Stay informed
What to expect
Please find below information covering the tattooing process. We have put together an informative section containing all you need to know regarding before and after your appointment.
Before your session, make sure to hydrate, avoid alcohol and sun exposure, and get a good night's sleep.
After your tattoo, follow proper aftercare instructions to ensure the best healing results.
Our FAQ's section answers various questions you may have, such as how to prepare for your appointment, where to find us, what to expect, and what happens after etc.
At our studio, we prioritize cleanliness, professionalism, and creativity to provide you with a memorable tattoo experience.
Feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions or to book your appointment today!
How Do I Prepare for a Tattoo Appointment?
When preparing for your tattoo appointment, have a shower or bath, eat a meal, and drink plenty of water. It's important to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to ensure your comfort during the session. Remember to avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and caffeine as these substances can interfere with your ability to handle the tattoo process. Taking these steps will help you have a smoother and more enjoyable tattoo experience.
Don't drink alcohol
While it is not mandatory by law, responsible tattoo artists should refrain from tattooing intoxicated individuals. At our studio, we prioritize the well-being of our clients and would never compromise on this principle. Getting a tattoo can be physically demanding, irrespective of how experienced you are with the process. Your body undergoes considerable stress during the tattooing process, making it crucial to take care of yourself throughout the session.
Bring snacks
Before getting your tattoo, make sure to have a snack and a healthy drink on hand. Keeping your blood sugar up will help you retain the energy needed to navigate the process safely. If you need to, you can buy snacks from the local shops near us. In addition, we provide free coffees and teas, as well as free Wham bars to keep you comfortable throughout your tattoo session. Stay energized and refreshed while getting your ink done!
Stay out of the sun
To ensure your skin is ready for your tattoo appointment, it's crucial to protect it from the sun. Trust us — you don’t want to receive a tattoo on sunburned skin! UV rays can make the tattooing process more painful and affect the healing of your new ink. Avoid sun exposure for at least a few days before your appointment to prevent any discomfort or complications. Doing so will help your tattoo artist work on healthy skin and ensure better results. Remember, taking care of your skin before getting a tattoo is essential for a successful and beautiful outcome.
Avoid heavy workouts
Preparing for a tattoo appointment involves more than just choosing a design. It's crucial to consider your body's condition beforehand. Avoid heavy workouts leading up to your appointment as it can make your muscles sore and tense. This is especially important as it may not mix well with the needle sensation and certain tattoo placements. Remember that the preparation phase is just as crucial as following the aftercare instructions. Take care of your body to ensure a smooth tattoo experience and optimal healing process.
The use of numbing creams
Getting a tattoo can be daunting, and the anticipation of it being a painful process can make clients nervous. While the use of numbing creams might seem like a great idea, we don't fully recommend them due to many not being sanctioned by the FDA OR MHRA and containing ingredients like lidocaine that may harm or cause irritation. Although we cannot tell a client they cannot use a numbing agent we can advise on the potential risks to ensure our client's wellbeing and safety is always taken into consideration so that clients can make their own choices based on this information.
In our findings, tattoos done with numbing creams don't tend to hold up as well as those without. For instance, a client used a numbing cream for a back piece but only applied it to half of their back. The section with cream looked irritated and very red, while the side without cream looked great, with minimal redness. An interesting discovery was that the side with cream healed duller than the side without. When the numbing sensation wears off, pain can be amplified by 40% during the session. Some top brands even list undisclosed ingredients on their packaging or state there are ingredients they prefer not to mention which is very concerning. For more information.
Visit the FDA website for a list of non-compliant companies here
Visit the MHRA-Regulated site for a list of UK approved creams here
Although these creams do not pose a threat to everyone that uses them and a majority of clients will have used these products without incident. And some artists actual prefer and recommend these products to ensure a hassle free session. We would prefer to be fully transparent with our clients and make them fully aware of any potential risks' and what it is exactly they are applying on their skin. And we would prefer clients use an MHRA regulated cream.
Ensuring your body is ready for a tattoo is crucial for a successful outcome. Staying hydrated, eating well, and getting enough rest are essential steps to prepare your skin for the ink. By prioritizing your health, you increase the chances of your tattoo turning out beautifully. On the flip side, being aware of what to avoid before getting inked is equally important. It's vital to keep yourself safe and healthy by following precautionary measures. By taking care of your body and understanding what not to do, you can optimize the conditions for your new tattoo and ensure it heals properly.
- Rinse and clean with a non scented antibacterial soap a couple hours after.
- Pat dry (don't rub dry).
- Apply coconut oil or non scented, non petroleum moisturiser after washing.
- Apply coconut oil or non scented, non petroleum moisturiser every 3-4 hours to prevent drying and cracking.
- Carefully remove the cling film a maximum of an hour after.
- Rinse and clean with a non scented antibacterial soap.
- Pat dry (don't rub dry).
- Apply coconut oil or non scented, non petroleum moisturiser after washing.
- Apply coconut oil or non scented, non petroleum moisturiser every 3-4 hours to prevent drying and cracking.
- Keep bandage on for a maximum of 3 days. (remove immediately if tattoo becomes dry and/or itchy). The bandage is waterproof, you can still shower, but take care of the bandaged area.
- After 3 days, carefully remove the bandage in the shower by slowly peeling down the skin and not away using warm water, you can let water pool inside the bandage and carefully tease some non scented antibacterial soap underneath to help loosen it and release the adhesive.
- Once removed carefully rinse and clean using a non scented antibacterial soap.
- Pat dry (don't rub dry).
- Apply coconut oil or non scented, non petroleum moisturiser after washing.
- Apply coconut oil or non scented, non petroleum moisturiser every 3-4 hours to prevent drying and cracking.
Taking care of your new tattoo is crucial to ensure it stays vibrant and lasts a lifetime. Failing to maintain proper care can result in fading, redness, soreness, or the need for frequent touch-ups. Luckily, caring for your tattoo is not complicated. Remember to keep it clean, moisturized, and protected from sun exposure. Follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions diligently and avoid picking at scabs or exposing it to harsh chemicals. With proper care, your tattoo will heal beautifully and stand the test of time.
Keep the Tattoo Covered for 2-3 hours
From the moment your tattoo is applied, the healing process begins. Within the first 24 hours, you’ll notice a range of possible changes. You may see strange-looking fluid oozing from the bandage or tattoo – this is your blood plasma and some extra tattoo ink. Your skin will also usually be red and sore. It might feel slightly warm to the touch. These are all good, normal reactions. Remember to follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and to keep your new ink looking vibrant and sharp for years to come. Take care of your tattoo, and it will be a lasting piece of art that you can proudly show off to the world.
Wash Your Tattoo
Once the bandages/seal comes off usually within 2-3 hours, use fragrance-free, antibacterial soap to wash the area with lukewarm water and pat it dry gently. Avoid scrubbing the skin or rubbing it dry, as this can irritate the tattoo. Remember to wash your tattoo with a light touch when first removing your wrap or bandage to prevent any trauma to the area. The tattooed area will be sensitive, so handle it with care even if you experience minimal discomfort. Always keep your tattoo clean to prevent infections.
Moisturize
After cleaning your tattoo, using a moisturizer is a crucial step in tattoo aftercare. Keeping the area moist will protect it from cracking, drying, and bleeding. Use a moisture-sealing product 3 to 4 times daily (every 4 -6 hours) until the scabs have fully healed. Avoid using products with petroleum jelly in the ingredients list. These products can damage your newly acquired ink and disrupt the natural healing process. Some lotions or creams containing harsh perfumes and chemicals can also cause damage to the skin and affect the healing process. We recommend using coconut oil or a specifically made tattoo aftercare product.
Do Not Expose Your Skin to the Sun
Your new tattoo is fragile, especially in its healing stages. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading because UV rays absorb into the skin and can start to break down the pigment in your tattoo. Too much sun exposure can not only impede the healing process for your tattoo but can also cause harm to the inner layers of your skin. While a few minutes in the sun won’t ruin your ink, it’s best to play it safe and avoid the sun altogether for the first month or so.
Avoid Strenuous Activity or Workouts
When it comes to tattoo aftercare, it's crucial to remember that new tattoos are essentially open wounds, making them vulnerable to redness, swelling, and other forms of damage. This is why it's important to be cautious when engaging in physical activities like working out. Exposing the tattooed area to sweat, bacteria from gym equipment, and overstretching the healing skin can lead to complications. Additionally, activities such as intense workouts can potentially tear scabs and cause rubbing or chafing from gym clothes. To prevent any damage to your tattoo, it's recommended to wait at least 48 hours before resuming light physical activity. Remember, it takes four to six weeks for a tattoo to fully heal, so proceed with extreme caution if you choose to work out during this time and understand the associated risks.
No Tight Clothing
Much like workout clothes, tight clothes can rub against your skin or cause chaffing. This can pull off scabs, stick to lotion or gels, and cause more pain or discomfort. Scabs are important for healing, and wearing breathable clothes will help keep them intact. As your ink heals, use loose-fitting clothing with lightweight and breathable fabrics to maximize the healing process. Go up a size or two, or opt for oversized versions of your favorite garments to let the area breathe and heal correctly.
Leave Your Scabs Alone
Remember, scabbing on your tattoo is a natural part of the healing process. Just like any wound, your body is trying to repair the skin. Picking or pulling off scabs prematurely can remove ink and lead to scarring. It's important to let the scabs fall off on their own to prevent any damage to the tattoo. Scars on top of ink can disrupt the tattoo's appearance, so it's best to be patient and allow the tattoo to heal properly.
Don’t Go Swimming (But Don’t Forget To Shower)
Pools, hot tubs, lakes, etc. All great ways to relax and have fun, all ways in which you can catch an infection from bacteria in the water. Not only can an infection damage the look of your new tattoo, but it can also cause much bigger health problems. However, showering is not as optional. Keeping your skin clean is one of the best things you can do for a healing tattoo. A regular shower regimen keeps bacteria out of your fresh tattoo. If they get into your tattoo, bacteria can cause itchiness and even damage it. You don’t want to end up with a patchy tattoo, right? That’s what we thought. Save the baths for later when your tattoo is healed up, and stick with brief and efficient showers for now
Avoid Drinking Alcohol for a Few Days
Just as you shouldn’t drink booze before your tattoo appointment, it is the same for the days after. Alcohol, while it might help with the pain, will thin your blood which can lead to excess bleeding and further damage.
Don’t Shave After Your Tattoo
Of course, you can shave other parts of your body that haven’t been inked, but running a razor or blade over a new tattoo can cause a lot of damage. It can cut the skin or peel away scabs and damage the fresh ink. This includes using products like Nair because it uses harsh chemicals to remove hair which is another no-no
Stay Hydrated
Water is the key to your body’s natural skin barrier. It helps keep your skin clear and elastic. It helps with scarring and healing as well. If nothing else, you need it to stay alive, so what’s an extra glass or two after your tattoo? Drink water. Please. This is also a good occasion to enjoy some healthy food and take some skin-healthy supplements like collagen or coconut oil. A mix of healthy fats and proteins will help your skin bounce back quickly and heal up to perfection.
Aftercare Options
- Aftercare Kits: Many tattoo studios offer aftercare kits that include everything you need to care for your tattoo, such as antibacterial soap, moisturizer, and soothing balm. These kits are convenient and ensure you have all the necessary products for proper aftercare.
- Second Skin Bandages: Some artists recommend using second skin bandages. Second Skin protects your skin from friction and provides a waterproof, protective barrier that prevents contamination. This barrier also allows you to do anything you need while your tattoo is healing, from work to sleeping without a mess on your bed sheets. Your artist may recommend you wear this for 1-3 days
- Protective Sprays: Protective sprays create a barrier between your tattoo and the outside environment, protecting it from dirt and bacteria. These sprays can help prevent infections and promote faster healing. Some sprays can last up to 3 days.
- Film Wraps: Film wraps are similar to second skin and are another option for protecting your tattoo during the healing process. They are self-adhesive and create a protective layer over your tattoo without sticking to the skin. Film wraps are breathable and hypoallergenic, making them suitable for sensitive skin and can protect the tattoo from friction from clothing and bedding.
- Clingfilm: If your artist has applied a clingfilm bandage, this will protect your tattoo from dirt and infection and help get you home with a clean tattoo. However, it's important to note that clingfilm is not a healing aid. Clingfilm wraps should be removed after a couple of hours to allow your skin to start the healing process.
What Are the Signs of an Infected Tattoo?
While proper tattoo aftercare should help you avoid complications, including infection, it can still happen. If your tattoo is infected, you need to see a doctor immediately to get medication – this will help you with your overall health and the state of your tattoo.You should see a doctor if these symptoms last more than a week. While swelling and discomfort are normal, they should be considered abnormal if they worsen or persist for a long period.
It’s also important to note that it is normal for your tattoo to ooze blood and ink for the first couple of days. You might have an infection if your tattoo is still red and swollen. Go back to your artist or see your healthcare provider.
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FAQ's
Before
We don't recommend them to be honest. But we cant stop clients from using them. As long as clients are aware of the potential risks. To find out why, please read our section above titled (The use of numbing creams), in the (Preparing for your appointment) section.
It involves using needles to pierce the skin, which can bring about some discomfort. It's totally normal to feel a range of sensations, as pain thresholds differ from person to person. So, just remember that what one person finds unbearable could be a breeze for another. Embrace the uniqueness of your own experience and get ready for a new form of self-expression!
Factors like size, style, colour, and even artist preference play a pivotal role in determining the cost of your tattoo. Additionally, variables such as time required for the design, last-minute changes, and cover-ups can also influence the final price. Our artists are dedicated to ensuring transparency in pricing and are committed to offering personalized quotes based on your unique requirements.
The legal age in the U.K. to be tattooed is 18+ we also do not allow parental consent for under 18's as this is not a form of ID and is still classed as illegal. We do have a strict are you 18 policy in place so please bring a form of valid and in date ID with you.
The easiest way to enquire is via our online contact page, Messenger or WhatsApp and one of our dedicated tattoo artists will get back in touch with you! Please have the following information ready, like the size of your tattoo idea in inches, a rough design example, where you want it etc.
We don't have a shop front but we are dead easy to find. We are based above Speedy Prints next door to a convenience store and opposite Bandits. Entrance is to the rear of Speedy Prints. Just look for a large wooden gate.
5 Wesley Lane, Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6TT
You can also visit our contact page and have a look at our pinpointed location on google maps.
We do accommodate walk-in clients when possible, if its a small design that only requires an hour or two then we maybe able to fit you in same day but appointments are recommended for guaranteed availability.
Appointments are highly recommended as we do get busy and this allows us to plan and design your tattoo (especially if it is a large design) and guarantees availability ensuring you do not have a wasted journey.
Cover-ups are possible, but there are so many different variables when it comes to this. The best way to see if we can do a cover-up for you is to come into the studio for a consultation, or send us pictures via our enquiry form.
Certain tattoos may need laser removal first to lighten it up so that a cover-up is then possible, this gives you more options with your new design.
Areas like the ribs, neck, armpit, ankles, spine, and elbows, with their precise nerve endings and leaner fat reserves, can be little pockets of discomfort during the tattoo process. On the flip side, opting for a tattoo on the forearm, thigh, or calf might just make for a more chill ink session since these spots tend to be less sensitive to the sting of the needle.
Take a relaxed approach and browse through different artist images and portfolios to really connect with their work. The "best" artist truly depends on what speaks to you and aligns with your tattoo vision, so don't rush the decision. Trust your gut and enjoy the process of discovering the artist who will bring your tattoo ideas to life in the most beautiful way possible.
We get it, sometimes you may be running late or stuck in traffic. For what ever reason, we kindly ask you to let us know as we have other clients booked in and it may result in cancelling and/or rescheduling your free no obligation consultation. We may let it slide once. But if you let us down more than once, this is alarm bells for us and we reserve the right to discard any future bookings as we would deem this as unreliable.
We kindly ask for 5 days notice if you need to reschedule your appointment with us. Missing this window unfortunately means we'll have to hold onto your deposit. If you need to make a change, feel free to reach out via the contact details provided below or simply drop us an email. We're here to help and make things as smooth as possible for you.
info@retrink.com
During
If for any reason you look at your tattoo during being tattooed and start to become concerned about certain aspects of what the artist is doing then simply communicate with them telling them of your concerns. The artists will replicate the agreed design to the best of their ability. We encourage clients to research the artists work prior to this to ensure you will be happy with their style.
The artist will place the stencil on your chosen body area and will ask you if you are happy with the position and sizing etc. This is your opportunity to communicate to the artist any position or sizing adjustment requests.
If you want to wear earphones during the tattooing session thats fine. We recommend bringing them to your session to help make your experience more comfortable.
An artist would have advised you prior to the session on duration when providing you with a quotation. Sometimes tattoos can take longer but this is not a bad thing, it just means your artist is in the zone and adding more cool details to your design. Sometimes a customer can get a little fidgety and this can slow the process down a little.
We don't mind feedback when we are tattooing especially if its regarding a concern but your artist is trying to concentrate on the agreed design so trying to give suggestions is just going to slow the process down or worse, put the artist off. You are given the opportunity to make suggestions or changes during the initial design process. You are in safe hands don't worry.
Yes. We will not tattoo you without you fully reading and signing a disclaimer.
Our artist will normally spot the signs of a potential passing out. But if you pass out during the session you will be made comfortable and the artist will wait until you come around. You will then be asked to sit in our waiting area and will be given a drink and you will be advised to stay until you are fit enough to stand. We will also advise you to arrange someone to collect you. Refunds will not be possible if this happens. Your session will continue upon the current work being fully healed if not finished.
Yes of course. We encourage it. We also offer complimentary teas and coffees. We also give out free Wham bars. We are situated near various food outlets and shops so you can always pop out and grab something whether its a sandwich or a pasty.
We recommend limiting the number of people accompanying you to ensure a comfortable tattooing environment. We do have an arcade available for customers so one guest can of course use this.
For safety and comfort, it’s best to arrange childcare as our studio is not suitable for children we cannot allow under 16s into the studio, please do not bring anyone with you under age to your appointment
After
Once your tattoo has been finished it will be cleaned and a layer of protection will be applied. Your artist will advise you and the best course of action for looking after your tattoo as the next few days are crucial
We offer information on how to best look after your tattoo once the session has ended. Your artist will advise you when they have finished. You can also check the information above on the tab labelled aftercare.
During the process you should communicate to your artists about any concerns throughout the session. If there's something you don't like about it. Simply tell them there and then so that they can address it. The artists will replicate the agreed design to the best of their ability. We encourage clients to research the artists work prior to this to ensure you will be happy with their style. In rare cases we offer touch-ups on post healed work. We do not offer refunds.
Some tattoos require a second or even a third session. But if your tattoo has been complete and its been a month or so after you maybe asked to come back for a tattoo review. This is where we have a look at how the tattoo has healed and if any touch ups are required.
We offer free touch-ups for up to one month only and after the initial healing stage. If the tattoo has been touched-up and If it looks like the tattoo has been exposed to excessive sunlight or submerged in a swimming pool or there has been signs of any other type of neglect a charge will be applied.