When NOT to Get a Tattoo

It might seem strange for a tattoo artist to tell you when NOT to get tattooed. After all, this is how we make a living. But precisely because we've spent decades in this profession and respect it—there are situations where the right thing to do is say: "Not today. Come back another time."

This isn't marketing. It's not posturing. It's experience.

Medical situations: health always comes first

We don't tattoo people with uncontrolled diabetes. Healing can become seriously complicated. If you have diabetes and want a tattoo, speak with your doctor first and bring us clearance. It's not bureaucracy—it's protecting you.

We don't tattoo during pregnancy or breastfeeding. There are no conclusive studies on the effects, so when in doubt, we wait. Nine months pass quickly. Your tattoo can wait.

We don't tattoo if you're taking blood thinners without medical supervision. Blood doesn't clot properly, and the result can be disastrous for both your health and the tattoo.

We don't tattoo over skin with active problems: eczema, psoriasis flare-ups, recent burns, open wounds. First the skin heals, then we talk about ink.

If your immune system is compromised—due to illness or treatment—we need your doctor's approval. This is non-negotiable.

Emotional situations: the tattoo stays, the moment doesn't

This part is harder to explain, but equally important.

We don't tattoo people who've just been through a breakup and want to cover their ex's name "right now." I understand the emotional urgency. But in three months, you'll see things differently. Wait. If you still want to cover it after a month, then we'll talk.

We don't tattoo someone with an impulsive idea they came up with two hours ago. A tattoo is forever. Give it at least a week. If you still like the idea after seven days, it's probably a good one.

We don't tattoo people who are clearly going through a crisis. Sometimes someone walks in and you can tell: they're looking for something the tattoo won't give them. In those cases, the best thing I can do is have an honest conversation.

Under the influence of alcohol or drugs: never

This is non-negotiable. If you come in drunk or high, we don't tattoo you. Full stop.

It's not just about the quality of work (though that too). It's because:

• Alcohol dilates blood vessels. You bleed more. The result is worse.
• You can't give real informed consent.
• Your pain threshold changes. When the effect wears off, the pain hits all at once.
• Decisions made while drunk rarely match what you'd choose sober.

I don't care if it's your stag do. I don't care if your friends are waiting. Come back tomorrow sober.

Minors: with conditions

In many places, the law allows tattooing minors with parental consent. But the law is one thing, professional judgment is another.

We don't tattoo anyone under 16. Even if parents sign. Skin changes, bodies grow, tastes evolve. At 14, you don't know who you'll be at 20.

Between 16 and 18, only with parents present throughout the entire process. A signature and leaving isn't enough. And only small, discreet designs. No boyfriend/girlfriend names, symbols they don't understand, or highly visible areas.

I know this loses us clients. I don't care.

When the design is a mistake

Sometimes the problem isn't you—it's what you want to tattoo.

Partners' names. I've spent 35 years watching people come back to cover up names. Statistics don't lie. I'll tell you straight: it's a bad idea. If you insist, I'll do it. But I'm telling you.

Symbols whose meaning you don't know. That Japanese character you thought looked cool might mean "chicken soup." That tribal symbol might have connotations you're unaware of. Research first.

Highly visible areas as a first tattoo. Hands, neck, face. Before going to those areas, you should have experience with tattoos in less exposed places. Know what it's like to live with ink on your skin.

Designs that will age poorly. Lines too fine, microscopic details, watercolour without outlines. I'll tell you the truth: in 10 years, that'll be a blur. If you want to do it anyway, fine. But now you know.

When you're in a rush

"But I'm leaving on holiday tomorrow and I want to take the tattoo with me."

No.

A fresh tattoo needs care. It can't get wet in the sea. It can't be exposed to sun. You can't go in a swimming pool. If you're leaving for holiday tomorrow, the tattoo can wait until you're back.

Haste is the enemy of good tattoos.

Why saying NO is professional

Any studio can say yes to everything. Take your money and send you off. That's easy.

What's difficult is telling you today isn't the day. That the design won't work. That you should come back when you're better. That takes experience, judgment, and above all, caring more about the result than the money.

A tattoo is forever. Our responsibility doesn't end when you walk out the door. It ends when, 20 years from now, you look at your arm and you're still happy with what you see.

That's why sometimes we say no.