Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or adding to your collection, knowing proper tattoo etiquette helps ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting us at Northern 92 Tattoo Studio in Burnley.
Before Your Appointment
Booking and Consultations
- Be clear about your ideas and budget from the start
- Arrive on time for appointments
- Be honest about your skin concerns or medical conditions
- Let us know if you need to reschedule with plenty of notice (minimum 48hrs to avoid deposit loss)
Preparing for Your Session
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Eat a proper meal beforehand
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment
- Shower and wear clean, comfortable clothing
- Consider your clothing choice – make sure your artist can easily access the tattoo area
During Your Visit
General Studio Behaviour
- Keep your voice at a considerate level
- Don’t bring a large group of friends – one support person is usually fine
- Ask before taking photos or videos
- Keep your phone on silent
- Respect the private areas of the studio
Working with Your Artist
- Trust their professional judgment on design and placement
- Stay still during tattooing
- Communicate clearly if you need a break
- Don’t haggle on prices – our artists price fairly for their time and skill
- Ask questions if you’re unsure about anything
Comfort and Communication
- Let your artist know if you’re feeling unwell
- Speak up if you need water or a bathroom break
- Feel free to bring headphones if music helps you relax
- Ask for breaks if you need them – we want you comfortable
Payment and Tipping
Deposits
- Understand that deposits are non-refundable
- They secure your booking and cover design time
- Be prepared to pay your deposit when booking
Final Payment
- Have your payment method ready
- Remember that tipping is appreciated but not required
- Ask for aftercare products if needed
Aftercare
Following Instructions
- Listen carefully to aftercare instructions
- Ask questions if you’re unsure about healing
- Save the aftercare link above or keep your Studio business card handy – the QR code has the aftercare instructions in the list of available links
Follow-up Care
- Book any touch-up appointments if needed
- Follow our social media for aftercare tips
- Contact us if you have concerns during healing
Social Media Etiquette
Sharing Your Tattoo
- Tag the studio and your artist when sharing
- Use clear, well-lit photos
- Respect if artists prefer not to be tagged
- Share healed photos too – we love seeing them!
Special Considerations
Accessibility
- Let us know about any mobility issues
- Inform us of any special requirements
- Ask questions about studio access if needed
Building a Relationship
Long-term Etiquette
- Recommend us if you’re happy with your experience
- Leave honest reviews (especially Google Reviews here!)
- Build a rapport with your artist
- Respect boundaries regarding personal contact info
Interacting with Tattooed People
Basic Respect
- Never touch or grab someone’s tattoos without permission
- Avoid pointing or staring at visible tattoos
- Don’t ask to see tattoos in private areas
- Remember that not everyone wants to share their tattoo stories
- Respect that some tattoos may have very personal meanings
Appropriate Conversation
- Ask politely if you’re interested in someone’s tattoo
- Accept if someone doesn’t want to discuss their tattoos
- Don’t make assumptions about someone based on their tattoos
- Avoid negative comments about others’ tattoo choices
- Remember that “Did it hurt?” gets tiresome quickly
Professional Settings
- Treat tattooed people with the same professional respect as anyone else
- Don’t make assumptions about someone’s capabilities based on their tattoos
- Avoid commenting on visible tattoos in work environments
- Remember that tattoos are a form of self-expression
Remember
Getting a tattoo is a collaborative experience between you and your artist. Good etiquette isn’t about strict rules – it’s about mutual respect and creating the best possible environment for creating lasting art.
At Northern 92, we pride ourselves on providing a welcoming, professional environment for all our clients. Following these guidelines helps us give you the best possible tattoo experience.
Ready to book your next piece? Get in touch with us at Northern 92 Tattoo Studio – where professionalism meets creativity in the heart of Burnley.