Frequently Asked Questions

Booking is easy! You can:

1. Online: Fill out my booking form on the Book Now page
2. Phone: Call me for direct scheduling
3. Email: Send me your design ideas and preferred dates

During your consultation, I'll discuss your design, pricing, and any health concerns.

Yes, I require a consultation for every tattoo. This allows me to:

• Understand your design vision
• Discuss sizing and placement
• Review your health history
• Provide accurate pricing and timeline
• Answer any questions you have

Consultations are free and typically take 15-30 minutes.

You must be 18 years or older to get a tattoo. This is a legal requirement in the UK and is strictly enforced.

I require a valid photo ID proving your age (passport, driving license, etc.). Parental or guardian consent cannot override this requirement.

Please bring:

• Valid photo ID (for age verification)
• Insurance card (in case of medical needs)
• Design references (photos, drawings, ideas)
• A friend (optional but recommended for support)
• Comfortable clothing (appropriate for the tattoo area)

Tattoo pricing depends on several factors:

• Design Complexity: Simpler designs cost less; detailed work costs more
• Size: Larger tattoos require more time and cost more
• Placement: Different body areas may affect pricing
• Color vs. Black & Grey: Color work may cost more

Check my Pricing page for examples. Most tattoos range from £150-£1000+.

I accept multiple payment methods:

• 💳 Visa and Mastercard
• 💳 American Express
• 🏦 Bank Transfer
• 💵 Cash

Secure Payments: All credit card payments are processed securely with PCI-DSS compliance and HTTPS encryption.

No - upfront payment is optional! I offer two flexible payment options:

• Pay on Completion: No upfront payment required. Pay when your tattoo is finished.
• Pre-Pay to Secure Slot: Pay the full amount when booking to guarantee your appointment (especially useful for popular times like weekends/evenings).

Why pre-pay? It guarantees your slot 100%, shows commitment, and I'll prioritize your custom design work immediately. Great for high-demand time slots.

See my Refund Policy for cancellation terms (different for pre-paid vs pay-on-completion).

My cancellation policy is simple:

• 24+ hours before: Free cancellation, no fee
• Less than 24 hours: £50 cancellation fee
• No-show: £50 fee charged

Since there's no deposit, you only pay if you show up or cancel with less than 24 hours notice. For full details, check my comprehensive Refund Policy.

Most people can get a tattoo, but some conditions prevent or delay tattooing. Read our Health & Medical Information page for full details.

Common contraindications:

• Pregnancy
• Active skin infections
• Certain medical conditions (HIV, Hepatitis)
• Current illness or fever
• Recent surgery (typically within 6-8 weeks)

We conduct a thorough health screening during consultation.

Important: Never get a tattoo on an empty stomach!

• Eat a substantial meal 2-3 hours before your appointment
• Choose foods with protein and complex carbs
• Avoid alcohol and drugs 24 hours before
• Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water
• Avoid sugary snacks right before (they can cause crashes)

Low blood sugar can cause fainting, nausea, and poor healing.

Yes, avoid sun exposure on the area that will be tattooed:

• Avoid sunbathing or tanning beds for 2-3 weeks before
• Avoid sunburns at all costs - we cannot tattoo over sunburned skin
• Use SPF 50+ if you must be in the sun
• Keep the area covered if possible

Sunburned or tanned skin can affect tattoo quality and healing.

Certain medications can complicate the process. Inform Scott of all medications, including:

• Blood thinners (Warfarin, Aspirin)
• Ibuprofen or other NSAIDs
• Certain antibiotics
• Immunosuppressants
• Any supplements or herbal remedies

Never stop medications without medical guidance. Discuss with your doctor if needed.

Honesty: Yes, tattoos do hurt, but the pain is manageable for most people.

• Pain Level: Varies by individual and body location
• Sensitive Areas: Ribs, chest, areas near bones hurt more
• Tolerance: Most people adapt as the session continues
• Duration: First tattoos are typically 2-4 hours

Think of it as a "scratching" sensation combined with pressure. We take breaks as needed.

Tattooing time depends on size and complexity:

• Small designs: 30 minutes - 1 hour
• Medium tattoos: 1-3 hours
• Large pieces: 3-6 hours or multiple sessions
• Full sleeves: Multiple 4-6 hour sessions

We take breaks every hour to let your skin rest. Arrive early for setup and paperwork.

Absolutely. Studio cleanliness and sterilization are our top priority:

• All equipment is sterilized in an autoclave at 134°C for 18+ minutes
• Single-use needles and ink for every client
• Studio is cleaned and disinfected multiple times daily
• Professional-grade biohazard waste disposal
• Compliant with all UK health and safety regulations

Your safety is paramount. See our Legal & Health & Safety page for full details.

Tattoo healing happens in stages:

• Days 1-7: Scabbing and oozing - the critical first week
• Weeks 2-3: Scabs flake off, slight itching
• Week 4: Surface appears healed
• Months 2-3: Deep skin layers complete healing

Full healing takes 3-6 months. Even though it looks healed after 4 weeks, the deep layers are still settling.

Avoid these for at least 2 weeks (follow aftercare guide for full timeline):

• ❌ Swimming or soaking (showers OK with care)
• ❌ Sunbathing or sun exposure
• ❌ Tight clothing over the tattoo
• ❌ Heavy exercise or sweating
• ❌ Picking or scratching scabs
• ❌ Alcohol and drugs
• ❌ Petroleum-based products

We provide detailed aftercare instructions with your tattoo.

Basic Aftercare Steps (Days 1-7):

1. Leave the bandage on for 2-4 hours after tattoo
2. Gently wash with unscented soap and warm water
3. Pat dry with clean paper towel (not cloth)
4. Apply thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer
5. Repeat 3-4 times daily for first week
6. Keep area uncovered to allow air circulation

Weeks 2-3: Continue moisturizing but reduce frequency. Scabs will start flaking off naturally.

Contact us or seek medical attention if you notice:

• Excessive redness that spreads beyond tattoo
• Increasing warmth or heat around tattoo
• Pus or unusual discharge
• Fever or chills
• Swelling that doesn't improve after 48 hours
• Foul odor from the tattoo area
• Red streaks extending from tattoo

Most issues are easily prevented with proper aftercare. Contact us with concerns!

Exercise timing depends on the tattoo location and intensity:

• Light exercise: Wait 2-3 days
• Moderate exercise: Wait 1-2 weeks
• Intense/sweaty exercise: Wait 3-4 weeks
• Avoid direct friction: Don't let workout clothes rub the tattoo

Sweating can introduce bacteria to the fresh tattoo. Start slowly and monitor healing.

Yes, all tattoos fade slightly over years, but quality work fades gracefully:

• Initial fading: 10-20% in first 2-3 months as skin heals
• Long-term fading: Minimal if properly cared for (sun protection, moisturizing)
• Factors that increase fading: Sun exposure, poor aftercare, location, skin type
• Professional work lasts: 15-20+ years before significant fading

Proper aftercare and sun protection keep tattoos vibrant much longer.

Most well-healed tattoos don't need touch-ups for several years:

• Quality application: Professional work doesn't typically need early touch-ups
• If needed: Usually 5-10 years after original
• Signs you may need one: Noticeable fading or loss of color vibrancy

Free Touch-up Policy: We offer a free touch-up within 2 years for any healing issues or quality concerns.

Yes! We specialize in cover-ups and modifications:

• We can cover unwanted tattoos with new designs
• We can enhance or modify existing work
• We can extend or adjust designs
• Older tattoos are easier to work with than fresh ones

Consultation Required: Bring photos of the existing tattoo so we can assess options and feasibility.

Yes, tattoos are designed to be permanent. This is why we take the design and placement seriously:

• Tattoo ink embeds in the dermis layer of skin
• The body cannot naturally remove the ink particles
• Removal requires expensive laser treatment with mixed results
• Fading happens slowly over many years, not complete removal

Take time to choose a design you'll love for life. Consultations help ensure you're making the right choice.

This depends on your industry and design placement:

• Visible placements (neck, hands, face) can affect some professional environments
• Hidden placements (chest, arm under sleeves) typically don't affect employment
• Industry dependent: Creative fields are generally more accepting
• Tattoo discrimination: Some industries are becoming more accepting

Consider placement carefully. Arm and chest tattoos can be covered by clothing when needed.

We do not recommend tattooing during pregnancy or breastfeeding:

• Pregnancy compromises immune response, increasing infection risk
• Stress of tattooing is not ideal during pregnancy
• Breastfeeding adds complications with healing and wound care
• Recommended wait: At least 3-6 months postpartum and after breastfeeding

Plan tattoos before pregnancy or after you've stopped breastfeeding. Your safety and your baby's health come first.

Yes, but precautions are needed:

• Discuss skin sensitivity during consultation
• We use hypoallergenic inks available upon request
• Patch test may be recommended before full tattoo
• Aftercare is especially important for sensitive skin
• Healing might take slightly longer

Many people with sensitive skin get beautiful tattoos with proper preparation and care.

Great question! There's a difference in skill and approach:

• Tattooer: Applies existing designs or simple work
• Tattoo Artist: Creates custom designs, understands composition and artistry
• Scott's Role: Tattoo artist - we create custom designs and perfect execution

We collaborate with you to create a unique piece of art, not just apply a generic design.