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F.A.Q's

・The Black Dahlia | private tattoo Studio | Littleport ・
Here we have put together some of our most frequently asked questions. Topics included are Booking appointments, consultation and design, pricing and payments, preparation, Age limit and safety regulations and more. Please take a moment to read and if you can’t find an answers to your questions, please don’t hesitate to message us on the contact form.

Bookings & Appointments

How do I book an appointment?

  • Book using our online booking form or DM us on social media.

 

Do you take walk-ins? 

  • Walk-ins are not accepted unless specifically advertised or if you've messaged and we've corresponded to arrange a short-notice appointment.

Do I need a deposit?

  • Yes. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure appointments and is applied toward your final price.

How far in advance should I book?

  • For large custom work, book 3 – 8 weeks ahead; for smaller pieces, 1–2 weeks is usually sufficient.

 
Consultations & Design

Do you offer consultations?

  • Yes. Consults can be in-person or virtual. They’re recommended for custom or large pieces.

Can your artists design something from my idea or photo?

  • Yes. We create custom designs and can adapt reference photos—artists will work with you to finalize aconcept.

 

How many revisions are included?

  • Minor adjustments are included. Major redesigns may require an additional fee or another consult.

Pricing & Payments

 

How is pricing determined?

  • Price depends on size, detail, placement, and time required. Complex pieces are quoted after a consultation.

 

What payment methods do you accept?

  • Payments are accepted directly to the artist you booked with via their Monzo account; or cash. Unfortunately card is not accepted.

 

Do you require a deposit?

  • ​Yes. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure appointments and is applied toward your final price.

Preparation & What to Bring

How should I prepare for my appointment?

  • Get a good night’s sleep, eat a meal before hand, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications (unless prescribed), and wear comfortable clothing that gives access to the area being tattooed.

What should I bring?

  • ID for age verification, drinks and snacks to keep your sugar levels up. If you prefer a specific aftercare product, bring it; otherwise, your artist will recommend products.

Age, Safety & Regulations

What is the minimum age?

  • You must be at least 18 with valid government ID to receive a tattoo.

How do you ensure safety and hygiene?

  • We follow strict sterilisation protocols: single-use needles and gloves, hospital-grade disinfectants, and regulated waste disposal. All artists are licensed and follow local health regulations.

Pain, Healing & Aftercare

Does tattooing hurt?

  • Pain varies by placement and personal tolerance. Our artists use techniques to minimise discomfort and can recommend topical numbing cream where appropriate.

What is the healing process like?

  • Initial healing takes 2 weeks; full healing can take 4–8 weeks depending on size and placement.

 

What aftercare do you recommend?

  • Keep the area clean, follow the specific aftercare routine your artist gives, avoid soaking (baths, pools) until healed, and protect tattoos from direct sunlight. Your Artist will provide you with an aftercare sheet.

Cover-ups, Touch-ups & Removal

Can you cover up an old tattoo?

  • Yes. Cover-ups depend on size, colour, darkness and placement—book a consultation so the artist can assess your cover-up feasibility.

 

Do you offer touch-ups?

  • We offer a complimentary touch-up window (ask for current policy), and additional touch-ups are available for a fee after that period.

Do you do tattoo removal?

  • We do not provide tattoo removal services, but we can refer you to reputable removal clinics.

Artists & Styles

What styles do your artists specialise in?

  • Our artists work across styles including traditional, neo-traditional, realism, blackwork, fine line, illustrative, and Japanese—check each artist’s portfolio and social media to match style.

Can I choose my artist?

  • Yes. You can request a specific artist when booking; if unavailable, we’ll suggest another artist with a similar style.

Policies & Cancellations

What is your cancellation policy?

  • Cancellations should be made within the time frame stated in your booking confirmation to avoid forfeiting the deposit. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations may affect future bookings.

Do you allow refunds?

  • Deposits are non-refundable. Tattoo services are final; any concerns should be discussed with your artist for possible remedies like touch-ups.

Miscellaneous

Do you sell gift cards?

  • Yes — available online via our social media DMs or message our site.

Are pets allowed?

  • Only service animals with documentation are permitted.

Can I bring a guest?

  • One guest is allowed for support, but please keep group size small to maintain a calm studio environment.

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