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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.

Yes. When you get a tattoo, your skin is repeatedly pierced with a sharp needle covered in ink pigment – it will hurt, but the level of pain you experience will depend on your pain threshold.

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.

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.

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.