Cancellation Policy & Frequently Asked Questions

Handpoked tattoos are made without a tattoo machine. I still use professional single use sterile tattoo needles but hold them in my hand rather than putting them in a machine, I then apply the ink slowly and mindfully to the skin, dot by dot. People have been marking the skin in similar methods to handpoke tattooing for over 10,000 years and I’m very passionate about honouring this craft. I use very thin needles and have a delicate style so my tattoos are often much softer and finer than machine tattoos and generally people find them much less painful, but the process takes a lot longer. They last just as long as machine tattoos as long as they are cared for properly.

Tattoo cost is based on the size and detail and placement of each piece and I do not charge by the hour, I charge by the piece. My average tattoo costs around £500.

The cost includes everything: custom design time, edits, an aftercare kit and your actual tattoo appointment and future touch ups, if ever required. I limit the number of appointments I do so I only see 2 people a day and make sure I can dedicate a good amount of time to each of my clients.

The final price depends on the design, size, complexity and location on your body so it is hard to give a clear idea of cost before I have this info and I will send you a price when I reply to your booking form.

Honestly, the most common thing that people say in the first minutes of being tattooed is how surprised they are at how little it hurts. In fact most people quite like the sensation and find the whole process really relaxing. Of course it depends on the size, duration and placement of the tattoo you’re having, and after a while of being tattooed the sensation will build more. But rather than the burning, intense feeling of a machine tattoo handpoke tattooing is more like tiny repetitive plucking hairs, or little pricks. Most people find it quite calming, and many people fall asleep.

The way your tattoo looks after a month of healing is likely to be how it will stay forever - the ink on any tattoo made in any method will always ever so slightly spread as it settles into the skin, but fineline handpokes will hold their delicacy more than heavier lined tattoos

My tattoos tend to look more dark grey than dense black and the softer more delicate and natural look is one of the most beautiful things about handpoke tattoos

They are perfectly imperfect handmade pieces of art on your skin

There are 3 healed story highlights on my instagram which I suggest you browse through to get a good idea of how your healed tattoo will look. If you do notice any ‘drop out’ after healed where parts of the ink fade a lot, then I offer a touch up session which is free.

Yes, hand poked tattoos are permanent. My method and style is definitely lighter and softer than traditional machine tattoos however - so if you are looking for very dense heavy bold lines then I am probably not the right tattooist for you.

Yes, the black ink that I use is vegan. I am also conscious of plastic use so I have biodegradable surface covers and tools where possible.

Handpoked tattoos take a long time to make compared to machine tattoos, that is part of the magic of the process. My studio is a calming comfortable place, designed in every way to create the best possible environment for you to enjoy receiving your tattoo. I play music in the studio do but you’re welcome to bring a podcast to listen to on headphones if you want. The duration of your tattoo completely depends on size and design and I’ll always give you an idea of how long it will take beforehand.

I do love a chat and sometimes this adds to the experience of the tattoo, but equally quiet is sometimes what feels best and I love peaceful sessions too. Whatever experience comes up will be perfect and will be what is meant to arise for you for your tattoo session. If you are being tattooed on your ribs then I may have to suggest we’re quiet as talking can make your ribs move a lot. Including your arrival, design tweaks, placement, set up etc.. most of my average-sized tattoo appointments take around 3-4 hours.

I am no longer offering finger tattoos

Yes, but I charge more for ribs / torso because the skin is very stretchy and delicate so it takes much longer to tattoo.

Around one week before your appointment I will be in touch with you via email to ask for more detailed design ideas and inspiration so I can create something unique for you

I also ask for a few examples of my previous designs which you like the look of so I can get an idea of the aesthetic you like. Please don’t send other tattooists’ work as I try very hard to create unique tattoos and not copy other people’s artwork. Photos and your own doodles are very welcome though

There is no need to email this to me ahead of time as I wont have time to look at your design until a week before, I will contact you when the time is right to tell you how to submit all of this info

Around 2-3 days before your tattoo I will email you your design drawing and lots of info for your visit

I am usually working on many tattoos at one time so I really appreciate you being patient and trusting that the perfect tattoo will come through. You can make one round of small changes over email if needed, but I also keep at least 30 minutes spare during your appointment to make design tweaks and make final size and placement decisions

It is so important to me to ensure my clients are always completely happy with their designs and I’ll never pressurise anyone into having something they aren’t completely in love with

My studio in Wales is in the most beautiful setting and there is space for a friend / partner to join you. Please be aware however that if they stay in the studio with us they will need to wear a mask due to covid precautions. They are welcome to go for a stroll, read a book, come and go as they please as it will take some time probably. Please let me know if people are joining you ahead of time just so I’m prepared.

I have made so many friendship tattoos and it can be such a fun and meaningful way to share the experience! If you let me know in the booking form that you want to book with a friend then there is a procedure for booking in with friends. As I explain above, there might be some waiting around involved! I recommend bringing snacks etc with you as there are no shops or easy places to eat nearby.

This is not something I offer at the moment. I have to concentrate on designing for the customers I am tattooing. Please do not take any of my designs to other tattooists as that would be stealing my work.

Once deposit has been paid and a slot has been booked your deposit is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances. However if you give me at least 2 WEEKS NOTICE I’m happy to move your appointment to another available date (if we can find one) or I will keep your booking on hold until the right time comes up. Please note I will not be tattooing Feb - Summer 2024 so if you cancel I won’t be able to guarantee a new space will be available for some time and your original quoted cost for your tattoo could alter if you have your tattoo more than 6 months after your initial booked space. Giving less than 2 weeks notice will forfeit your deposit and you’ll have to pay a new one to rebook.

If I have to cancel your appointment due to my own illness or unexpected childcare issues then I will offer to either reschedule if possible, or cancel and refund your deposit if you prefer. However I will not be able to compensate any travel or accommodation costs so please consider this before booking. Of course I hope nothing unforeseen like this ever arises.

Fine line tattooing, and delicate handpoke can heal soft and light which is why they are so beautiful and often the draw towards this work. However if you loose any detail or you need your tattoo sharpening up then I am happy to offer a free touch up session - please be aware that I will not cover any travel cost for this and you will need to travel to me in Wales to have this done. I always keep space in my diary for touch ups, so you don’t need to wait for books to open. You just need to email me a clear photo of your tattoo within 6 months of having it done and I will find you a slot as soon as I can. If I don’t think your tattoo would benefit from a touch up however (if it doesn’t need one or it would ruin the look of the tattoo) then I will always give my honest advice.

Apart from swimming, you can get back to your normal active life once the dressing is off after 3 days. However, I would avoid very heavy intense sweaty exercise for at least a week to allow it to heal. It probably wouldn’t feel great to stretch or stress out freshly tattooed skin anyway, so tune in to your body and be mindful to get the best healing results for your tattoo.

If you are unsure about any of the above, have questions or have any problems with the healing of your tattoo please contact me straight away.

• After your tattoo, I apply a see-through second-skin dressing when we are finished which is splash-proof & breathable

• It is normal for there to be some smudgy looking ink under the surface of the dressing within 24 hours

• After 3 days take off the dressing, peeling it off in the shower under warm water is best

• If it falls off before this time then do not cover it with cling film, avoid covering with clothing if possible and just let it breathe. Start moisturising with balm after 24 hours in this case.

• Once the dressing is off, wash each morning and evening with warm water and gentle soap

• Pat completely dry with clean tissue or towel

• Moisturise 3 times a day with natural tattoo balm which I will provide to you (this is vegan, but if you have any allergies please let me know so we can check it’s ok for you)

• Do not scratch or irritate, let your tattoo breathe as much as possible

• No swimming/soaking in water for 3 weeks

• Avoid very sweaty exercise for the first week while your tattoo heals with a top layer of skin so that bacteria can not get into your tattoo

• Please do not let your tattoo be exposed to strong direct sun for 3 weeks, cover with clean bandage or clothing until fully healed when in strong sun (after 3 weeks always apply factor 50 on your tattoos when in the sun)

Your tattoo will be completely healed in 3-4 weeks. Please send me a pic when healed via WhatsApp or email!

Touch ups can be done if needed after 1 month and are free as long as it is clear you have taken good care of your tattoo