FAQ
How do I go about getting a tattoo?
Firstly you should have a firm idea of what you would like tattooed. Definitely do your research, think about the style and placement of the tattoo and find the right artist for you.
At Southsea Tattoo we cater for all styles of tattooing, we will work with the client to create the best tattoo for them.
The best thing to do is gather as many ideas as you can with reference images and either pop into the shop for a chat, or contact the artist directly - we can then arrange a face to face consultation if needed.
How do I book?
All the artists at Southsea Tattoo manage their own diaries, so drop us an email and we can forward you to the right artist, or alternatively email the artist you require directly with all your enquiries.
Every artist will require a non-refundable deposit for booking a tattoo appointment, deposit prices vary between each artist and are based on the size, complexity and overall price of the tattoo.
You must be eighteen plus to be tattooed, this is a legal requirement by law, valid I.D will be required and will be checked on the day of your tattoo.
What is the design process?
We mainly tattoo and specialise in custom pieces of artwork for our clients. After your initial inquiry or consultation with one of our artists, we will take all your specifications and ideas and create your special one of a kind tattoo. The artist will liaise with you as to changes that can be made either on the day of the tattoo or prior to the appointment if this is agreed between the client and the artist.
All the artists at Southsea Tattoo can cater for all styles, although each artist does have their own preferred style, pre drawn custom designs are usually found on the artists socials/instagrams. You can find their recent work and available designs under the artists section on this website.
How much do you charge?
Pricing at Southsea Tattoo depends on what artist you choose and what you are after having tattooed.
Obviously if it’s a big project the artist will advise accordingly as to how many hours or sessions the tattoo will take, day sits range between £400-£500.
Each artist has their own hourly rate and this ranges between £70-£90 an hour, although we mainly work by quoting the overall price of the tattoo.
We are very honest and clear about our pricing, once we have had the initial consultation with you we will be able to quote you accurately with no hidden costs.
Can I just come in for a walk in?
YES, if we have time on the day we will definitely take on walk ins, to check for availability on the day we recommend calling us at 10am in the morning on 02392 823519.
Alternatively keep an eye on our socials as we update these daily with availability, or take a chance and pop in.
Our minimum charge is £50.
What should I do on the day of my tattoo appointment?
On the day of your tattoo we ask for clients to turn up promptly on time or five minutes before. If you have an issue getting to your appointment on time please call the studio asap to let the artist know how late you will be.
If you turn up more than 30 mins after your appointment time is scheduled, it is at the discretion of the artist whether to rebook your tattoo appointment for another date and time - a new deposit will have to be paid.
If you fail to turn up to your appointment your deposit will also be lost.
You will be asked to fill out a client consent form when you arrive at the studio, we have to do this by law, this is to make sure we can ensure yours and the artists safety. It will include a brief medical history and ask if there is anything we need to know that may effect your tattoo or health.
Make sure to eat something an hour before your appointment and that you turn up in a presentable manner, obviously it is a clinical environment so we ask for everyone’s hygiene to be of a good standard.
We also recommend to not wear your best designer clothes, ink and stencil doesn’t wash out! So if ya don’t want ya brand new Gucci top ruined, wear something you’re not bothered about - more importantly make sure you're comfortable, especially if it’s a long sitting.
At Southsea Tattoo we prefer to deal in cash, we strongly believe in keeping this alive so please make sure to bring enough money to pay for your new tattoo.
Also ID is a must, please don’t forget this, we don’t like having to refuse tattooing our clients.
We will not tattoo you if you have drink or drugs in your system.
How do I look after my tattoo?
After your tattoo your chosen artist will run through the aftercare procedure and give you an aftercare form.
The artist will wrap you in cling film so the site of procedure is fully covered, this stops the open tattoo coming into contact with anything. The first 72 hours after the tattoo is done is the most important as this is when the skin is most susceptible to infection as you are basically healing an open wound.
Once you have left the shop we suggest taking the cling film off after one to two hours and cleaning the area with just warm water, dab the area dry with a clean towel.
We recommend the first wash of the tattoo to just use warm water as soap can irritate the skin. After this you can shower as normal and try to use a neutral soap, perfumed products will not only irritate the tattoo but will also sting.
After the first wash we suggest using Palmers co-co butter or the products we sell from the studio for moisturising the skin, this is very important to stop the tattoo from heavy scabbing.
Make sure to completely rub the product on to the whole site of the tattoo, do not use a thick layer as this suffocates the skin and doesn’t allow it to heal by clogging your skin's pores.
The first night after your tattoo we sometimes suggest (depending on the body part that has been tattooed) cleaning the tattoo, removing any cream and wrapping it securely over night. We only say this to avoid you sticking to your bedding, you may want to repeat this for two to three nights of sleep if the area will be prone to being slept on.
If you do this make sure to clean the tattoo straight away in the morning and apply cream.
The basic rule to looking after the tattoo during the day is - wash the tattoo in the morning, apply cream throughout the day whenever it gets dry, making sure it’s adequately rubbed in.
In the evening wash it again and apply cream for whilst you’re asleep (or if you want to wrap it).
Repeat this process until it’s fully healed, moist tattoos take roughly a week to heal, depending on how well your immune system is it may take slightly longer.
Things to avoid whilst healing are baths, do not soak the tattoo, definitely no public pools or sea swimming.
Do not pick at any dry areas, this will pull the ink out when healing, if you need a touch up once the tattoo is healed we can tell if it’s because you have picked at it.
Avoid direct light exposure to the site of tattoo ie. no sun beds.
It’s best to wear loose clothing, so nothing is irritating the tattoo whilst healing.
If you want to use second skin please talk to your chosen artist.
If you have any issues in the healing process, please contact us so we can help.
