Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Tattoo.

How do I book an appointment?   

Here on the home page of the website click on the button 'Book your appointment"  Or come to
Dermadonna Custom Tattoos shop in Amsterdam.
Kloveniersburgwal 34
1012CW Amsterdam, NL.

Can I call the shop for appointment?

No.
You can ofcourse call the shop to check if i have place available for walk in on that day. But since I work with a deposit system It is not possible to book appointments over phone.

Are Tattoos safe?

As long as you go to a professional artist that is following all recommended safety precautions, Here you can find information and registered tattoo shops in The Netherlands:

https://www.veiligtatoeerenenpiercen.nl/

Getting a tattoo is perfectly safe. Make sure you're fully honest about any medical conditions.

Does it hurt?

The simple answer is, yes it does. But pain is relative and therefor depending from person to person. Also depending on placement of the tattoo, some areas on the body are more sensitive than others.
Also the bigger the size and duration of the tattoo the more energy it takes from the body.

After a short period of time your body’s natural pain-killers (endorphins), kick in and make things much more manageable. How long these endorphins last usually defines your natural ‘limit’ as to how long a tattoo session you can handle (usually between 2-4 hours), after this time you will tend to become very uncomfortable.

​

How long does it take?
 

Tattooing is not a quick process, neighter should it be rushed as you will be living with the results permanently. An averagely complex piece of work about the size of the back of your hand, usually takes about 2 hours to complete. Larger or more complex pieces can take tens of hours, and will require several sittings to complete ofcourse. Usually big appointments are made in multiples of hours, but some smaller pieces may only require 30 minutes . A Full Blackwork sleeve could take anything from 6/9hours work to complete depending on complexity/is it clean skin/are there colorfull tattoos underneight? etc.

Can I use a numbing cream / anesthetic or pain killers?

No. Here in the Netherlands we are not allowed to use numbing creams or anesthetics.
Some tablet pain killers can also cause a problem. Aspirin is the biggest problem as it thins the blood and reduces clotting, this will cause excessive bleeding during your tattoo, which will affect the quality of the finished tattoo. Aspirin will also extend the healing time that your tattoo needs so it is best avoided. Paracetamol will have little effect but not other than a placebo. Ibuprofen based painkillers can give minor pain relief during the process, by reducing localised swelling, and will not hinder the tattoo in any way.

​

Anyway it is always best to keep your body Healthy, hydrated, and fueled (eat healthy before, during and after the tattoo session will be a boost for good and clean helaing of your tattoo.

My Friend Just Bought a Tattoo Kit and Wants to Practice on me, that's okay?

Do not let them do it. regardless how it will look, your friend could be putting both of your lives in danger by foolishly trying to learn this at home. There comes alot more to tattooing than just some random machine and china supplies. There are big health risks and spreading diseases quickly sometimes without even knowing!!! cross contamination etc.

Tell them they need to get a proper apprenticeship, and they can start practicing on you when their mentor (master) feels they are ready...
 

What Is the Best Time of Year to Get a Tattoo?

Although you can get a tattoo any time of the year, your skin gets a lot more abuse during the summer with possibility for swimming, tanning, and just being exposed to the elements more. Winter time is really the best season to get a tattoo.
For big projects and Heavy blackwork don't do it in the summer, since the tattooed area is very big and open, sweat and heat during healing process can cause easily infection.
 

How do i take care of my fresh tattoo?

I always provide my customers with a correct aftercare sheet after the tattoo.
 

Please Note: Getting your tattoo is only the first step, how you look after it during the healing process can have a huge impact on how it ends up looking. Your body art will be with you for life, you've already been through  the painful part, so a fortnight of proper care should be a breeze to ensure you get the best from your tattoo.

• Keep the new tattoo dressed for 1-2 hours, then wash the tattoo with soap and hot water.

• Pat dry with a clean towel DO NOT RUB. Let it dry for 6 hours and then wash again and apply a very thin layer of specific tattoo aftercare cream.(Bepanthene, TattooMed, BalmTattoo. Also do not dress the tattoo again as it needs to breath.

• You cannot catch bacteria, it builds up over time, so if your tattoo gets infected, it’s not the fault of the studio, you’re not looking after it properly. Be sure to wash it  and re-apply the correct aftercare cream twice a day. Treat it as you would treat a bad graze for the first few days.

• Repeat this process 2/3 times a day for the first few days. It’s fine to get your tattoo wet but don’t soak it!

• After 3-4 days your tattoo will start to scab, and will be itchy, be very careful not to pick or knock the scab as this will take the colour out with it. A normal tattoo takes about 2 weeks to heal properly.

• Once the scabbing has healed, apply a moisturiser or some pure coconut oil regularly. keeping the skin supple and moisturised will reduce itching and allow scabbing and flaking to come away naturally. Do this regularly until all sensitivity and itching has subsided.

While your tattoo is healing DO NOT: Pick it, Sunbathe, Swim, taking baths(soaking),put too much cream(less is better), don't Use perfumes or deodorants on it.

Please Note: Some inks will change colour or intensity slightly during the healing process. This is quite normal.

Finally, don’t listen to your mate’s advice unless they are a professional tattooist!