With the popularity of tattoos on the rise, new tattoo studios are opening up on a regular basis. Unfortunately there are no regulations set in place to govern these studios. When you are thinking about getting your next tattoo it is important to remember that it's up to you do the research, then pick a studio, and an artist that will do the work you want in a clean and safe environment.
At Scarab Body Arts, we use a completely disposable set up. Everything is individually packaged, used once, and thrown out. Even our tattoo tubes that most studios resterilize and reuse, we dispose of after a single use. This ensure the safest possible method of tattooing.
We currently have two tattoo artists, each with their own style, and a tattoo apprentice. This ensures that no matter what you are looking to get done, we have someone that is perfect for the job. We also occasionally have guest artists visiting from all over the country offering their services as well.
Tattoos by Nik
Nik Moore first started working at Scarab when we opened in 2001. He then worked in NYC at Sacred Tattoo and Bowery Tattoo while he lived in NYC getting his Illustartion degree. After getting his degree, he returned to Central NY and Scarab. He backprefers large custom tattoos, and works by appointment only. He likes doing japanese pieces, solid black work, and pieces involving zombies, robots, and mutants, that are influenced by illustration and painting.
You can see more of Nik's work by clicking Here.
You can also visit his personal website Here.
Nik works Sunday 12-6pm, Monday -Wednesday 12-9pm
Tattoos by Jamie Santos
Jamie has been with us since November 2008. She is originally from the area, and moved back after tattooing in Maine for a couple years. She prefers doing large colorful pieces, but is more than happy to help you come up with whatever you are looking for.
Jamie's hours are Wednesday - Saturday 12 - 9pm
Appointments prefered
You can see more of Jamie's work Here.
Tattoo Aftercare
Your tattoo may bleed a little at first, this will stop within a couple hours. Keep your tattoo bandaged for two hours. After that time, remove the bandage. If the bandage sticks to the skin, do not just pull it off. Soak the bandage in cool water and gently remove.
Once the bandage is off, carefully wash the area with a mild soap and cool water using your fingers. Never use a washcloth or other abrasive surface on your tattoo until it is fully healed. Once all surface blood is washed off, rinse with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel. Let air dry for a few minutes and then sparingly apply a thin layer of Tattoo Goo or if you do not have Tattoo Goo, you may use A&D Ointment. Do Not apply too often or too thick. This will only result in clogged pores, which can lead to loss of color. Reapply ointment 3 - 5 times throughout the day. Do this for the first 5 to 10 days as needed.
After a few days your tattoo may start to peel or scab. This is a normal part of the healing process. Do Not pick or peel the skin away. It will come off on it’s own while washing or during application of ointment. Once your tattoo starts to peel you may be able to switch to a lotion. however, you can continue to use Tattoo Goo throughout the entire healing time. We recommend Lubriderm or Curel. If the lotion stings when you put it on, it is either too early or the lotion is too harsh. Your tattoo may look hazy or faded during this peeling process. As new skin replaces the dead skin, it will return to normal.
After a few weeks, all scabbing will be gone and your tattoo should look and feel like normal healthy skin. Continue using a moisturizer to keep the tattoo looking it’s best. Remember that exposure to the sun, and tanning beds are a major cause of tattoo fading. Always use a sun block of at least SPF-30 that provides both UVA and UVB protection.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do's
- Remove Bandage after 2 hours.
- Gently wash with fingers. (avoid abrasive motion)
- Keep moist with recommended ointment or lotion. (carry it with you)
- Keep area clean.
- Take showers, avoid direct water on the tattoo. (rinse the tattoo last, and dry it first)
Don'ts
- Do not re-bandage the tattoo.
- Do not rub, scratch or pick at the tattoo. (if it itches, lightly slap it)
- Do not expose the tattoo to direct sunlight (this includes tanning beds) for the first two weeks.
- Do not go swimming, soak in a bath, use a sauna or steam room for the first two weeks.
- Do not put anything on the tattoo, other than the recommended ointments.
If you are unsure of anything concerning the healing of your tattoo, please call us before you do anything other then the mentioned above. Do not listen to your friends, they are not professionals.
