Frequently asked questions
Are Tattoos Safe?
Yes, as long as you go to a reputable artist who follows recommended safety procedures. Vellum Tattoo is rated as 5 STARS with the Hygiene and Safety Schemem registered with the Environmental Health Authority. We use NEW sterilised needles, inks and new disposable equipment for EVERY client. All equipment that cannot be disposed of after each tattoo (such as the tattoo machines and power packs etc) is covered with a new disposable covers to prevent cross contamination. However, we can only speak of our own strict codes of practice so do not be afraid to ask questions on this subject in other tattoo studios.
I am under 18 but I have my parents permission - can I get a tattoo?
By law you must be at least 18 years old to be tattooed in the U.K.
All of our clients are required to bring Photographic ID showing their date of birth to their tattoo appointment. Unfortunately parental permission does not override the law. Sorry!
All of our clients are required to bring Photographic ID showing their date of birth to their tattoo appointment. Unfortunately parental permission does not override the law. Sorry!
I am scared of needles, can I still have a tattoo?
If you have a fear of needles (very common) or blood you should know that tattoo needles do not actually go into the skin very far (0.5 – 1.5mm on average) and they should never actually puncture through the three main layers of skin completely (when done by a professional). A tattoo does not feel like an injection, it feels more like a hot scratch and the damage done to your skin is so minimal that many people bleed hardly at all.
Do TATTOOS hurt?
Everyone has a different tolerance of pain, but for the most part getting a tattoo is tolerable. Just like eyesight or hearing, skin sensitivity varies from person to person as well as in different parts of the body. However, it is more important that you choose a tattoo based upon what you want rather than worrying about the pain aspect. We have not yet had anyone run screaming from the studio!
The ‘pain’ comes from the needle grouping hitting your skin very rapidly and is more of a sharp and constant irritation than a pain. Areas that are ticklish are likely to be more painful, as are areas that have bones close to the surface such as the ankle, wrist and ribs.
The ‘pain’ comes from the needle grouping hitting your skin very rapidly and is more of a sharp and constant irritation than a pain. Areas that are ticklish are likely to be more painful, as are areas that have bones close to the surface such as the ankle, wrist and ribs.
Hand / Foot / Finger Tattoo Issues
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When it comes to finger tattoos - do as we say not as we do! When you have a lot of tattoos and you decide to go onto your hands and fingers you understand that they do not heal as other tattoos do and do not stay or look good for long. We recommend you don’t get your fingers or pads, or your hand palms tattooed. Not because we are not skilled (take a look at our portfolios) but because it’s the nature of the skin in that area.
A good tattooist will place the ink in the middle layer of your skin - the dermis. But because of the way we use our hands and feet the dermal layer in the hands and soles has developed to be very thin and replaced by a much deeper layer of epidermis. This means it can be impossible to keep a good solid tattoo as the ink will either sit above the dermal layer and grow out or it will go deeper than the dermal layer and become fuzzy and 'blown out'. Some people will see blank spots appearing during the healing process, this can even begin within days of the tattoo being done, others will lose the colour more gradually over the next few months and years. Where the colour does go in it generally looks blobby and fuzzy. Most pictures that you see online or in magazines are of fresh tattoos, not fully healed - not a year or two after healing. When getting a foot/hand or finger tattoo you could be looking at either a lifetime of patchy tattoo or a lot of touch ups at your expense, so it is always worth while doing your research and talking to your tattooist. |
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Can you tattoo over my scar?
The short answer is generally yes, but it depends upon a lot of factors including how old the scar is, what caused the scar in the first place and if there has ever been any infection in the tissue. Talk to your tattooist about any scars you may have in the area you want tattooed during your consultation.
What if I am ill on the day of my tattoo?
To prevent the spread of illness and to keep everyone healthy we ask you to please call us and then stay home until you feel better!
If you are sick or have a cold or flu you should wait to get your tattoo done. If your body is run down it can compromise the healing process. Please contact the studio on 0115 9824555 or contacts us via email, Facebook Messenger. or direct message us on Instagram @vellumtattoo.
If you are sick or have a cold or flu you should wait to get your tattoo done. If your body is run down it can compromise the healing process. Please contact the studio on 0115 9824555 or contacts us via email, Facebook Messenger. or direct message us on Instagram @vellumtattoo.
What medical conditions effect tattooing?
Please speak to your tattooist if you are on any medication or if you have any allergies as they may need to take these into account when tattooing you.
Diabetes – Can slow down the healing time of your tattoo. Keep doing the after care longer, take extra care of yourself and be patient.
Steroid Medication – Use of steroid medication can slow down your healing time. If you are using topical steroid medication please let your tattooist know at the consultation.
Eczema / Psoriasis – Some clients (a very small percentage that have a bad case of either skin condition) find that the tattoo process can trigger an eczema/psoriasis outbreak around the spot being tattooed. If you are in the middle of an outbreak please wait until it has passed so we don’t cause any more discomfort or reaction in that area. If you develop spots after your tattoo don’t be alarmed, it’s the skin's normal response to any irritation.
Immuno-suppressant medications – these medications are designed to suppress your immune system and as such can really cause issues with the heal time, quality of healing and the end result of tattooing. It is recommended that you wait until the medication is out of your system before you consider any tattoo work to ensure the best results, Immuno-suppressants are used for the treatment of many medical conditions including Cancer and In Vitro Fertilisation.
Diabetes – Can slow down the healing time of your tattoo. Keep doing the after care longer, take extra care of yourself and be patient.
Steroid Medication – Use of steroid medication can slow down your healing time. If you are using topical steroid medication please let your tattooist know at the consultation.
Eczema / Psoriasis – Some clients (a very small percentage that have a bad case of either skin condition) find that the tattoo process can trigger an eczema/psoriasis outbreak around the spot being tattooed. If you are in the middle of an outbreak please wait until it has passed so we don’t cause any more discomfort or reaction in that area. If you develop spots after your tattoo don’t be alarmed, it’s the skin's normal response to any irritation.
Immuno-suppressant medications – these medications are designed to suppress your immune system and as such can really cause issues with the heal time, quality of healing and the end result of tattooing. It is recommended that you wait until the medication is out of your system before you consider any tattoo work to ensure the best results, Immuno-suppressants are used for the treatment of many medical conditions including Cancer and In Vitro Fertilisation.
If you are unsure about any medication you are on and it's effect on tattooing please ask your doctor before making your tattoo appointment. It is ultimately your responsibility to ensure that you are fit to be tattooed.
How does pregnancy effect tattooing?
Once pregnant we cannot tattoo you. This is partially because the pain that you will feel will cause elevated stress hormones that can cause discomfort to your unborn child and in extreme cases can trigger miscarriage, and partly because there is a risk (however small) of infection throughout the healing process of the tattoo. ANY avoidable risk is unacceptable during pregnancy. Because of this we ask you to wait 6 months after the birth of your child before having a tattoo. We ask you to wait the extra time because, both during pregnancy and after, your body goes through huge changes and these changes can affect your immune system and healing times.
Breastfeeding is also reason to avoid a tattoo. Again, your body will have gone through so many changes that you need to wait to allow your body to go back to it’s pre-pregnancy state. Breastfeeding can cause a slowing of the tattoo healing time and any risk of infection whilst you are breastfeeding is a risk to your child. Because of this we ask that you wait 3 months after you finish breastfeeding before we will tattoo you.
Breastfeeding is also reason to avoid a tattoo. Again, your body will have gone through so many changes that you need to wait to allow your body to go back to it’s pre-pregnancy state. Breastfeeding can cause a slowing of the tattoo healing time and any risk of infection whilst you are breastfeeding is a risk to your child. Because of this we ask that you wait 3 months after you finish breastfeeding before we will tattoo you.
How long is the healing process?
How long is the healing process?
Generally a tattoo will take between 7 and 10 days to complete the first stage of healing, however, it does vary. Some people heal as quickly as 5-6 days and some take up to 3 weeks. The first stage of healing involves the tattoo going through a ‘flakey’ stage and there may be a few light scabs. After this, during the second stage, the tattoo may become very itchy and the skin may be dry and shiny, or thin looking. It is important that you do not get your tattoo sun-burnt at this point as the skin has not healed properly and is therefore more open to sun damage and there is an increased risk of melanoma. A copy of our aftercare for tattoos is available to download here.
Generally a tattoo will take between 7 and 10 days to complete the first stage of healing, however, it does vary. Some people heal as quickly as 5-6 days and some take up to 3 weeks. The first stage of healing involves the tattoo going through a ‘flakey’ stage and there may be a few light scabs. After this, during the second stage, the tattoo may become very itchy and the skin may be dry and shiny, or thin looking. It is important that you do not get your tattoo sun-burnt at this point as the skin has not healed properly and is therefore more open to sun damage and there is an increased risk of melanoma. A copy of our aftercare for tattoos is available to download here.
How do I look after my tattoo?
Can you cover my old tattoo?
Short answer is yes - but check out our page on coverups and reworking!
How much will my tattoo cost?
Short answer - how long is a piece of string? Tattoos are expensive - they are for life and not just for Christmas - but you can get a rough guide to how much your tattoo is likely to cost on our page How Much Will My Tattoo Cost?
Preparing for your tattoo appointment
Preparing for your appointment
Please bring Photo ID with you to your appointment.
On the Day:
Allow yourself plenty of time on your tattoo day and try not to book other appointments. Occasionally appointments take longer than expected and sometimes you can feel very drained after getting a tattoo.
PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY to your appointment. Due to social distancing restrictions we are unable to accommodate you in the studio before your appointment.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE ON TIME - if you are late we may not able to extend your appointment beyond the allocated time slot.
Personal Possessions:
Please limit the personal possessions you bring with you (leave them securely in your car where possible).
Parking:
Please bear in mind you will be at the studio for up to 2 hours longer than your allocated tattooing time so we strongly advise you to take this into account when parking your car. This is to allow for preparation time, breaks and going through after care.
There is free car parking areas within 5 minutes’ walk from our studio on Abbey Road and the end of Blake Road.
If your booking is for a consulation only there is a short stay carpark on Gordon Road almost directly opposite the studio.
On Arrival:
You will be asked to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser when you arrive at the studio.
Government guidelines now require you to wear a face mask whilst you are in the studio. We are able to provide a disposable facemask should you forget yours, but we strongly recommend you bring your own as it will be more comfortable.
Food:
We recommend you eat a well-balanced meal approximately TWO HOURS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT. If you have skipped breakfast or lunch, you will be asked by your tattooist to go and get food before your appointment and this will cut into your appointment time.
Try to avoid heavily sugary food and drinks (such as sweets, chocolate and energy drinks) as these can cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels which can sometime lead to feelings of nausea, dizziness and fainting.
Please be aware that we are no longer allowed to let you eat lunch in the studio. However, you are allowed to bring snacks and drinks with a lid. We apologise for this inconvenience; it is a restriction placed upon us by our Local Authority.
Clothing:
Please wear clothes that are not expensive, our artists try to contain ink however sometimes it can get on clothing. Try to wear loose fitting clothes and it is always wise to bring a ZIP OR BUTTON-UP CARDIGAN as it is easy to get cold when you sit still for long periods and these items can be reversed or moved easily to expose one arm. For ladies that are getting ribs, sternum or upper back tattooed, please avoid wearing a bra. A button up shirt or a zip up hoodie that can be put on back to front is a good idea.
In the wintertime, we recommend wearing some cosy socks and a hat along with a cardigan as these can make your tattoo experience more comfortable. You will be sitting still for a long time, and this can reduce your circulation and cool you more than normal. You are welcome to bring a small blanket to your appointment if you are concerned about being cold and exposed.
Moral support:
PLEASE COME ALONE. Unfortunately, due to social distancing restrictions we must limit the numbers of people in the studio and as such we are unable to accommodate the friends and family of our clients as we were previously able to.
If you have need of a chaperone, please email us at contact_us@Vellumtattoo so that we can make arrangements.
Alcohol:
Do not drink any alcohol for minimum of 24 hours before your tattoo appointment.
Suntans:
Avoid getting sun burned. We cannot tattoo sunburnt skin!
Avoid sun beds minimum 1 week before your tattoo.
Please bring Photo ID with you to your appointment.
On the Day:
Allow yourself plenty of time on your tattoo day and try not to book other appointments. Occasionally appointments take longer than expected and sometimes you can feel very drained after getting a tattoo.
PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLY to your appointment. Due to social distancing restrictions we are unable to accommodate you in the studio before your appointment.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE ON TIME - if you are late we may not able to extend your appointment beyond the allocated time slot.
Personal Possessions:
Please limit the personal possessions you bring with you (leave them securely in your car where possible).
Parking:
Please bear in mind you will be at the studio for up to 2 hours longer than your allocated tattooing time so we strongly advise you to take this into account when parking your car. This is to allow for preparation time, breaks and going through after care.
There is free car parking areas within 5 minutes’ walk from our studio on Abbey Road and the end of Blake Road.
If your booking is for a consulation only there is a short stay carpark on Gordon Road almost directly opposite the studio.
On Arrival:
You will be asked to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser when you arrive at the studio.
Government guidelines now require you to wear a face mask whilst you are in the studio. We are able to provide a disposable facemask should you forget yours, but we strongly recommend you bring your own as it will be more comfortable.
Food:
We recommend you eat a well-balanced meal approximately TWO HOURS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT. If you have skipped breakfast or lunch, you will be asked by your tattooist to go and get food before your appointment and this will cut into your appointment time.
Try to avoid heavily sugary food and drinks (such as sweets, chocolate and energy drinks) as these can cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels which can sometime lead to feelings of nausea, dizziness and fainting.
Please be aware that we are no longer allowed to let you eat lunch in the studio. However, you are allowed to bring snacks and drinks with a lid. We apologise for this inconvenience; it is a restriction placed upon us by our Local Authority.
Clothing:
Please wear clothes that are not expensive, our artists try to contain ink however sometimes it can get on clothing. Try to wear loose fitting clothes and it is always wise to bring a ZIP OR BUTTON-UP CARDIGAN as it is easy to get cold when you sit still for long periods and these items can be reversed or moved easily to expose one arm. For ladies that are getting ribs, sternum or upper back tattooed, please avoid wearing a bra. A button up shirt or a zip up hoodie that can be put on back to front is a good idea.
In the wintertime, we recommend wearing some cosy socks and a hat along with a cardigan as these can make your tattoo experience more comfortable. You will be sitting still for a long time, and this can reduce your circulation and cool you more than normal. You are welcome to bring a small blanket to your appointment if you are concerned about being cold and exposed.
Moral support:
PLEASE COME ALONE. Unfortunately, due to social distancing restrictions we must limit the numbers of people in the studio and as such we are unable to accommodate the friends and family of our clients as we were previously able to.
If you have need of a chaperone, please email us at contact_us@Vellumtattoo so that we can make arrangements.
Alcohol:
Do not drink any alcohol for minimum of 24 hours before your tattoo appointment.
Suntans:
Avoid getting sun burned. We cannot tattoo sunburnt skin!
Avoid sun beds minimum 1 week before your tattoo.
