Frequently Asked Questions at Red’s Tattoo Parlour

Tattoos

How do I choose the right design?
You can bring your own idea or talk with our artist. We undertake many styles and personalise each design based on your preferences. We also advise on what will work at certain sizes to make sure your idea translates well. We enjoy helping clients find the best concept and offer black and grey realism, colour work, cover‑ups and re‑works.

What aftercare steps should I follow for a new tattoo?
Leave the Saniderm patch on for 24 hours, then remove it gently in the bath or shower. Wash the tattoo with warm water and mild soap and apply Bepanthen Tattoo cream after each wash. In the first week wash 5–10 times a day; in the second and third weeks wash 3–5 times a day. Avoid scratching or picking at the scabs; doing so will pull out ink and make the tattoo look faded.

How long does healing take?
Everyone heals at a different rate. As a general rule, expect the tattoo to heal within two to four weeks. During this time a light peeling (often called “silver skin”) may appear, similar to sunburn. After peeling, your tattoo will regain its brightness.

Are there activities I should avoid while healing?
Until healing is complete, stay away from swimming, sunbathing, saunas, dirt, oil, grease, paint, industrial cleaners, caustic substances and raw meats. Once healed, keep the tattoo moisturised and use SPF 30 or higher if you are in the sun; ultraviolet exposure can fade ink.

Do I need to book a consultation?
You can request a quote via our online form, but visiting the studio lets you meet the artist, see designs and get a feel for what you might like. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

Piercing

What types of piercings do you offer?
Our studio performs a wide range of piercings including ear lobe, helix, industrial (scaffolding), rook, daith, snug, tragus, conch, orbital, cartilage, nose, septum, eyebrow, lip (labret, medusa, snakebites), navel and nipple piercings. Feel free to discuss placement and jewellery options with the piercer.

How should I care for a new piercing?
Use our aftercare products. Apply two drops of saline solution twice a day for four weeks. Then apply the healing solution once at night (avoid this if you have nut allergies). Wash your hands with soap before touching the piercing. Do not remove jewellery to clean a new piercing and avoid frequent jewellery changes. Drink plenty of water, reduce smoking and alcohol, eat a balanced diet and keep bedding and clothing clean.

How long will it take to heal?
Piercings need long‑term care; listen to your body and care for your piercing for at least two months. Over‑cleaning is not necessary—cleaning twice a day suits most healing piercings. Oral piercings require rinsing with saline solution for about 60 seconds two or three times daily, ideally after brushing your teeth or eating. Surface piercings are harder to heal; salt‑water soaks twice a day or more help.

What risks should I be aware of?
Piercing through nerves is less dramatic than many people imagine; some clients report temporary numbness or mild twitches, but nerves typically regenerate. Infections are more common, often caused by bacteria from hands; follow aftercare and leave the piercing alone to prevent them. Migration or rejection can occur because the body treats jewellery as a foreign object. Some piercings may eventually move or leave a scar. If you notice unusual redness, swelling or pain, contact your piercer.

Laser Tattoo Removal

How does laser tattoo removal work?
Laser removal breaks the tattoo ink into small pieces that your immune system can remove. Sessions can be scheduled every four weeks to give your body time to clear the fragmented ink. We offer appointments daily, including Sundays.

How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies because immune systems differ. No one can predict an exact number. With consistent treatment, the tattoo will gradually fade and eventually disappear.

Does it hurt and will it scar?
Some clients find laser removal relatively painless, while others experience discomfort similar to tattooing. A very slight risk of scarring exists, but your technician will explain how to minimise this risk.

How much does each session cost?
Sessions start at about £50. We can lighten a tattoo for a cover‑up or remove it completely.

Permanent Makeup

What is permanent makeup?
Permanent makeup is a form of micro‑pigmentation that enhances features such as brows, lips and lash lines. It stays put through swimming and exercise and lasts for years. After a consultation, treatment is tailored to your skin tone and facial features.

What happens during the consultation?
You meet with a permanent makeup artist to discuss the look you want. Bringing pictures of styles you like can help. The artist analyses your hair, skin and eye colour, as well as your facial shape, to choose suitable pigment shades. Using conventional cosmetics, the artist creates a visual outline so you can approve it before the pigments are applied. This process ensures the final result matches your expectations.

Does the procedure hurt?
Before pigment infusion begins, a topical numbing agent is applied to reduce discomfort. Most clients feel only slight pressure during the 40‑minute infusion process. After the session, you may notice mild redness and swelling that subsides within 24 hours, and the colour will look darker for about a week.

What is the aftercare and follow‑up?
A follow‑up session, included in the initial price, is held about four weeks after the first treatment. It allows the artist to refine the enhancement. The pigment gradually fades over several years; most clients refresh their permanent makeup every 36–48 months to maintain the look.