Before you start

How long does a session take?

A small simple tattoo can take under an hour; a hand-sized piece a few hours; large pieces are split into several sessions of three to six hours, with weeks in between so the skin can heal.

Last checked 2026-10-14. General information, not medical advice — ask your artist or a doctor about your own case.

Read more: Your first tattoo: what to know, how to prepare, what it costs