Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the most common questions about booking, pricing, and tattoo aftercare.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Tattoo prices vary depending on size, detail, placement, style, and design complexity.

To give you an accurate quote, please share your idea, placement, size and any reference images.

Any quote provided is valid for one month from the date it's given. If you decide to book after this period, a new quote may apply.

A minimum charge of £100 applies to all tattoo bookings. For cover up tattoos, the minimum charge is £500, regardless of size and complexity.

How do I book a tattoo appointment?

To book, send your idea, size, placement, and reference images, then we'll arrange a date.

1. Choose a Date

We'll start by agreeing a suitable date for your appointment

2. Secure Your Spot

A non-refundable deposit is required to secure all tattoo appointments. The deposit covers design preparation time and will be deducted from the total cost of your session.

3. Design Preparation

Once the deposit is received, I begin working on your design. The design will either be presented in the studio or you'll receive it a couple of days before your appointment so there's time for any final tweaks based on your feedback.

4. Appointment Day

Arrive at the studio on the agreed date and get ready for your new tattoo.

5. Changes and Cancellations

If you decide to change design altogether (e.g. a different idea, style, or concept) after paying the deposit, the price will be increased even if the new idea is simpler. This is to prevent working on multiple designs for one tattoo/session. Complete design changes are only accepted up to 1 week before the appointment.

You may reschedule your appointment once without losing your deposit, as long as you notify me at least 48 hours in advance. The new date must be within 3 months of the original appointment otherwise it will be treated as a cancellation and your deposit will be forfeited.

Any further rescheduling will be treated as a new booking and will require a new deposit. There's no option for indefinite postponement. If you cancel or don't show up, your deposit will be forfeited.

What should I know before getting a tattoo in the UK?

These guidelines are in place to ensure all tattoos are carried out safely and in line with UK hygiene and safety standards.
They are not intended to exclude anyone based on personal traits or medical history.

1.Before your appointment

You must be 18 or over to get a tattoo (Tattooing of Minors Act 1969)
Photo ID may be required (passport or driving licence)
Inform me in advance of any medical conditions that may affect healing or safety
If you arrive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or strong medication, your appointment will be cancelled and your deposit forfeited
You will be asked to read and sign a consent form before the procedure begins

2.Health considerations

Tattooing is an invasive procedure and may not be suitable in certain circumstances. Your health and safety are always the priority.

If you have any medical condition that may affect bleeding, healing, immunity, or skin integrity, please consult your GP or specialist before booking and inform me in advance so we can assess suitability safely.

This includes (but is not limited to):

Diabetes
Haemophilia or other bleeding disorders
Hepatitis or other blood-borne viruses
HIV
Renal insufficiency
Neurological disorders (including epilepsy)
Autoimmune conditions
Rheumatoid arthritis
Severe allergic reactions or known allergy to tattoo pigments
Active or severe psoriasis or other inflammatory skin conditions
History of keloid scarring
Fever or active infection
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Use of anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, or other medication affecting bleeding or healing

If there's any uncertainty regarding safety, written medical clearance may be requested before proceeding.

If there are visible signs of infection at the tattoo site, or if you appear unwell, the procedure may be postponed/deemed unsuitable. This also applies if a disclosed condition may significantly increase bleeding or impair healing.

Universal infection control precautions are applied to all clients equally, regardless of disclosed medical history, and all decisions are made in accordance with UK health and equality legislation.

3. Hygiene and environment

No pets are allowed on the premises
Food is not permitted in the procedure area
Friends, partners, or children are not permitted in the tattooing area for hygiene and safety reasons

The studio operates to strict infection control standards. All equipment is either single-use or appropriately disinfected between clients.

4. Safety and professional discretion

Tattooing is a permanent and invasive procedure that requires informed consent, cooperation, and a safe working environment.

I reserve the right to postpone, pause, or decline a tattoo appointment at any stage — during consultation, booking, or in the studio — where proceeding would not be safe, appropriate, or legally compliant.

This may include situations where:

A client appears unwell or unable to provide informed consent
There are visible signs of infection, broken skin, or compromised skin at the tattoo site
A disclosed medical condition or medication may significantly increase bleeding or impair healing, and medical clearance has not been obtained
The client is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
The client is unable to remain still or follow safety instructions
Behaviour is aggressive, threatening, or disrupts a safe professional environment

All decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and are guided by health and safety standards, infection control requirements, and professional judgment. No decision is made on the basis of protected characteristics under UK equality legislation. My priority is to maintain a safe, respectful, and hygienic environment for every client.

How should I prepare for my tattoo appointment?

Preparing properly helps ensure a smoother session and better healing

Before the appointment:

The evening before your tattoo appointment, gently wash the area where the tattoo will be placed using a mild scrub or exfoliating product. Afterwards, apply a moisturizing cream to keep the skin hydrated - this helps ensure the best possible tattooing conditions
Do not shave the tattoo area yourself - I will take care of this if needed
Get a good night's sleep and eat a proper meal beforehand - low blood sugar can make the process more uncomfortable
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol the day before
Avoid sunbathing (including sunbeds) for at least one week before your appointment - sunburnt or tanned skin cannot be tattooed
Avoid coffee and energy drinks at least 2 hours before your appointment - they can increase sensitivity and bleeding

Coming to the studio:

Wear clean, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area
If you have long hair, bring something to tie it back
If your tattoo session is expected to be long, feel free to bring a snack to keep your energy up

Numbing cream usage:

I don't recommend using numbing creams before or during the procedure, as they may affect the tattoo quality and how your skin reacts

For women:

Sensitivity may increase in the week before and during your period. If possible, try to avoid booking during the first 2-3 days of your cycle

What is the aftercare for my tattoo?

Quick aftercare guide:

Keep the tattoo clean and follow the instructions for your dressing (second skin or cling film)
Wash gently with unscented soap and apply a thin layer of aftercare product
Do not pick, scratch, or rub the tattoo while it heals
Avoid soaking (baths, pools, saunas) until fully healed
Avoid tight clothing, friction, and heavy sweating during healing

Healing usually takes around 3-4 weeks.

If a "second skin" (a thin, transparent, medical adhesive film) has been used:

Keep your tattoo covered for 2-3 days and then follow the general aftercare steps below

It's normal to see some fluid build-up under the second skin film during the first couple of days. This may include a mix of plasma, ink, and a small amount of blood, which can appear as a dark or cloudy liquid.

Some lines may look blurred - this is normal and doesn't mean your tattoo is damaged. Everything will settle once the film is removed and healing begins.

If you experience an allergic reaction (redness, itching, rash or burning) remove the film immediately.

Wash gently with unscented soap and lukewarm water, pat dry with a clean paper towel and continue healing using the general aftercare steps. Do not re-apply second skin adhesive. If irritation doesn't improve, seek advise from a pharmacist or doctor.

If your tattoo was covered with cling film:

Keep it covered for 3 hours, then follow the general aftercare steps described below
Rinse under warm running water using antibacterial soap before applying moisturiser for the first 2-3 days
Re-cover overnight using fresh cling film or an adhesive dressing for the next 2-3 nights

General aftercare:

Wash your hands, then carefully remove the film.
Rinse your tattoo under warm running water using antibacterial unscented soap (avoid perfumed shower gels)
Pat the area dry using a clean paper towel, then allow the tattoo to air dry for 30 minutes
Apply a thin layer of a recommended aftercare product 2–3 times daily for 3–4 weeks, or until the tattoo is fully healed. Avoid over-moisturising.
Do not scratch, rub or pick at scabs or peeling skin. Let it shed naturally to prevent scarring or colour loss.
You may shower as normal, but avoid soaking the tattoo. Do not use pools, baths, saunas, and steam rooms until fully healed
Avoid intense exercise and gym workouts for at least 2 weeks to prevent irritation and excess sweating
Do not wear tight or restrictive clothing over the tattooed area until it is fully healed. Avoid applying pressure with items like bags, waistbands, scrunchies, or anything that might rub against or compress the tattoo. Friction and pressure can cause irritation, delay healing, and affect the final appearance

Do you offer tattoo touch-ups and are they free?

If you contact me within 4 weeks of your tattoo session, you're eligible for one free touch-up, if needed.

After the initial 4-week period, touch-ups will be available at a charge of £50 within the following 1 month.

After 2 months from the original appointment, any touch-up will be treated and priced as a new tattoo request.

If a touch up is required due to incorrect aftercare or failure to follow aftercare instructions, it will be charged in full.