All appointments are made using this system, are made with the idea of cancelling on this system 48 hours before the appointment is due. Any appointments that are cancelled later than this will be charged either a late cancellation fee of £10 or will lose there deposit.
After care is down to you, following the aftercare instructions as given to you by the artist. Any touch-ups will now be charged between £10-£Full amount of the tattoo.
Things you should and shouldn't do before your tattoo!
Should......
be on time. As like most tattooists I will more than probably be booked for the whole day. With this in mind, if you show up to your appointment late, then this is likely to affect my schedule for the rest of the day. I am well aware of traffic or last minute hiccups that can put you out and make you late for your appointment, but punctuality is always appreciated! If at worse you are running late, could you please let me know on either of the following numbers.....01242 234123 or text or call on 07590 568855. Also you need to understand lateness may result in rebooking your tattoo! More than 15 minutes lateness without a phone call, text or email will result in loss of deposit and appointment.
Dress the part. Make sure to wear clothing that allows easy access to the area on your body you plan on getting tattooed. Also make sure it’s not your new best dress or sentimental, white clothes are also not suitable either as I am not responsible for ink on your top especially if it’s white, light and completely inappropriate.
Eat something before you come in. Please, please, please eat something before you come in , its a myth that eating a lot of sugary sweets and drinking fizzy drinks is the ideal diet before your tattoo, they are ok but its better to eat something substantial and bring your treats with you to supply you if needed, with an extra boost.
shave. This applies mainly to the men. It may seem a funny request but shaving the night before on the area that your planning to get tattooed, will be extremely helpful, as this will save me time and also will allow your skin to settle down before your tattoo.
buy the aftercare before your tattoo. If you have your tattoo done in the evening and are not able to get to the supermarket, then preparing before hand with the correct aftercare (Bepanthen/Palmers Cocoa Butter) will allow you to start aftercare straight away.
bring i.d. Are you aware that the law states, since 1969, it has been illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18? Even with parent consent. So bringing your ID will save you being turned away on the day. This is really for anyone who has just turned 18 or looks under 25. ID consists of Passport or Driving Licence only.
Get an early night. Whatever you do please do not go out and party your nerves away. This makes your tattoo more painful and bleeds more due to the thinning of the blood. If I smell any alcohol or I believe you have been out partying, you will lose your deposit and appointment and may be charged for the total cost of time booked. No alcohol or any substances within 24 hours of your appointment.
give 24 hours notice of any change. This means if for some reason you have to cancel or you want to add, change or move your tattoo from the details that your artist already has please give us 24 hours notice or the above ( be on time...) will apply.
Be 100% sure. Please do not listen to any advice or give into any pressure from friends or family members. This is your tattoo not there's ,so you have to be the one that makes the decision. I can only advise but will not tell you where to put your tattoo or what colour you should have, all of these areas should be decided before you even book your tattoo. Again any change or uncertainty may result in loss of deposit and appointment.
Shouldn't...
Bring a group of people with you. You have to understand that tattooing may look easy but actually takes a hell of a lot of concentration, the last thing I need is people hanging around and being noisey, disrespectful or joking around in the studio. So only 1 person for each client may come in. This includes any children from the age of new born, toddlers or teenagers. A tattoo studio is not a place for children, at all, please find adequate babysitting facilities.
Bring a hamper of food. As mentioned before, please eat before you come in but please remember that if we stop in your three or four hour appointment so you can have your lunch, then this will come out of your booked appointment and not added on.
Under the influence of any substances or alcohol.
Be pregnant.
Change your mind last minute.
Aftercare
Every tattoo relies on the aftercare that you will give it. Once you and your tattoo leave the studio you have complete responsibility for it.
It can take upto a month to heal completely.
In the first 7-10 days you may experience soreness, discomfort, swelling , iritation and redness.
During this time, it is important to keep your tattoo clean. This means regular washing minimum twice a day, with clean, warm soapey water using new unperfumed soap.
Gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel or kitchen roll.
In between this please use the recommended aftercare cream, do not listen to friends who have had tattoos done elsewhere and what they have used, often this can differ from studio to studio.
Whilst most studios know which creams are best, using ointments that haven't been recommended by your studio can cause confusion and may jepodise the healing of your tattoo.
The two creams I recommend are Bepanthen (found in Boots, Lloyds Pharmacy, Savers and most Supermarkets.) and Palmers Cocoa Butter (only the cream that is the original, not the one for stretch marks etc... no other brand).
Use thin layers of each cream at least 3 times a day.
The most crucial stage is between 2-4 weeks, this period is where the tattoo maybe at the driest so its important to keep the above instructions going especially on more difficult areas such as feet,wrist,hands and back of necks. So also refrain from wearing shoes that rub, watches, bracelets, necklaces and even tight clothing on the tattoo, as this may cause it to rub and therefore pull scabs off which will result in a faded or even scarred tattoos.
When the sun is shining you need to be extra careful too, Bepanthen is oiled based so therefore is not suitable for the sunworshiper, so do not put your tattoo or your skin in extra danger by exposing it to the sun, when your tattoo is healed ,you should use SUNBLOCK at all times this will keep the tattoo from fading .
Also refrain from swimmimg pools, sea, sunbeds and sand during healing as this also can cause infection.
If you work in a dusty field, ie builder, etc.... please ensure you cover your tattoo adequately to prevent anything from getting inside your tattoo and cause infection.
Do not let your pets lick your tattoo.
Light bathing is ok but soaking your tattoo is not recommended, just a light wash is adequate.
Refreshing your tattoo is charged at min £10 (within the first 6 weeks are free), to cover equipment used and will be charged at full price if the tattooist feels that you have neglected their advice and services. Believe me I can recognise genuine care for a tattoo and those who do not listen to anything advised.