Tattoo care & faqs
Pre Tattoo
Essential information to ensure your tattoo experience is smooth and successful
Stay hydrated, get good sleep, and eat a solid meal before your session. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area.
The evening before please wash, exfoliate and shave the area the tattoo will be applied to. Avoid consuming alcohol. Get a good night sleep!
Keep the tattoo clean and moisturized. Follow your artist's specific aftercare instructions and avoid direct sunlight during healing. Please wear comfortable and suitable clothing, loose and breathable is best. Changing rooms are available should you wish to change into something before or after your tattoo. This is especially relevant for anyone having a tattoo in a more intimate area. Make sure you have something to eat, this will help and DON’T FORGET YOUR ID!
Any medical conditions or concerns including disabilities or medications must be disclosed prior to your appointment, this ensures safe practice and allows me to tailor your session to suit any possible extra requirements etc. This will be part of signing your consent form.
Post Tattoo
Essential information to ensure your tattoo experience is smooth and successful
Make sure you wash your hands before touching and after touching your new tattoo. Remove wrapping when you get home (this does not apply to second skin) and wash gently with scent free soap in lukewarm water. Pat dry with kitchen roll. This allows air to get to the tattoo and start the healing process.
(Removing second skin: - keep the second skin on until the morning or evening after. Remove in a lukewarm shower allowing the water to get under the second skin as you peel it down slowly). Wash and pat dry with kitchen roll.)
Wrap the tattoo in cling film on the first night before going to bed, repeat step 1 in the morning. (Only wrap on first night, this does not apply with second skin)
Wash in lukewarm water for the first week, DO NOT soak the tattoo, no swimming, pool or ocean. If in the bath, make sure the tattoo is kept out of the water and with showering keep the tattoo out of the running water as much as possible.
Avoid direct sunlight! PLEASE wear sun cream, factor 50, If the sun is unavoidable.
Avoid chemicals & any external damage to your tattoo. This includes tight clothes, shoes and even underwear that may rub. This gives the best chance of your tattoo healing correctly, please follow these steps. DO NOT hesitate to ask your artist for further assistance IF YOU NEED IT!
Should you have any concerns with the healing process of your tattoo, please contact the artist directly. If you feel you are having an allergic reaction to your tattoo or feel the tattoo is infected then please seek medical advice as soon as possible. Infections and allergic reactions present similar symptoms- I am here to help and offer advice however I am not a medical professional, If it’s an emergency then contact 999 or visit your nearest urgent care or A&E.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some common curiosity's of tattooing
Preparation and mindset are key. Trust your artist and communicate openly about your vision and concerns.
Breathe deeply and remember that professional artists are skilled at making the process smooth. Bring music or a friend for comfort.
Moisturize your skin in the weeks before your appointment. Avoid sunburn and keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
Consult with your artist about any medications. Some can affect bleeding and healing. Always be transparent.
Eat well before and after your tattoo. Proper nutrition supports faster healing and helps your body recover.
Initial healing takes around 1-3 weeks, but full healing can take up to 3-6 months for different skin types. Size of tattoo can have an impact to heal times.
Saying this I’ve known people heal in days for small tattoos on strong skin!
Check my PreTattoo & PostTattoo advice for some more in depth advice which will aid the healing process!
Every tattoo is a story etched into skin. Understanding the process helps calm nerves and ensures a smooth experience. Trust builds between artist and client, creating art that speaks without words.
Pain levels depend on the body part, your pain tolerance, and the tattoo’s size. Areas with thin skin or near bones (e.g., ribs, ankles) tend to hurt more. Scars & stretchmarks can be notoriously painful as well. But rest assured for most people this is a bearable pain.
Support can help calm nerves. A friend is welcome however no more than one due to space constraints and potential for distractions.
Prices vary depending on size, complexity, artist experience, and location. Small tattoos may start at £50-£150, while larger pieces can cost hundreds or thousands over many sessions.
At Bee Tattoos I create each piece bespoke, the price takes into consideration design time and the amount of materials required as well as the actual tattoo! I work per design not per hour.
Time varies by design. Simple tattoos may take 30 minutes to an hour with set up; intricate or large pieces can take multiple sessions over hours or days. Your artist will be able to give you a rough idea and book your session to reflect this.
Research artists’ portfolios, check reviews, ensure they follow hygiene standards, and choose someone whose style matches your vision.
If you arrive and are NOT comfortable, then you have every right to change your mind last minute! Make sure your artist is licensed and insured!
Avoid intense exercise for 48 hours to a week to prevent sweating or stretching the skin, which can affect healing. BAGGY CLOTHES ARE BEST!!
All tattoos fade slightly with age, sun exposure, or poor aftercare. Proper care and touch-ups can maintain vibrancy. Ultimately tattoos respond differently to varying skin, fading is a completely normal part of the process. A good rule of thumb is that the higher exposure to abrasion an area has, the higher likelihood of fading. A tattoo on the palm of your hand will be far more faded than a tattoo on your inner bicep after a years time.