Sharpe from Studio 13 Tattoo.

This year’s festival will have more entertainment than ever before! With Freestyle Motocross shows featuring Levi Sherwood, BMX from the Freestyle Lifestyle crew, live music from Ash Grunwald & Bleeders, live performances from LuckyHell & Elegy Ellem, ALC Ramp Riot mini ramp skate comp, Tattoo Competitions, retail stalls, food vendors, café & bar plus much more!

If you’re heading to New Plymouth for the festival, pre-book with one of our artists today! Simply email info@sunsettattoo.co.nz