There’s no such thing as a stupid question!

Q. DOES TATTOOING OR PIERCING POSE ANY HEALTH RISKS?

A. The short answer is “no”. But this of course depends on where you go to get your tattoo or piercing and how you look after them during the crucial healing stages. Most modern, reputable tattoo and piercing studios are governed by strict rules regarding cleanliness and use of sterile equipment and materials. Be sure you know the operating standards of your chosen studio and never settle for anything less than autoclave sterilization for instruments used and brand new ink and needles for tattooing and brand new needles and jewelry for piercing. As long as your tattoo or piercing is properly applied in a clean environment with sterile instruments and you take proper care of it while it heals, there should be no health risk whatsoever. In rare cases some people have allergic reactions to certain inks in tattoos or certain metals in piercing jewelry, so if in any doubt, always check with your doctor first.

Q. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY TATTOO OR PIERCING TO HEAL?

A. Each person is different and will heal at a different rate from the next, but in general, tattoos take about two weeks to heal properly if taken care of correctly. Piercings are a little more difficult to gauge. Each area of the body heals at different rates and some piercings, like navals (belly buttons), can take months to FULLY regenerate skin over the surface of the tiny tunnel created through the flesh of the piercing. If you have never been pierced before, prepare yourself for anything from a few weeks to a few months of conscious caring for your piercing. Tongue piercings generally heal quickly (3 - 4 weeks) and navals can take as much as a 12 - 18 months to reach a state of being completely healed. Ask your piercer for the approximate healing period for your piercing of choice.

Q. CAN I GET A SEMI PERMANENT/TEMPORARY TATTOO?

A. No. Many people come to us with questions about this mysterious “new” trend in tattooing where you can be tattooed with some kind of magic disappearing ink. Supposedly, if you decide AFTER being tattooed that it was a bad idea, you just have to sit back and wait 3 years and it’ll disappear. Anybody who even entertains this idea has no business in a tattoo studio in the first place. Think long and hard about whether you want to be a tattooed person or not…

Q. WHY ARE YOUR PRICES SO HIGH?

A. In all fairness, South Africa is one of the cheapest countries to be tattooed or pierced in. Prices at Metal Machine are based on the level of quality and service you will be receiving. We use only the finest, world-class materials, most of which have to be imported. Also bear in mind that whatever we quote you is a ONCE OFF payment… after that the tattoo or piercing is yours for life! Remember, whether it’s cheap or expensive, in this arena you certainly get what you pay for…