Guide
Everything about getting and caring for a tattoo
Straight answers to the questions people ask before, during and after a tattoo — written by the Tatspire team, checked against what studios recommend, and kept up to date. Your artist’s advice always comes first.
Tattoo pain chart: where does a tattoo hurt the most?
A tattoo pain chart for the whole body: which places hurt most and least, why, and how to make a session easier. Pain is personal — this is a guide, not a promise.
Tattoo aftercare: how to care for a fresh tattoo, day by day
How to care for a fresh tattoo: washing, creams, the film, itching and peeling, swimming and sun — day by day, plus the warning signs of an infection.
Tattoo healing stages: what is normal and when to worry
The stages of tattoo healing from day 1 to month 3: redness, weeping, itching, peeling, the milky phase — what is normal and which signs mean you should see a doctor.
Tattoo touch-up: when do you need one, and what does it cost?
When a tattoo needs a touch-up, how long to wait, why tattoos fade or blur, and how to keep them sharp for years.
Your first tattoo: what to know, how to prepare, what it costs
Everything to think about before your first tattoo: age, cost, how long it takes, how to prepare, what to bring and what to avoid on the day.
How to choose a tattoo studio: hygiene, style, price and reviews
How to choose a good tattoo studio: what a clean studio looks like, how to read a portfolio, flash vs custom, consultations and the questions to ask.
Tattoos and health: pregnancy, medication, allergies, MRI, sport, sun
Answers on tattoos and health: pregnancy, blood thinners, allergies, MRI, blood donation, sensitive skin, swimming, sport, sun, flying and work.
Tattoo design and placement: fine line, lettering, colour, scars and size
How to choose a tattoo design and placement: will fine lines last, how small can detail be, colour on different skin, lettering, scars, and your job.
Tatspire help: deposits, healing diary, consent forms and reminders
How Tatspire works around your appointment: deposits go to the studio, the healing diary, signing the consent form, reminders and what happens if an artist is ill.
Tattoo removal and cover-ups: your options
Can a tattoo be removed or covered up? Laser removal, cover-ups, reworks and how to decide when you regret a tattoo.
Popular questions
- How old do I have to be?
- What should I think about before my first tattoo?
- Is a tattoo really permanent?
- How much does a tattoo cost?
- How long does a session take?
- Do I tip my tattoo artist?
- How do I choose a good studio?
- What should a clean studio look like?
- What does “Verified” mean on Tatspire?
- What is the difference between flash and a custom design?
- Do I need a consultation first?
- Can any artist do any style?
Find a studio
Browse tattoo studios by city, see opening hours and contact details, and send a studio your idea. All tattoo studios · Tattoo styles