What age do you need to be to get a tattoo?

You MUST be 18 or over to get a tattoo, it is illegal to tattoo anyone under 18. 

This is the law, regardless of any parental consent.

You will be required to show photographic ID in the form of a drivers license or passport, failing to do so risks being turned away so make sure to have it handy. So even if you are a little older, it’s a good idea to bring it anyway.

Are there any other restrictions for getting a tattoo?

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Under the influence of drugs/alcohol.

• If you are on medication for a particular medical reason that may not respond well to getting a tattoo eg taking blood thinners, receiving chemotherapy.

• If you do not have appropriate ID to hand.

Do I need to book an appointment?

I advise to book in advance to guarantee the day you’d like. If I have walk in availability then I can possibly tattoo you then but advise booking to allow appropriate prep time for bigger designs and to guarantee a space.

How soon do you have appointments?

It varies depending on the time of year, currently it ranges with spaces available within a few weeks.

How can I prepare for my appointment?

• It’s VERY important to eat a good substantial meal within a couple of hours of your appointment, this will make a huge difference to your energy levels.

• A good night’s sleep.

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment, (note: if you attend your appointment under the influence of alcohol or drugs then you will be turned away and will need a new deposit to book back in)

• Keep hydrated throughout your appointment. It’s also advised to bring a sugary drink and/or snack with you to top up energy levels if necessary.

• Avoid sunburn, sunbeds and fake tan on the days leading up to your tattoo.

Can I see the design before the appointment?

Your design will be available to see on the day of your appointment with a window of time before we begin to discuss any changes you would like to make.

If we are starting a larger project I’d be happy to book a consultation to discuss the design in person.

Please understand I will NOT send/email copies of final designs out before the appointment.

I have changed my mind about what I would like to get, can I still come in for my appointment?

It’s absolutely fine to change your mind on what you’d like to get as you should get what you want, but please let me know ASAP before your appointment if this is the case as it may require more preparation time, a longer appointment or a different artist.

To not do so risks your appointment being rescheduled or lost deposit.

Can I bring someone with me?

If you can give me a heads up I will check if it is possible to fit ONE additional person to sit with you. If all the booths are occupied they are welcome to wait at the front seating area for you.

What should I wear?

This varies on what tattoo you’re getting and where so make sure you dress (or bring a change of clothing) so that you can easily expose the area you are intending on getting your tattoo.  I will absolutely make sure you are comfortable and have screens available to make the booth a little more private for you should this help you feel a little more relaxed.

While I do my absolute best to avoid staining clothing, I cannot guarantee it and ask you do not wear anything new or valuable to your appointment. I highly recommend something darker in colour that you aren’t too fussed about to be more suitable for your appointment.

Which payment methods do you accept?

We still accept cash.

The studio does not have card facilities however there is a bank and ATM machine next door to the shop.

I also accept bank transfer or paypal.

Can I get my deposit refunded if I cancel my appointment?

Deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE so please be sure you’d like to get tattoo’d before making the appointment. 

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please give at least 48 hours notice so we can reschedule the tattoo with your existing deposit (one time only). 

If you find you cannot attend your appointment out with the 48 hours notice period, please get in contact ASAP.

No show designs will be made available to other customers.

I’m going on holiday next week; can I get the tattoo I want before I go?

Tattoos need a minimum of 2 weeks of healing before risking it out in hot climates or outdoor areas.

I would not advise getting a tattoo before going on an outdoorsy or beachy holiday for many reasons.  It would be a big hinderence in what you will and won’t be able to do and increase the risk of harmful bacteria and germs getting to it. 

A healing tattoo is also not suited to be out in the sun or around sand, sea water, mud etc.  So please let me know if you plan on travelling soon after getting a tattoo so we can reschedule to a more suited time for healing purposes. 

Anything else I should avoid?

Yes, absolutely under no circumstances should you go for a sunbed or attend a swimming pool/jacuzzi while your tattoo is healing. Your body is healing a wound at this point and messing around with sun exposure, UV exposure and shared chlorine will 100% affect the healing and could result in scarring.

Are there any areas you won’t tattoo?

Currently I do not tattoo hands, fingers, necks/throats or faces.

What is the least/most painful area to get a tattoo?

Absolutely everyone is different.  What is sore in one area for one person might not feel the same for you.

Can I use numbing cream?

Please message me to discuss if this is a suitable option for you before your appointment.

To not do so risks your appointment being rescheduled.

I don’t feel too well; can I still come in for my appointment?

 Regardless if it’s covid or it’s something else, if your immune system isn’t 100% at it’s best then getting a tattoo at that time is not a good idea.  If your body is already using a lot of energy fighting off a virus then getting a tattoo is not helpful for an already weakened immune system and will not do yourself any good.

 It’s also not fair on others in the studio to pass anything on (covid or non-covid) so please get in touch ASAP so we can reschedule if you are feeling unwell in any way.