How Much is a Small Tattoo? A smaller tattoo often costs just $50 to $150, although this depends on other factors like complexity.
Generally, all tattoo shops will begin at a minimum cost. This is to ensure the artist is compensated fairly for their time. So if you're looking for something super simple and tiny (like a heart outline) you can plan on spending, generally, $50-$200 (depending on where you live).
The general consensus in the tattoo community is that 20 percent is the typical amount to tip — just like at a restaurant or a hair salon. However, consider this number a baseline, as some tattoos require more or less work than others.
On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo. The sky is the limit though when it comes to very large pieces. It can be very expensive to get elaborate and large tattoos.
As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done. So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that's $240.
Just as you would tip your waiter or hairdresser, it is polite to tip your tattoo artist for their time and skill. Of course, the amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you. A general guideline is to tip between 15-20% of the total cost of your tattoo.
But optimally, four to six hours is the limit. For one thing, you, as the person being tattooed, is going to run out of adrenaline and all those lovely chemicals the brain makes that are "natural opiates" which keep you from feeling pain clearly.
From 1 to 6 months
After a month, any itching and redness should have completely gone. In fact, your new tattoo may look fully healed! However, the skin under your tattoo can continue to repair itself for up to six months until it's considered healed. During this stage it's important to keep up your aftercare routine.
Bigger tattoos usually involve a lot more details and ink, so it will take the artist much longer to finish. Bigger doesn't always mean more expensive, however. Smaller tattoos can involve a lot of intricate details, sometimes making them more expensive than a large tattoo of a simple image.
$50 tattoos are approximately one inch by one inch in black ink on arms or legs. Other areas of the body start at only $70.
You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.
As appealing as they may seem on social media, many high class tattoo artists share the opinion that micro tattoos are not built to last. These delicate designs are highly susceptible to fading or patchiness, running the risk of completely fading under certain conditions.
First, choose a smaller design. The less area that's being tattooed, the less pain you'll experience. Second, avoid sensitive areas like the spine or ribs. These areas are particularly painful when tattooed with a single needle.
Ink naturally spreads in the body over time, so a tattoo that's too small will likely blur together as the skin ages. Your artist should suggest the best size for the integrity of the tattoo. In general, you should take into account your artist's suggestions, but always speak up if you have any questions or concerns.
Avoid sleeping directly on your new tattoo, at least the first 4 days. The goal is to try your best not to put any pressure on your tattoo and to keep it from touching anything, at least as much as possible. A healing tattoo needs lots of fresh air and oxygen, so try not to smother it while sleeping.
The main thing is to try to keep pressure off of the new tattoo, so if you are a side sleeper with a new arm tattoo, sleep on the opposite arm. If it's a back tattoo, try to sleep on your front. Taking the pressure off will relieve the pain you can feel with a new piece, and it will also help you to avoid damaging it.
Once the new layer of skin has formed over your tattoo, usually after 4 to 7 days, you can begin to sleep on it. You'll also see the old skin scab and flake off, which can make the tattoo feel itchy.
Tattoo artists hate when clients don't trust the process, schedule something immediately after their appointment, or go to the beach right away. Showing up intoxicated or not listening to your artist's suggestions will make the tattooing process unpleasant.
Tattoos themselves aren't unprofessional, though they do have the capacity to be. If you were to get a rude tattoo or something associated with criminal activity or gangs then it could send the wrong message.
In addition, larger tattoos allow for more detail and have a longer longevity. Finally, larger tattoos might cost a bit more money forehand. But remember that you also get more for your money, since the higher amount of detail and the longevity are an investment for the future.
According to SINGULART, butterflies, rose, and dragon tattoos were ranked the most common tattoos nationally.