How to choose a tattoo studio: hygiene, style, price and reviews

Look at a portfolio in the style you want, check reviews, ask about hygiene and the price range before booking. A good studio explains the process, tells you honestly if your idea will not work and never pressures you.

New needles and tubes from sealed packs for every client, fresh gloves, a clean and disinfected workplace, covered equipment and clear aftercare instructions. Ask if you can watch the set-up. If something looks wrong, leave.

The Tatspire team has checked the business. It is not a guarantee of quality or a replacement for your own look at the studio.

Flash are ready-made designs the artist offers at a fixed price, often on special days. A custom design is drawn for you, takes longer and costs more. Many artists do both.

For larger or more complex pieces it is worth it: you talk through the idea, placement, size and price, and the artist can plan the design. For small flash tattoos it is often not needed.

No. Artists specialise (fine line, realism, traditional, lettering, geometric, watercolour and more). Choose someone who already does your style well — look at healed photos, not only fresh ones.