Best Tattoo Shops near me in Durham, United Kingdom

Stay well hydrated, eat a good meal before your session, wear comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the area being tattooed, avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior, and moisturise the area in the days leading up to your appointment.

Use Fresha to browse tattoo studios near you. Filter by style, location, price and availability to find the right artist and book instantly.

If you have sensitive skin or allergies, check with your doctor or an experienced dermatologist to see if it’s safe for you to get a tattoo. People with sensitive skin are more likely to experience redness and itching, and those with rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema are at greater risk of suffering an adverse reaction. Don’t get a tattoo if you are ill or your immune system is weakened.

It depends on the design and size of your tattoo. A small, palm-sized tattoo can take 1-3 hours to complete; full sleeve tattoos take 6-10 hours, and very large tattoos can take up to 30 hours. Consult your technician before you book your appointment so you have a clear idea of exactly how long your tattoo will take to create.

Aftercare varies between tattoo studios, so follow your tattoo artist's advice to the letter. You’re likely to need to cover your new tattoo for the first 2-5 hours of having it, then wash it carefully with mild soap and lukewarm water before applying a thin layer of an unscented moisturiser to it. You’ll then either leave your tattoo exposed to the open air, or cover it with cling-film or gauze. Your tattoo artist will recommend an aftercare regime, but you’ll probably need to clean your tattoo 3-5 times a day.

Cover-up tattoos require an experienced artist skilled in designing over existing work. Browse and book the best cover-up tattoo specialists near you on Fresha.

Yes, if you can. Try to avoid alcohol the night before, and drink plenty of fluids to help your skin stay hydrated. If you can, try to eat at least 30 minutes before your appointment. If in doubt, ask your tattoo technician for advice before your actual appointment.