A LITTLE PREPARATION HELPS
Give your body the best start
A tattoo is much easier to sit through when you are rested, hydrated and have eaten properly. Please read this page before your appointment—even if you have been tattooed before.
Need to tell us something?
Contact us before attending if you are unwell, the skin is damaged, your medical circumstances have changed, or you need to discuss the design.
Message InklabYOUR CHECKLIST
How to prepare
Nothing complicated—just a few sensible things that can make your appointment more comfortable.
In the days before
- Keep normally hydrated and try to get a good night's sleep.
- Protect the area from sunburn, cuts, scratches and irritation.
- Tell us in advance about any significant change to the agreed design, size or placement.
On the day
- Complete the consent and medical declaration we send you before you arrive at the studio.
- Eat a proper meal before you arrive. Bring a drink and a snack for a longer session.
- Shower as normal and wear clean, comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area.
- Bring valid photographic ID if you are under, or appear to be under, 25.
Please avoid
- Alcohol or recreational drugs before your appointment.
- Shaving the tattoo area yourself—we will do this safely if required.
- Applying fake tan, heavy creams or numbing products to the area. Ask us before using any numbing product.
Medication and medical conditions
Take prescribed medication exactly as directed. Never stop or change medication in preparation for a tattoo. Tell us about relevant health conditions, medication and any changes when completing your medical declaration. If you are unsure whether it is safe for you to be tattooed, speak to an appropriate healthcare professional before your appointment.
Consent and medical declaration
On the day of your appointment, we will send you a private link to our consent and medical declaration. Please complete it carefully and honestly before you arrive at the studio. We need time to review your answers before tattooing begins.
If an answer needs discussing, that does not automatically mean you cannot be tattooed—it simply helps us make a safe and responsible decision with you. We may contact you if we need to clarify anything.
Your artwork
We may send you artwork or a progress preview before your appointment, particularly for more complex custom designs. For other tattoos, it may be more practical to finalise and show you the artwork when you arrive. Not receiving artwork in advance does not mean your design has been forgotten.
Nothing will be tattooed until you have seen the design, discussed any reasonable adjustments, agreed the size and placement, and confirmed that you are happy to proceed. Significant changes to the original brief may require extra design time or a rearranged appointment.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Your appointment, step by step
Complete your consent and medical declaration
On the day of your appointment, complete the private form we send you before you arrive at the studio. We will review your answers and contact you if anything needs to be discussed.
Arrival and a quick chat
We will confirm the appointment details, check how you are feeling and answer any questions before we begin.
Artwork, size and placement
You may have seen your artwork in advance, or we may show it to you at the appointment. We will review the design with you, agree the final size and placement, prepare the stencil and make sure you are happy before tattooing starts. Significant changes to the original brief may require another appointment.
The tattoo
We will get you comfortable and talk you through the process. You can ask for a short break if you need one—there is no prize for suffering in silence.
Finishing and aftercare
Once finished, we will clean and dress the tattoo, explain how to look after it and answer your aftercare questions before you leave.
HEALED RESULTS
Touch-ups and fine-line tattoos
Tattoos settle as they heal, and the finished result can look slightly different from a fresh tattoo.
When might a touch-up be needed?
Occasionally, a small area may heal lighter or lose a little pigment. This can happen because everyone’s skin and healing response are different, and does not necessarily mean anything has gone wrong.
Please allow the tattoo to heal fully before assessing it—usually around 4–6 weeks. If you are concerned once it has healed, send us a clear photograph in natural light and we will advise whether a touch-up would be helpful.
The nature of fine-line work
Fine-line and single-line tattoos are intentionally delicate. They use finer needle groupings and lighter detail than heavier tattoo styles, so they may soften, fade or lose tiny details more readily as they heal and age.
Some fine-line tattoos may need a touch-up to achieve the best healed result. Very small or intricate details cannot always remain as sharp over time, particularly in areas exposed to frequent movement, rubbing or sunlight.
What counts as a touch-up?
A touch-up restores small areas of the original tattoo that have healed lighter than expected. Changing the design, adding new elements, increasing its size or refreshing normal long-term fading is additional tattoo work rather than a touch-up. We assess each tattoo individually once it has fully healed.
WHAT TO WEAR
Comfort and access
- Arm or shoulder: sleeveless or loose short-sleeved top.
- Leg or thigh: loose shorts or clothing that can move well clear of the area.
- Back, ribs or chest: loose layers; bring a separate cover-up if that would make you more comfortable.
- Choose clothing you would not mind accidentally marking with ink.
PLEASE REMEMBER
Arrive on time
Please arrive at your agreed appointment time—not early or late. We are a small studio with limited waiting space, so we may not be able to accommodate you if you arrive early. If you are running late, message us as soon as possible. Significant lateness may mean the session has to be shortened or rearranged.
Get directionsA QUICK NOTE ABOUT SPACE
Bringing someone with you
Our studio has limited space, including limited room for guests while you are being tattooed. Please ask us in advance before bringing anyone with you, and wait for us to confirm that we can accommodate them.