Frequently Asked Questions – Tattoo

We appreciate that many new clients may have some questions before they decide to book with us. Please have a read through our FAQ and feel free to email us at info@inkhaus.co.uk if you have any other questions.

• How much for a tattoo?

Due to the fact that we are a full custom tattoo studio, all tattoos are priced on a case by case basis. Some factors that will decide the price include: size, area of the body, level of detail, and the style of the piece. The best way to enquire about a price is to pop in for a chat.

• How much for a sleeve?

As with the previous question, there are so many factors at play with pricing that it would be impossible to price-up a sleeve. We recommend that clients expect a minimum of FIVE full day sessions, with the expectation that it may take more depending on the nature of the piece. For any larger tattoo such as a sleeve or a back piece, we would always want to speak to the prospective client in person before accepting a booking.

• Do you offer cover-ups?

Yes! Alexandra does do cover-ups, but she assesses them on a case by case basis and will always advice what can or can’t be done. She may also advice that you have laser prior to having a cover-up to give you more cover-up options. We will only book cover-ups for clients that Alexandra has spoken to in person so that she can see and touch the tattoo that needs to be covered to look for scar tissue etc. IMPORTANT – To have a cover-up tattoo, you MUST be flexible with your design. A lot of tattoo TV shows have given clients unrealistic expectations that anything can be done as cover-up and sadly that just isn’t true. Alexandra will only agree to cover your existing tattoo with something that she knows will work. This means that there won’t be as much opportunity to make minor changes to your design because many elements of the piece will be put together specifically to form the cover-up.

• How old do I have to be?

Tattoos are strictly 18+ with photo ID. It is against the law to tattoo anyone under 18 years of age. We accept passports, driving licences, provisional licences and anything with a ‘PASS’ logo (e.g. citizen card) as photo ID. We do not accept parental signatures, birth certificates, bus passes etc.

• How do I book?

We tend to handle most tattoo bookings online through email (info@inkhaus.co.uk) or facebook messenger. This allows us to see what a client is looking to have tattooed and discuss ideas, pricing and availability. Whilst you are welcome to pop into the studio to place a booking, there will be occasions where an artist is unable to take a break for a chat and suggests that you pop back or send an email. Please understand that this is due to them being on with a large or complicated piece or working to a tight timeframe – we absolutely do still appreciate your business and would love to have a conversation with you when we’re able to give you our full attention! Alexandra handles her own diary so it isn’t possible for another member of staff to schedule you with her. For cover-ups or larger more complicated pieces, we may suggest that you book a consultation appointment to discuss ideas. To book this, please use the email address above. 

• When will I see my design?

Due to our artists’ workload, larger designs are sent out the night before your appointment. Smaller designs will be shown to you on the morning of your appointment. 

• Should I come in early?

There’s no need to worry about turning up early as it might just mean you have a longer wait until you have your tattoo.  If you’re booked in for 11am, we don’t open until that time and a lot of our cleaning jobs are carried out first thing on a morning, so we will be unable to let you in early. If you’re booked in later in the day, you will most likely be booked in after another client, so showing up too early may mean a longer wait while we clean down and set back up.

• Can I bring my children in?

We don’t allow children under 16 anywhere in the studio at any time, even if you’re just booking an appointment (with the exception of our pre-booked children’s ear piercing service). We understand that this can be frustrating for some clients, but it is our studio policy for health and safety reasons.

• Can I bring a friend?

We don’t allow friends/family members into the tattoo room with you and your artist. However, we fully appreciate that you may want to bring somebody along for moral support. In this case, we are happy for you to bring a friend to wait with, show the stencil to etc if you feel that you need it, but once tattooing starts we would appreciate if they pop out for a coffee or a wander around the high street rather than staying in the waiting room for the duration of your tattoo. This is because we are a very small studio which means that we have limited seating in our waiting area that we need for other clients who are booked. There are of course exceptions in any situation and if you feel that you really do need somebody to stay and be on hand, do speak to us!

• Can I re-arrange my appointment?

We require a minimum of 72 hours to re-arrange your appointment in order to avoid losing your deposit. More than one re-scheduling will require a new deposit. 

• I’ve changed my mind, will you refund my deposit?

Please do let us know if you wish to cancel your appointment, but please note that all deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE.

• I’m available for cancellations if you’re able to book me in sooner. How do I get onto your cancellations list?

We have a Cancellations List where we add names of any clients who are already booked into the diary and have paid a deposit, but would be available to come in sooner if a client has to cancel or re-arrange. Just let us know when you book in if you would like to be added to the list and which days of the week you are available. In the event of a cancellation, we will work through the list and contact people who may be interested in snapping it up. We can’t hold a potential cancellation appointment for very long, so please confirm ASAP if you would like to take it. Please note that we will not add you to the cancellations list if you are not already booked into the diary with a deposit paid.

• Can I go swimming/to the gym after my tattoo?

We recommend that you avoid swimming and the gym until the surface of your tattoo is fully healed. If you’re unsure when this is, feel free to pop in for us to have a look.

• I’m worried about a tattoo I’ve had done, what should I do?

Come in and see us! It’s pretty much impossible to offer advice from a photo or something described over the phone. If you’re worried, come in and see us ASAP. We can’t offer advice on something without seeing it. Also, be honest if you’ve done something silly with your aftercare. We’re not here to judge, but we need to know  the full story to know what to recommend.

• What should I use as aftercare?

We will give you an aftercare sheet with detailed instructions of how to look after your new tattoo. We also sell the aftercare cream that we recommend. Please don’t buy anything ahead of time as there’s a strong chance it might be something that we don’t recommend you use.

• What should I do on the day of my appointment?

Make sure to have had a big breakfast if you’re booked in on a morning or a big lunch if you have an afternoon appointment. It’s really important to keep your blood sugar up, and you’re more than welcome to brings sweets or drinks with you. Also, make sure to have a good night’s sleep the night before, and avoid alcohol.

• I have health conditions, can I still be tattooed?

It depends on the health condition, so pop us an email and we will be able to offer some advice. If we’re unsure, we will ask you to speak to your doctor before booking in to check that it will be safe to tattoo you. Additionally, if you have any known allergies, please let us know when you book. Please note that if you are displaying Coronavirus symptoms DO NOT COME TO THE STUDIO. If you have an appointment booked and test positive for covid, let us know and we can re-arrange it. 

• My friend said…

Although friends and family mean well, their advice when it comes to tattoos has the potential to be outdated or maybe even just based on something they’ve heard themselves. Please take your tattoo artist’s advice first and foremost because the things that we suggest are based on many years of working in the industry and seeing what works for a wide range of clients. We would hate to think that you put yourself or your tattoo at risk by accepting advice that hadn’t been tried and tested.