Frequently asked questions
What’s the minimum age for getting a tattoo in your studio?
You must be at least 18 years old. There are NO EXCEPTIONS! Parental permission, a letter from the King and a box full of cash will not get you a tattoo before you are 18 years old, sorry!
Do I need to bring Photo ID to my appointment?
It’s a condition of our licence that we see photo ID for anyone under the age of 25 years old. So if you’re under 25, yes, please bring either a passport or photo driving licence with you to your appointment.
Can I use numbing products before my tattoo?
Our artists’ preference is that you do not use any numbing products. They’re generally vasoconstrictors, which tightens your blood vessels, making the skin ‘rubbery’ and harder to tattoo.
Can I see my design ahead of my appointment?
Different artists have different policies.
If you’re being tattooed by Sona, I’m afraid the answer is “no” - you'll get the big reveal on arrival for your appointment. In the unlikely event that you feel adjustments are required, you can discuss them with her at the time.
If you’re being tattooed by one of the other artists, the answer is “yes”, they don’t mind sharing a preview a day or two before your appointment
Can I drink alcohol after my tattoo?
Alcohol isn’t exactly a healing aid because it dehydrates our skin, but as long as you’re also drinking water and you don't allow a load of dirty drunken fingers to go poking your new tattoo, then you won't have any problems! Drinking sometimes causes people to forget to protect/look after their new tattoos, so it's that lack of care that's the problem more than the drink itself!
Can I choose the font for my text tattoo?
Of course! Some font websites we like:
www.1001freefonts.com
www.dafont.com
www.fontspace.com
Can I use numbing products before my tattoo?
Artists prefer you not to use any numbing products for the reasons stated below. However, if you’re keen to get a tattoo, but 100% need to use numbing cream, the only ones which are legal for use in the UK (such as Emla) are available from pharmacies - this is because they are classed/approved as licensed medicines. Any numbing creams, such as TKTX, bought via the internet from a non-registered pharmacy have not been tested, licenced or approved for sale or use in the UK.
Here’s why our artists’ preference is that you do not use any numbing products: They’re vasoconstrictors, which tightens your blood vessels, making the skin ‘rubbery’ and harder to tattoo. That means your tattoo takes longer (because it’s harder to get the ink into your skin) and there’s potential for greater trauma to your skin, which increases infection risk and extends healing time. Tattoos done with numbing cream are known to sometimes heal with a less even, more patchy finish.
Generally speaking, numbing creams only last for an hour or two and when they wear off, the tattoo hurts more than without cream.
If you’re keen to use a licenced numbing cream, please ensure you read the information provided with the cream. For best results, apply the cream and cover it with clingfilm approx. 45 minutes before your tattoo.
If you’re keen to use an unlicenced numbing cream, especially one containing more than 5% lidocaine, please familiarise yourself with the risks