You must be 18 years old to get a tattoo. This is UK law, and there are absolutely no exceptions to this. You must bring an original valid photographic ID to your appointment to produce if asked (such as a driver’s license or passport). We cannot accept parental consent for a tattoo, or photographs of an ID.
As a general rule, yes – our artists book for around one to two months in advance so walk-in space is rare. We sometimes have last-minute cancellations or schedule changes; in this case, our artists will advertise their availability on their social media.
We also host regular Flash Day events where you can skip the waiting list and choose from our ready-to-go designs! Keep an eye on ourGuest Artists & Events pageto see when these are coming up.
The best way to book for a tattoo is to email or direct message your chosen artist directly. Their contact information can be found on theirrespective pages.If you’re unsure or don’t have a preference for which artist you’d like, you can use our handycontact formto make a general enquiry.
When booking, please include your design ideas, any reference images, and your desired size and placement. Please note it can take a week or two to hear back from us due to the high volume of enquiries we receive.
When booking, your artist will ask you for a deposit to secure your appointment. Without a deposit, your appointment is not confirmed (unless your artist has specified otherwise). This payment will be taken off the full price of the tattoo.
Deposits secure your appointment and pay for the drawing and preparation time for your piece. If you need to cancel or reschedule, contact your artist as soon as possible. To rearrange appointments, a minimum of 4 days notice is required, or you may be asked to pay a new deposit. If you no-show without notice, your deposit is void and you will need to pay again if you’d like to rebook.
When booking, your artist will ask you for a deposit to secure your appointment. Without a deposit, your appointment is not confirmed (unless your artist has specified otherwise). This payment will be taken off the full price of the tattoo.
Deposits secure your appointment and pay for the drawing and preparation time for your piece. If you need to cancel or reschedule, contact your artist as soon as possible. To rearrange appointments, a minimum of 4 days notice is required, or you may be asked to pay a new deposit. If you no-show without notice, your deposit is void and you will need to pay again if you’d like to rebook.
Tattoos are generally priced by the time taken, which corresponds to size, level of detail or complexity, and time taken to prepare. Each artist will have a minimum charge for pieces that will take less than an hour, to cover costs of the equipment used. Each artist sets their own rates so pricing may differ between them and between shops. Your artist will confirm the price with you when booking and before beginning the tattoo.
To enquire about any pricing, drop the studio or your chosen artist a message and we will get back to you with a quote.
We’re happy for you to bring someone with you for company! We have a large open-plan tattoo area with space for a friend or family member to accompany you if you wish. We do ask you limit it to one guest for your appointment in order to keep the workspaces clear and safe, and avoid disturbing other clients who may be getting tattooed nearby.
Please note, under-18s are not permitted in the tattoo area, so your companion must be over 18. Children cannot be left unattended in the waiting area of the studio, so please leave your little ones at home.
Studio 51 is based entirely on the ground floor with a ramp from street to door and an entryway suitable for mobility aids. You can enter through our own front door, or through Area 51 next-door, with a larger doorway and wide archway leading straight into our waiting area.
Regretfully, due to the age of our building, our bathrooms are small so may be unsuitable for wheelchair users. There are free public bathrooms available very close by in Festival Place.
Assistance and service dogs are welcome in our waiting areas and on the shop floor; unfortunately they cannot accompany you into the tattoo area for hygiene and safety reasons.
The best preparation is very simply to take care of yourself! Eat a good meal before your appointment, make sure you are hydrated, and get a good night’s sleep beforehand. Avoid alcohol in the days leading up to your tattoo.
Ensuring that the skin on the area you’re planning on getting your tattoo is in good condition is also important; lightly moisturising the area you’re planning on getting tattooed starting a few days before your appointment will help your skin be in top condition for your new tattoo. You do not need to shave the area beforehand; our artists will do that for you to avoid prickly regrowth or shaving rashes. We cannot tattoo sunburned or broken skin (for example, scratches, scrapes and pimples) so use sun-cream and no running through bramble bushes!
Most importantly, yourself, healthy and excited! We recommend bringing drinks and snacks with you, particularly for longer session; our artists have water and sweets available, but you may wish to bring sugary drinks or more substantial food (particularly if you have dietary requirements).
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that gives good access to the area being tattooed (for example, comfy shorts for a leg tattoo, or a vest top or t-shirt for arm tattoos). Bring a hoodie or jumper too; some people find being tattooed makes them feel a little chilly.
You may also wish to bring headphones, a fidget or stress toy, or a book to occupy yourself during longer sittings; this is entirely up to you.
Lastly, don’t forget your ID!
