How Long Will My Tattoo Take?
The size of the tattoo is only one factor that goes in to determining how long it would take the artist to make a certain tattoo. There are many other things to consider. Apart from the size, the style, complexity of the design and even the pace the artist is working at, all those factors go in to the time it’s needed to get the tattoo done. The time it takes to make a tattoo is not only based on the size Account for the time it takes to set everything up, get the area shaved, apply the stencil or the freehand drawing, do some last-minute changes… Could take 30 minutes to get it all done. A simple, black ink only palm sized tattoo of a very simple design, it would probably take less than an hour for the tattoo artist to make. A detailed, shaded or coloured tattoo of that size, could take longer, two to three hours to get tattooed. The more detail and technique goes in to the tattoo, the more it will take for it to get done. Here’s a quick overview of how long it would take for different sizes of tattoos to get done:
- Small tattoos usually take under an hour to make.
- Palm-sized tattoo would take from one to three hours to make.
- Hand sized tattoo can take up to 5 hours to make.
- Full sleeve tattoo can take 6-10 hours to make.
- Very large tattoos , such as a back piece, can take up to 30 hours to make.
Please, use this only as a very rough estimate as it all greatly depends on factors other than the size of the tattoo.
Contents
How big is a 1 hour tattoo?
What tattoo size can I get in an hour? It depends on the tattoo style, but typically a moderately detailed 2-inch tattoo or a large but very minimalistic 5-6 inch tattoo.
How can you guess how long a tattoo will take?
The best way to tell how long your tattoo will take is to ask your artist for an estimate. This estimate will tell you how long you’ll spend at the shop, as well as how much your tattoo will cost. If you’re planning on getting a tattoo sleeve, though, expect it to take several months to a year for the final product.
How long does the average small tattoo take?
Size Considerations – A small, simple quarter-sized tattoo could take an hour, where a large back piece could take seven or 10. Size matters in this equation, and it’s important to remember that time is also money. The longer it takes to finish, the more your piece will cost.
How long does it take for a tattoo to be ready?
While it may look and feel healed, and you may be tempted to slow down on the aftercare, it can take as long as 6 months for the skin below a tattoo to truly heal.
Do you tip a tattoo artist?
How Much to Tip – If you decide to tip, the next step is to calculate exactly how much to add to the final tattoo price. 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;
- Just like there is no one tattoo experience or price, there’s no one-size-fits-all tipping option;
- “The more you spend on the tattoo, the more you should tip, as they are putting more work into the piece,” says Fiore;
Weed, however, notes that there is one thing that every tattoo experience needs to have to warrant a tip: It needs to be great. Your artist is putting time into the behind-the-scenes of your tattoo, but it’s also their responsibility to ensure you’re comfortable and having a good time while it’s happening.
How long do tattoos hurt after?
– Your tattoo will be somewhat painful after your appointment. Here’s what you can expect:
- Days 1 to 6. Your tattoo will be sore and swollen. It might feel like a moderate-to-severe bruise or sunburn.
- Days 7 to 14. You’ll feel less soreness and more itchiness. Your tattoo may feel like it’s burning, which is irritating but normal.
- Days 15 to 30. Your tattoo will be significantly less painful and itchy.
After your session, your tattoo might keep oozing blood for up to two days. It’s best to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during this time. NSAIDs can thin your blood, which may increase bleeding and slow healing. Typically, the outer layer of your skin will heal in two to three weeks. The deeper layers can take up to six months.
Is a 3 hour tattoo session long?
Session Length – Another determining factor in how long a tattoo will take is session length. Longer sessions can mean fewer visits to complete a tattoo. With an expected 3 weeks between sessions, this can mean a huge difference in how long your tattoo takes.
That being said, it is not necessarily the best idea to book a long session right out of the gate. If you are getting your first tattoo, 3-5 hours is probably as long as you should go. Everybody has a different pain tolerance for tattoos, and on your first visit, you won’t know how long you can handle.
After the first session, you may decide you are able to handle longer tattoo sessions. If not, that’s okay. Your tattoo may take a little longer to complete. But it is more important to get it right, have it heal, and end up with a tattoo you love. The longest tattoo session ever was 52 hours and 56 minutes.
What takes longer linework or shading?
Tattoo Shading – Unlike outlining, shading isn’t necessary for every tattoo. Color and shading simply provide more dimension than line work. Contrary to what you might expect, many people report that the shading hurts significantly less than the outlining of the tattoo.
If you’ve already made it through your line work, pat yourself on the back. You’ve likely conquered the most painful part already. You can do this! That said, you should understand what is happening during the shading process.
It’s not the simple, single pass of an outline. Rather, your artist will be packing ink into your skin repeatedly, often for hours at a time, over the same area—which is why some people mistakenly expect it to be more uncomfortable than outlining. But remember: Outlining is very detailed, and your tattoo artist uses needles of a different size for the process.
Is it normal to not like your tattoo at first?
It’s not unusual for a person to change their mind after getting a tattoo. In fact, one survey says 75 percent of their 600 respondents admitted to regretting at least one of their tattoos. But the good news is there are things you can do before and after getting a tattoo to lower your chances of regret.
How much would a 3 inch tattoo cost?
Small Tattoo Cost – A small tattoo costs $50 to $250 on average for designs that cover 3 square inches of skin or less. Regardless of the size, you have to pay the shop minimum fee of around $50 or more , and then they usually charge an hourly rate as well after the first hour. 
$100 The Red Baron Ink studio in New York quotes a shop minimum of $100 for small tattoos, a flat rate of $250 to $500 for palm-size pieces, and hourly rates ranging from $200 to $250 per hour —which varies by artist.
What does getting a tattoo feel like?
– It’s no surprise that getting a tattoo often hurts. Getting one involves receiving many microwounds over a concentrated area of your body. But there are different sensations of pain. Just think of the difference in sensation between a bruise and a cut. Tattoo pain will usually be most severe during the first few minutes, after which your body should begin to adjust.
- If your tattoo is particularly large or detailed, the pain can become intense again toward the end, when pain- and stress-dulling hormones called endorphins may begin to fade;
- Some people describe the pain as a pricking sensation;
Others say it feels like bee stings or being scratched. A thin needle is piercing your skin, so you can expect at least a little pricking sensation. As the needle moves closer to the bone, it may feel like a painful vibration.
What should you not do before getting a tattoo?
How should a tattoo feel after 2 days?
Traditional Tattoo Healing Method – Directly Following Your Tattoo Appointment The tattoo healing process starts as soon as you walk out of the tattoo studio. Your tattoo artist should cover your tattoo with some type of wrap (cling wrap, medical pads, etc.
- ) to protect it on your way home;
- “This usually stays on for approximately 2 hours,” says Caldwell;
- “It will trap any of the blood and plasma (clear fluid) that leaks out immediately after being tattooed;
This bandage also protects your new tattoo from the outside elements and keeps the blood from clotting to form a scab. ” 
Your tattoo artist will cover your tattoo with a temporary bandage or plastic wrap. After removing the covering placed on your tattoo by your artist, you should carefully wash the tattoo with warm, soapy water using an unscented, antibacterial soap. Do not use any type of washcloth or loofah—simply clean it with your hands to remove any plasma and ink from your skin.
- “You want to make sure you always pat dry with clean paper towels and then apply a thin layer of ointment,” says Caldwell;
- Try to wear loose-fitting clothing to bed, since your tattoo will likely continue to leak overnight;
Days 1-3: Oozing and Sore During the first few days, your tattoo is still an open wound and will be sore, painful, and warm to the touch. The skin around your tattoo might also appear slightly red and swollen. During the first days of tattoo healing your tattoo will continue to release plasma, blood, and ink—this is completely normal.
- Plasma, which is a clear liquid, makes up the largest part of your blood ( 55 percent ) and it’s release is part of your skin’s natural healing process;
- It’s important to keep your tattoo as clean as possible during this time;
Follow the same cleaning instructions (wash with soapy water, pat dry, apply a thin layer of ointment) as the night before. “Wash your new tattoo at least two times a day—when you wake up and before bed,” says Caldwell. If the tattoo is really leaky, you can add one more wash to the rotation to remove excess goop. 
Wash your new tattoo carefully in the shower using fragrance-free soap. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer or aftercare ointment after your tattoo is fully dry to help minimize scabbing. “The moisturizer/ointment is crucial to keeping your tattoo from forming a scab,” says Caldwell. “The softening of the skin prevents this. ” Follow your artist’s aftercare instructions carefully.
All tattoo artists recommend different aftercare products and have their own tattoo healing methods. Trust and listen to your artist. Days 3-7: Dry, Tight, and Starting to Flake After the third or fourth day following your tattoo appointment, your tattoo will begin to dry out.
It may feel tight. Swelling should start to subside, though your skin might still feel warm and uncomfortable. By the end of the first week, you will likely see your tattoo flaking. This is also a normal part of the tattoo healing process. 
What tattoo flaking looks like. “Flaking is simply your body shedding its outermost layer of skin,” says Erin Belley , an artist who works at the Parkdale location of Boss Tattoos Collective in Calgary, Alberta. “But this time, the skin had been damaged and filled with ink, so it comes off in larger flakes and full of color.
” If you see your tattoo flaking, don’t be alarmed. This is not a sign that ink is being removed from the skin. Just make sure you let your tattoo flake naturally. “As long as you’re not picking at it, scrubbing it, or peeling the flaky skin off, you should be fine,” adds Caldwell.
Days 7-14: More Flaking, Scabbing, and Itching During the second week of tattoo healing, your tattoo will continue to flake, and you may start to see scabs forming over some areas of the tattoo. While trying to prevent scabbing is recommended, tattoo scabbing is not uncommon.
“I would consider scabbing normal, but not ideal in tattoo healing,” says Belley. “Scabbing is what happens when the plasma is not efficiently cleaned off of the tattoo after your body is finished producing it (usually between 24-48 hours) and it evaporates and dries.
” Caldwell explains that scabbing may also happen if you apply too much moisturizer or ointment to your tattoo or if a particular part your skin was overworked during your session. Do not pick at the scabs on your tattoo. Continue to wash and lightly moisturize your tattoo as instructed by your artist.
During this time, you may also experience the dreaded tattoo itch. Some may experience a mild itch, while others will experience an intense itch. Your skin will be dry and flakey as it heals, so some level of itchiness is to be expected.
Some clients may also have a slight allergic reaction to some inks, which may cause an itchy feeling. Although it may take every ounce of willpower, do not scratch your new tattoo. Not only could this affect how it looks, but you can also cause infection or irritation.
- Eventually, the itch should subside;
- Days 15-30: Slightly Dry and Dull Most tattoos will finish flaking and essentially be healed around the 2-week mark;
- But it still may take a couple of weeks for your tattoo to fully settle in;
During this time, your tattoo may look a little dull or faded. This is normal and once the tattoo is fully healed and settled in, its brightness will return. You may also feel slightly raised portions of your tattoo during this stage, but this should eventually disappear.
Can I shower with a new tattoo?
The bottom line. Showering with a new tattoo isn’t only fine; it’s necessary for the sake of good hygiene. As long as you follow the aftercare instructions your tattoo artist gives you, and you’re careful not to rub or soak your tattoo, showering shouldn’t interfere with the healing process of your new ink.
Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?
This is a bit of a trick question. The reason being, is that a tattoo “fades” to the naked eye within days of application. This occurs because as the skin heals, the top layer dies and new skin forms to take its place. During this period the epidermis typically has a faded appearance. However, this is a natural part of the tattoo healing process and as the peeling subsides and the dead skin falls away the design will once again look crisp and fresh.
- Still, it won’t have that same deep dark tone as it did when your tattooist put his/her gun away;
- Anyone who has received a tattoo already knows this;
- But what you want to know now, is when can you expect a tattoo to fade in the longer term;
Let’s have a look.
How much is a 1 hour tattoo?
Tattoo Cost Per Hour – Tattoo artists typically charge $75 to $250 per hour , with hourly rates averaging $120 to $150 depending on their skill level, the complexity of the tattoo, and how long of a waiting list they have. 
| Artist & Experience | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Beginner (1-3 yrs) | $80 – $120 |
| Established Artist (5-10 yrs) | $120 – $180 |
| Experienced Artist (10+ yrs) | $150 – $250 |
| Famous Artist | $200 – $500 |
For example, Floating Lotus Tattoo Studio in Portland has a flat rate of $140 per hour , with 12 years’ experience. Clay Tattoos in Austin, Texas, has a flat rate of $4 per minute. Good Tattoos Aren’t Cheap and Cheap Tattoos Aren’t Good. If you want it fast or cheap, it is almost definitely not going to be high quality. Most artists work at different speeds. As a general rule of thumb, a more seasoned and talented artist with five or more years of professional experience could be faster than a less experienced artist.
How much can a tattoo artist get done in an hour?
Tattoos are a great bargain when you consider how long they last. Take the example of Ötzi the Iceman; this dude sported 61 tattoos on his 5,300-year-old mummified body, which was discovered in the Alps. Tattoo artists can make good money because they do everything from infinity symbols on fingers to stunning full body designs.
How can you tell your tattoo size?
How to Measure Your Tattoo – Tattoos are measured in square inches. To determine your tattoo size, simply multiply the height of your tattoo with the width at the longest points. A small wrist or ankle tattoo might end up being 2 inches tall and 1 inch wide, making it a 2 square inch tattoo.
A large tattoo might be 5 inches by 8 inches on your back, making it a 40 square inch tattoo. Full sleeves are often measured between 100 and 160 sq inches, while half sleeves are around 50 to 60 square inches.
If you already have an area in mind, measure your body’s location that you want the tattoo. Map out a rectangle on your skin and measure how tall and wide it is. Now you know how large the design needs to be, and you can begin searching for designs that would look good at that size.
- If you already have a design in mind, yet do not know what size to get it, print your design on paper in a few different sizes and see where on your body they would look best;
- Chat with your tattoo artist and listen to their opinion on the size;
You want to be sure that you are not making it too small or too large, as it can end up looking very bad.
How big is a 7 inch tattoo?
Tattoo Size Chart
| Size | Hours | Best Placement |
|---|---|---|
| 5-7 inches | 8-11 | Upper back, half-sleeves |
| 7-10 inches | 11-18 | Thigh, hip, sleeves |
| 10-15 inches | 18-23 | Full sleeve, side body, back |
| 15+ | 24+ | Full body |
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