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?
Before your tattoo session, make sure to shower or bathe, eat a good meal, and stay hydrated. Wear loose, comfy clothing to help you relax during the appointment. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, aspirin, and ibuprofen, as they can affect how your body handles the process. Following these tips will make your tattoo experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Don't drink alcohol
Although not legally required, responsible tattoo artists should avoid working on intoxicated clients. At our studio, your well-being comes first—we never compromise on that. Tattooing is physically demanding, no matter your experience level. Your body goes through stress during the process, so it’s important to stay clear-headed and take care of yourself throughout the session.
Bring snacks
Before your tattoo, have a snack and a healthy drink ready—keeping your blood sugar up helps you stay steady throughout the process. You’re welcome to grab snacks from nearby shops, and we also offer free coffee, tea, and Wham bars to keep you comfortable and energised during your session.
Stay out of the sun
To get the best results from your tattoo appointment, it’s important to protect your skin from sun exposure beforehand. Tattooing over sunburned skin is painful and can affect healing. Avoid direct sunlight for a few days leading up to your session to prevent discomfort or complications. Healthy skin allows your artist to work more effectively and helps your tattoo heal cleanly. Pre-care matters just as much as aftercare—so take care of your skin to set the stage for a smooth session and a beautiful result.
Avoid heavy workouts
Preparing for a tattoo goes beyond picking a design—it’s also about getting your body ready. Avoid intense workouts before your appointment, as sore or tense muscles can make the process more uncomfortable, especially depending on the tattoo’s placement. Staying relaxed helps both you and your artist. Just like aftercare, preparation plays a key role in your overall experience and healing. Take care of your body in the days leading up to your session to ensure a smoother process and the best possible results.
The use of numbing creams
Getting a tattoo can feel a little daunting, and it’s normal to be nervous about the potential pain. While numbing creams may seem like a helpful solution, we don’t fully recommend them. Many are not approved by the FDA or MHRA and contain ingredients like lidocaine, which can cause irritation or adverse reactions. Although we cannot stop clients from using numbing agents, we do feel it’s important to inform them of the potential risks. Our priority is always client safety and wellbeing, so we encourage informed choices based on trusted advice and professional guidance.
In our experience, tattoos done with numbing creams often don’t heal as well as those done without. For example, one client applied numbing cream to only half of their back for a large piece. The side with the cream appeared more irritated and red, while the untreated side looked calmer and healthier. Interestingly, the side with numbing cream healed with a noticeably duller finish. It’s also worth noting that once the numbing wears off, the pain can feel up to 40% more intense during the session. Some numbing products even list vague or undisclosed ingredients on their packaging—claiming there are elements they “prefer not to mention,” which raises serious concerns about safety and transparency. If you'd like more detailed information or guidance, we’re always happy to help. Your comfort and long-term results are our priority.
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
While these creams don’t pose a risk to everyone, and many clients use them without issue, it’s important to note that some artists even prefer or recommend them to ensure a smoother session. However, at our studio, we prioritise transparency and believe clients should be fully informed about what they’re applying to their skin. We always aim to make our clients aware of any potential risks and encourage the use of MHRA-regulated creams for safety and peace of mind.
Preparing your body for a tattoo is essential for the best results. Staying hydrated, eating well, and getting enough rest all help your skin handle the process and heal smoothly. Just as important is knowing what to avoid beforehand—certain habits or substances can negatively impact your session and recovery. By taking care of your health and following basic precautions, you give your tattoo the best chance to look great and heal 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.
Proper aftercare is essential to keep your new tattoo vibrant and long-lasting. Neglecting it can lead to fading, irritation, soreness, or the need for unnecessary touch-ups. Thankfully, caring for your tattoo is simple—keep it clean, moisturized, and out of direct sunlight. Always follow your artist’s aftercare advice and avoid picking at scabs or using harsh products. With the right care, your tattoo will heal well and remain a lasting piece of art for years to come.
The Healing Process Begins
The healing process begins the moment your tattoo is finished. Within the first 24 hours, you may notice some fluid—typically a mix of blood plasma and excess ink—oozing from the tattoo or bandage. Redness, soreness, and warmth in the area are also completely normal. These are all healthy signs that your body is beginning to heal. To keep your tattoo looking sharp and vibrant for years to come, it’s essential to follow your artist’s aftercare instructions carefully. With the right care, your tattoo will heal beautifully and remain a piece of art you’ll be proud to wear.
Wash Your Tattoo
Once the bandage or seal is removed gently wash the tattooed area with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Pat it dry with a clean towel—never scrub or rub, as this can cause irritation. Use a light touch when cleaning for the first time to avoid unnecessary trauma to the skin. Even if discomfort is minimal, the area will be sensitive and should be handled with care. Keeping your tattoo clean from the start is key to preventing infection and promoting smooth healing.
Moisturize
Moisturising your tattoo is a vital part of the aftercare process. It helps prevent dryness, cracking, and bleeding, which can affect healing. Apply a moisture-sealing product 3 to 4 times daily (every 4–6 hours) until all scabs have healed. Avoid products containing petroleum jelly, as they can interfere with healing and damage your ink. Also steer clear of lotions with strong perfumes or harsh chemicals, which may irritate the skin. For best results, we recommend using coconut oil or a specially formulated tattoo aftercare product to keep your tattoo nourished and protected.
Do Not Expose Your Skin to the Sun
Your new tattoo is especially fragile during the healing process, and exposure to direct sunlight can lead to premature fading. UV rays penetrate the skin and can begin to break down the pigment in your tattoo. Excessive sun exposure not only slows healing but can also damage the deeper layers of your skin. While a few minutes of sun won’t ruin your ink, it’s best to avoid direct sunlight altogether for the first month to protect both your tattoo and your skin. Playing it safe early on ensures your tattoo stays vibrant for years to come.
Avoid Strenuous Activity or Workouts
Tattoo aftercare is vital, especially since new tattoos are essentially open wounds—making them prone to redness, swelling, and other issues. Physical activities like working out can expose the area to sweat, bacteria, and friction, which may lead to complications. Overstretching the skin or tearing scabs due to tight gym clothing or intense movement can hinder healing. It’s best to avoid exercise for at least 48 hours, and even then, stick to light activity. Full healing takes 4–6 weeks, so if you choose to work out during this time, do so with caution and be aware of the risks involved.
No Tight Clothing
Just like workout gear, tight clothing can rub against healing skin, causing chafing, irritation, or even pulling off scabs. It can also stick to any lotion or aftercare products, leading to unnecessary pain and discomfort. Scabs are essential to the healing process, so keeping them intact is key. To support proper healing, wear loose-fitting clothing made from lightweight, breathable fabrics. Consider sizing up or choosing oversized versions of your favourite garments to allow your tattooed skin to breathe and heal without interference.
Leave Your Scabs Alone
While our artists do their best to minimise scabbing, it's a natural and essential part of the healing process. Like any wound, your body forms scabs to repair the skin. It’s crucial not to pick or pull at them—doing so can remove ink and increase the risk of scarring. Letting scabs fall off naturally protects your tattoo’s appearance and helps ensure it heals cleanly. Scarring over fresh ink can distort the final look, so patience is key. Trust the process and allow your tattoo the time it needs to heal properly.
Don’t Go Swimming (But Don’t Forget To Shower)
Pools, hot tubs, lakes—great for relaxing, but risky for a healing tattoo. These environments are filled with bacteria that can lead to infection, potentially damaging your new tattoo and even causing serious health issues. While soaking is off-limits during healing, showering is essential. Keeping your tattoo clean helps prevent bacteria from entering the skin and causing irritation or patchiness. A regular shower routine with gentle care supports proper healing. So, skip the baths for now and stick to quick, clean showers until your tattoo is fully healed. Trust us—your ink will thank you.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol for a Few Days
Just as you should avoid alcohol before your tattoo appointment, the same applies in the days following. While it might seem like a way to ease the discomfort, alcohol thins your blood, which can lead to excess bleeding, slowed healing, and potential damage to your new tattoo. For best results, hold off until you're fully healed.
Don’t Shave After Your Tattoo
While it’s perfectly fine to shave areas of your body that haven’t been tattooed, avoid shaving over a fresh tattoo. Running a razor across healing skin can cause cuts, peel away scabs, and damage the ink. The same goes for hair removal products like Nair—these contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the area and interfere with healing. Keep the tattooed area free from any hair removal until it’s fully healed to protect your skin and preserve your ink.
Stay Hydrated
Water plays a vital role in maintaining your skin’s natural barrier—it keeps your skin hydrated, elastic, and supports healing and scar prevention. Simply put, your body needs it to function, so an extra glass or two after getting a tattoo can make a real difference. Stay hydrated—your skin will thank you. It’s also a great time to fuel your body with healthy food and skin-supporting supplements like collagen or coconut oil. A balanced mix of healthy fats and proteins can help your skin recover faster and ensure your tattoo heals beautifully.
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 generally recommend numbing creams, but we understand that some clients may still choose to use them. Our main priority is that you're fully informed about the potential risks involved. For more details, please refer to the section above titled “The Use of Numbing Creams” under “Preparing for Your Appointment.”
Tattooing involves needles piercing the skin, so some discomfort is to be expected. Pain levels vary greatly from person to person—what feels intense for one might be barely noticeable for another. Embrace your own experience and get ready to express yourself in a bold, meaningful way!
The cost of a tattoo depends on several factors, including size, style, colour, and the artist’s approach. Additional elements like design time, last-minute changes, or cover-ups can also affect the final price. Our artists are committed to transparency and will provide a personalised quote tailored to your specific needs.
The legal age for getting a tattoo in the UK is 18 and over. Parental consent does not make it legal to tattoo anyone under 18, and we strictly follow this law. We operate a firm “Are You 18?” policy, so please bring valid, in-date photo ID to your appointment. No ID, no tattoo.
The easiest way to make an enquiry is through our online contact page, Messenger, or WhatsApp. One of our dedicated tattoo artists will get back to you as soon as possible! To help us respond efficiently, please have a few details ready—such as the approximate size (in inches), a rough example of your design, and the placement you have in mind.
We don’t have a traditional shop front, but we’re easy to find. RetrINK is located above Speedy Prints on Fore Street, right next to Premier and directly opposite Bandits. To enter, head down the lane behind Speedy Prints and look for the large wooden gate—that’s us!
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-ins when possible. If it’s a small design that takes an hour or two, we may be able to fit you in on the same day. However, appointments are strongly recommended to guarantee availability and avoid disappointment.
Appointments are highly recommended, as we do get busy. Booking in advance allows us time to plan and design your tattoo—especially for larger pieces—and guarantees availability, so you won’t risk making 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 WhatsApp, messenger or our enquiry form.
Some tattoos may require laser removal beforehand to lighten the existing ink. This helps create a cleaner canvas and gives you more flexibility and options when choosing your new design for a cover-up.
Areas like the ribs, neck, armpits, ankles, spine, and elbows can be more uncomfortable during the tattoo process due to concentrated nerve endings and minimal fat padding. On the other hand, spots like the forearm, thigh, or outer arm are generally less sensitive, making for a more comfortable tattooing experience.
Take your time and browse through different artists’ portfolios to find a style that truly resonates with you. The "best" artist is the one whose work aligns with your vision and speaks to you personally. Trust your instincts and enjoy the process of discovering the right artist to bring your tattoo to life in the most meaningful and beautiful way.
We understand that things happen—traffic, delays, or unexpected situations. If you're running late, please let us know as soon as possible. We have other clients scheduled, and lateness may result in your free, no-obligation consultation being cancelled or rescheduled. We’re flexible and may overlook it once, but repeated no-shows or delays raise concerns. In such cases, we reserve the right to cancel future bookings, as reliability is important to us and our artists' time.
We kindly ask for at least 5 days’ notice if you need to reschedule your appointment. If this notice period isn’t met, your deposit may be retained to cover lost time. To make any changes, just reach out using the contact details below or send us an email—we’re here to help and will do our best to make the process as smooth as possible.
info@retrink.com
During
If at any point during your tattoo session you feel concerned about any aspect of the process, don’t hesitate to speak up. Open communication is key, and our artists are always happy to address your questions or concerns. Rest assured, they will replicate the agreed design to the best of their ability. We also encourage all clients to thoroughly review their chosen artist’s portfolio beforehand to ensure their style aligns with your vision.
Your artist will place the stencil on your chosen area and check that you’re happy with the positioning and size. This is your opportunity to speak up and request any adjustments—whether it’s the placement, angle, or scale. Your input is important, and we want you to be 100% happy before the tattooing begins.
If you'd like to wear earphones during your tattoo session, that’s absolutely fine! We actually recommend bringing them along if it helps you feel more relaxed. That said, we do enjoy a chat and a laugh with our clients, as we love creating a friendly and engaging atmosphere. Either way—it’s totally up to you!
Your artist will have given you an estimated duration when providing your quote. While sessions can sometimes take longer, that’s not a bad thing—it often means your artist is focused and adding extra detail to make your tattoo even better. On the flip side, if a client becomes restless or fidgety, it can slow things down a bit. Patience and staying relaxed help ensure the best possible result.
We welcome feedback during your tattoo session, especially if you have any concerns—we want you to feel comfortable. However, once the tattooing has begun, your artist needs to focus on the agreed design. Offering new suggestions at this stage can slow the process down or even disrupt their concentration. You’ll have had the opportunity to share input and make changes during the initial design phase. Rest assured, you’re in safe hands—we’re here to make sure you’re happy with the final result.
Our artists are trained to recognise the signs of someone feeling faint and will act quickly if needed. If you do pass out during your session, we’ll make you comfortable and wait for you to come around. You’ll then be moved to our waiting area, offered a drink, and advised to stay seated until you feel well enough to stand. In some cases, we may recommend arranging for someone to collect you. Please note that refunds are not offered in these situations. If your tattoo session cannot be completed, we’ll continue once the current work has fully healed.
Absolutely—you’re more than welcome to bring your own snacks! We encourage it. We also offer complimentary tea, coffee, and even free Wham bars to keep you going. Plus, we're conveniently located near a range of food outlets and shops, so you can easily pop out for a sandwich, pasty, or whatever you fancy during your visit.
After
Once your tattoo is complete, it will be cleaned and a protective layer will be applied. Your artist will guide you on the best aftercare steps to follow, as the first few days are crucial for proper healing and long-lasting results.
We provide clear aftercare guidance to help you look after your tattoo once your session is complete. Your artist will go over everything with you at the end of your appointment. You can also find detailed information under the Aftercare tab above.
We encourage open communication throughout your tattoo session. If you have any concerns or notice something you're unsure about, please speak up right away so your artist can address it on the spot. Our artists replicate the agreed design to the best of their ability, so it's important to research their work beforehand to ensure their style suits your vision. While refunds are not offered, we do provide touch-ups on healed work in certain cases. Your satisfaction matters, and we’re here to make sure you leave happy with your tattoo.
Some tattoos may require a second or even third session, depending on the design and detail. If your tattoo is complete, we may ask you to return for a review after about a month. This allows us to assess how it has healed and determine if any touch-ups are needed to ensure it looks its best.
We offer free touch-ups within one month of your tattoo, once the initial healing stage is complete. However, if the tattoo shows signs of neglect—such as excessive sun exposure, swimming, or other aftercare issues—a touch-up fee may apply. Proper aftercare is essential to maintain the quality of your ink.