Tattoo FAQ: Tattoo removal and design – Honest Answers, General Tattoo Info & Tips for Staying Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the laser tattoo removal process work?
I handle every session personally to ensure you get the safest and most effective treatment.
The laser breaks down pigment particles in your skin, allowing your body to clear them away naturally over time. To protect your skin, I space out sessions by five to seven weeks for proper healing.
Unlike other places that price removal by surface area, I keep it simple. My rates are based on availability, with two clear tiers—one for smaller tattoos and another for larger ones.
We can discuss which tier fits your tattoo during an in-person or online consultation. I’ll give you honest, straightforward advice before you book.
How can I book a consultation for a tattoo or cover-up?
If you’d like to book a consultation with me, you’ve got two options.For in-depth discussions where we need to go over designs, details, or big decisions, I offer free in-person consultations at the studio. These give us the chance to properly go over your ideas and make sure everything is aligned before booking your tattoo or laser removal.
I run things by appointment only, so if you’d like to meet in person, you’ll need to book ahead—there’s no option to drop by unannounced. This way, I can give you my full attention without distractions.If you just want to ask a few general questions, I also offer free online consultations via email or video call.
These are strictly capped at 15 minutes and are done on my schedule, so there may be a wait.
Either way, filling out the inquiry form first really helps—it gives me a better idea of what you need and makes the whole process smoother.
Can you cover up any tattoo?
Yes — absolutely. But let’s be honest: not every old tattoo can be saved without the right attitude and a bit of flexibility.
Every piece of old pigment has its own story — some fade nicely, others fight back. Sometimes a little laser prep helps; sometimes we can go straight into a redesign. What really matters is trusting me to do what’s best for the end result, not just what fits an idea on paper.
If the old tattoo doesn’t work with your chosen design, we’ll adjust it together — not force it. There’s no point trying to polish something that’s already too dark or scarred.
I’ll always tell you the truth about what’s possible — even if it’s not what you hoped to hear. That honesty is what gets you a result worth wearing proudly for the rest of your life.
Is laser tattoo removal painful?
There’s some discomfort, yes — it’s often compared to fast, hot snaps against the skin. But sessions are short, and I use a high-performance skin cooling system designed to reduce pain and prevent surface damage. It’s a noticeable upgrade from what most local places use, and clients regularly say it’s much more tolerable than expected.
Do I need to provide my phone number to book a consultation?
No, you don’t. I’d rather connect with you through email or a video call if you want to keep things a bit more personal before we meet in person. You can book directly through the system or just send me an email to get started.
How is tattoo pricing determined?
Tattoo pricing depends on the specifics of your tattoo design, including its complexity, size, and the time needed to create it. For larger tattoo projects, I can quickly provide current pricing via email after you describe the idea for your design.
If you’re considering a smaller tattoo design, you can either book a free in-person consultation to discuss the details (subject to availability), or book in for a flexy spot made for smaller simple work right away here . This ensures we create a design that fits your vision and provides clear pricing tailored to your needs.
Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment? What’s the policy?
When you book with me, that date is locked in just for you — I commit to it no matter how busy the schedule gets. Your deposit secures that spot and, by definition, a deposit is generally non-refundable unless otherwise stated in a contract. If you need to reschedule, I’ll do everything I can to help, whether the notice is short or long, but rescheduling isn’t free of charge. The idea is to keep things fair for both of us and avoid last-minute cancellations that throw off the schedule. If you’re upfront with me, I’m happy to discuss options, but it’s important to know that your booking holds real value and isn’t something that can be shifted around without cost.
What tattoo styles do you specialize in?
I specialize in illustrative realism — a blend of realistic detail with a more artistic, painterly feel. I’m not chasing hyper-realism; instead, I focus on creating bold, striking designs that move naturally with your body. Color is a big part of my work because it allows me to build volume, depth, and contrast that make the design pop. But don’t get it wrong — I put just as much care into black and white work. My approach to black and white tattoos isn’t about rushing through big pieces for a quick payout. It’s about saturation and longevity, ensuring that your tattoo looks as sharp in many years to come.
How do you ensure the tattoo will heal properly?
I don’t heal the tattoo—you do! My job is to make sure the tattoo is deposited perfectly, with the right saturation and technique, so your skin gets the best start. Your job? Follow my aftercare instructions, keep it clean, don’t pick at it, and give it the time it needs to heal. Think of it as teamwork—you get all the tools and knowledge from me, and you make sure the tattoo heals strong and vibrant for years to come.
Can I bring a friend to my tattoo session?
Your friend are welcome to come in with you for a quick hello, but they can’t stay for the session. My studio isn’t a walk-in shop—it’s a private space where multiple artists work with their own clients. To keep the environment safe, discreet, and focused, only those getting tattooed stay in the studio. This ensures every client gets the privacy and calm atmosphere they deserve. Your friends can always meet you afterward to check out the finished piece.
Can I see my tattoo design before the session?
Yes, but with a process. I design tattoos specifically for you, and I usually finalize them before your session, not weeks in advance. This ensures I’m working on fresh ideas and not making endless revisions. If you need major changes, we’ll discuss them during the consultation. Once the design is set, I don’t send it out early or make further adjustments outside of our agreed approach.
That said, I offer session tiers that include in-depth designing with you on the day. If you want to be more involved in shaping the design right before we start, you can book this as an extra service. I absolutely love this approach because it allows me to work closely with you during high-tier sessions, making the tattoo even more personal and refined. Trust the process—I make sure every design fits you perfectly before we start tattooing.
Do you take on micro tattoos or tiny designs?
I don’t generally take on micro tattoos, but I do make exceptions for dotwork or realism—within my style. I approach realism very differently from what’s typically called “micro-realism,” ensuring the tattoo has proper structure, detail, and longevity. If your idea fits within these styles, feel free to reach out, and we can discuss whether it’s the right fit.
I haven’t seen “X” in your portfolio/gallery, and I want to see a tattoo in the same style before booking?
My gallery reflects the kinds of designs I’m looking to create more of — it’s a collection of work that I’m personally drawn to as an artist. But that doesn’t mean I’m limited to just those ideas. I never know if you’ll be the one to bring an amazing idea that broadens the horizons of my art journey. So if you’ve got something different in mind, don’t be shy. We can chat about it in a consultation and see if we can create something new together.
Are design copies available, or i need to bring my own?
You don’t need to bring your own design unless you already have something specific in mind. I create custom designs for each person I work with, focusing on something that fits your body, your story, and your vision. If you do bring a design, just know that it won’t be a straight copy. I don’t do direct replicas — there are plenty of studios that work that way, but that’s not what I’m about. I’ll always put a unique spin on it to make sure it’s personal to you and stands out as something truly yours.
Can I get a copy of the tattoo aftercare instructions?
Yes. I’ve created a free downloadable aftercare guide that covers the essentials.
You can download it here:
Download the Tattoo Aftercare Guide (PDF)
If you want the full version with my full prep protocol, product breakdowns, and healing advice,
you can join my Telegram community or fill out the form on my website to join the private newsletter.
I want to book on a specific day (like Sunday or Tuesday), but it’s not available — what should I do?
The booking system is simple and designed for direct use — if a date isn’t visible, it means:
- It’s already booked
- Or it falls on one of my personal days off
Those days off are fixed and non-negotiable. They exist to protect the quality of my work and long-term consistency.
That said — if you’re travelling, passing through town, or have a genuine reason, I do occasionally offer private sessions on off-days.
These require a high rate and significant advance notice.
If your request is less than two weeks away, chances are we simply won’t be able to make it happen logistically — especially for large projects.
If you’re still interested despite the above, feel free to reach out by email with your situation.
Can you explain the process, timing, and cost of laser tattoo removal?
This is probably one of top tattoo faq I get to be frank.
Absolutely — here’s how it works:
• The process: I use a Q-switched laser to break down the pigment in your skin. Each session is fast and targeted. On top of that, I use a state-of-the-art cooling system — proper clinical-grade gear, — which drastically reduces discomfort and protects your skin during treatment. Most places don’t invest in this, and it shows.
• Timing: There’s no honest way to guarantee how many sessions you’ll need. Anyone who gives you a fixed number is either trying to sell you something or doesn’t fully understand how laser removal works.
The truth is, your results depend on many things: pigment type and depth, tattoo age, skin tone, placement, health, and how your body clears pigment. You’ll usually see fading within a few sessions, but full removal takes time — and varies person to person. Pretending otherwise is a red flag.
• Cost:
– £67.50 for standard sessions (suits most cases)
– £100 for extended sessions when needed
Prices are fixed — based on how much I can safely treat in a single session, not the tattoo’s surface area.
If you still have questions after reading this, I offer a one-time free consultation — or we can go over everything while working if you’re ready to begin. Either way, I’ll walk you through it.
What counts as a confirmed appointment?
An appointment is officially confirmed when:
- You’ve booked through my official link and paid the non-refundable deposit.
- You’ve received a confirmation email with the exact date, start time, and studio address.
- For last-minute bookings (under 48 hours), it’s only confirmed once I’ve received your bank transfer and personally replied to confirm.
After many years of tattooing and managing bookings, I’ve learned one thing — people can get very inventive with what they assume a “confirmed” appointment.
Here’s what doesn’t count:
- A quick “I’ll take it” in a chat — nice enthusiasm, but that’s not a deposit.
- Clicking “reschedule” and assuming it keeps your slot — that actually cancels it.
- Showing up without a confirmation email — that one’s bold, I’ll give you that.
Basically, if there’s no deposit, there’s no appointment.
If there’s no confirmation email, it simply doesn’t exist.
And if you’re late, the clock keeps doing its job — it’s loyal like that.
It might sound like a bit of tough love, but it’s built on years of experience keeping things fair, focused, and professional. I’d rather warn you clearly now than let confusion spoil your session later — that’s me looking out for you.
Will my tattoo be completely gone?
Some tattoos vanish entirely, others fade to the point where they’re barely visible — but full removal isn’t guaranteed for everyone. It depends on pigment type, how deep it was packed in, how your skin responds, and how well your body clears out the broken-down particles. We won’t know the outcome upfront, and anyone who says otherwise is guessing. I’ll guide you through the process honestly, based on visible progress.
When do results start showing?
You’ll usually see changes within a few sessions, especially with black or older tattoos. But fading happens gradually — the laser does its job instantly, but your body needs weeks to flush out the pigment. That’s why sessions are spaced apart. Trying to speed it up only slows your healing. Real progress takes consistency and time, not shortcuts.
Do you tattoo 16-year-olds with parental consent?
No — and legally, no one in the UK should.
Under the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969 (and the Northern Ireland Order 1979), it’s illegal to tattoo anyone under 18, even with a parent’s consent.
That “with parents’ permission” idea is just a myth, likely borrowed from body piercing rules, which are completely different. Piercings (non intimate) can sometimes be done on minors with parental consent — tattoos cannot.
If a studio agrees to tattoo someone under 18, it’s a strong sign they’re either lacking knowledge in general, are unaware of the law or ignoring it entirely, which raises serious questions about hygiene, safety, and ethics of said studio.
Once you turn 18, I’ll be happy to help you plan something properly and safely.
“Great experience. David is super knowledgeable and a pleasure to chat to!”
Emma D.
“Was back in seeing Davids today to get our project finished and was an amazing session! He takes great pride in what he does and is very talented ! Really friendly and welcoming environment with great people and artists. Thanks again David.”
Craig F.
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