Tattoo FAQ: Tattoo removal and design – Honest Answers, General Tattoo Info & Tips for Staying Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a consultation?
Not always.
- Smaller or clear ideas → we can handle it directly just find your perfect date on the calendar
- Larger or complex projects → consultation helps
Consultations are free but limited and usually capped at 15 minutes.
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.
It depends on the existing pigment, size, and condition of the skin.
Sometimes we go straight into a cover-up, sometimes laser is necessary first.
I’ll always tell you what actually works, not what sounds good.
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.
Will I see the design before the session?
Yes — but not weeks in advance, and it won’t be sent out to you.
Designs are finalised in person prior to the session to keep them fresh and avoid endless revisions.
If needed, we adjust together on the day.
If you’d prefer to review and develop the design in advance, that can be arranged as a separate, fully dedicated design session.
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 styles do you work in?
I work in illustrative realism — a mix of structure, depth, and painterly approach.
That includes colour work, black and grey, and larger compositions built to flow with the body.
How do you ensure the tattoo will heal properly?
I don’t heal the tattoo — you do.
My job is to apply it with the right technique, saturation, and care so your skin gets the best possible start. Your job is to follow the aftercare properly — keep it clean, don’t pick at it, and give it the time it needs.
It’s a simple bit of teamwork. I set it up right, and you make sure it heals the way it should.
Can I bring someone with me?
Your friend are welcome to come in with you for a quick hello, but they can’t stay for the session. Our 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.
I haven’t seen “X” in your portfolio/gallery, and I want to see a tattoo in the same style before booking?
My tattoo gallery reflects the kind of custom tattoo work I’m looking to create more of — it shows the direction I’m focused on as an Edinburgh tattoo artist.
That said, I’m not limited to only what’s there. If your tattoo idea fits within my approach and can be done properly, I’m open to it.
If you’ve got something different in mind, send it through and I’ll let you know honestly whether it’s a good fit and how we can approach it.
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 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.
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.
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