Frequently Asked Questions

  • We are based full-time at my own studio, Howdy Darlin’ Tattoo, located in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

    Howdy Darlin’ Tattoo is situated in Basingstoke’s Top of Town, a 10 minute walk from the train station and bus station. Our closest car park is Central Car Park, just at the entrance to our road. The studio is based entirely on the ground floor and is an open-plan workspace, with privacy from the street.

    You can also find us at regular guest spots and conventions around the UK. Keep an eye on my Events & Travel page to see where we’ll be!

  • You must be 18 years old to get a tattoo. This is UK law, and there are strictly no exceptions to this.

    You will need to bring valid photographic ID with you to your appointment. We cannot accept parental consent for a tattoo. If you fail to provide ID when asked, you will forfeit your deposit and must rebook.

  • Minimum charge for a tattoo in our shop is £80.

    The price of your tattoo will depend on size, placement, colour, and complexity. All pricing will be discussed during the booking process with your artist and will be confirmed before the appointment.

  • Payment is taken differently by each artist but cash is never a bad way to go! Paypal, bank transfer, or card may also be options. If in doubt, feel free to ask your artist before your appointment.

  • The best way to prepare for your appointment is to take good care of yourself! Get a good night’s sleep, eat a good meal beforehand, and make sure you are hydrated and healthy.

    Avoid alcohol the day before, and ensure the area of skin you are hoping to tattoo is clean and free of bruises, scrapes and cuts. Avoid using makeup, perfumes or tanning products on the area you wish to tattoo.

    You may wish to begin lightly moisturising the area a few days before to make sure your skin is supple and hydrated.

  • Most importantly, yourself, excited and healthy! We also recommend bringing snacks and a hydrating drink with you to refuel during the session.

    You will also need to bring a form of photographic ID, such as your passport or driving license, as proof of age. Parental consent cannot be accepted for a tattoo, nor can a photograph of your ID; We must see the original document.

    Wear comfortable loose clothing that gives good access to the area being tattooed; for example, shorts for a leg tattoo, or a vest top for shoulder tattoos. Bring a jumper or hoodie to keep warm; tattooing can sometimes make you feel a little cold.

    You may wish to bring headphones or a book with you to occupy yourself during the tattoo.

  • We are happy for you to bring someone with you for company and support! We kindly ask that you limit it to one guest for your appointment due to the size of the studio, in order to keep the shared workspaces clear and safe.

    Please note that under-18s are not permitted in the tattoo area, and children may not be left unattended in the waiting area, so please leave kiddos at home.

  • Whilst we make every effort to be as accessible as possible, due to the age of the building, our studio may not be suitable for larger mobility aids such as scooters or motorised wheelchairs. There is a step-up from street level to the door; we have a pop-up ramp available, and any of us will be happy to assist you with these if you require. There is a grab rail on the inside of the door.

    The studio is situated entirely on the ground floor and is an open-plan layout once inside.

    Our bathrooms are unfortunately unsuitable for larger mobility aids due to the smaller size of the room.

    Service animals are welcome; please let us know in advance if you are planning on being accompanied by your service animal so we can arrange for a day where we will have more space for them to stay close by.

    Noise levels are kept to a low level in the studio; if you would prefer an appointment at a quieter time, or with minimal other artists and clients in the workspace, we are happy to arrange this for you.

  • Item descriptionThis will depend on the medication you are currently prescribed.

    If you’re taking regular blood-thinning medication, you will need to speak to your GP beforehand and get a doctor’s note okay-ing you for tattoos. Sessions will be time limited to avoid overworking the skin, and you are more likely to require touch-ups as the ink will bleed out more during the session.

    If you are on acne medication, such as Accutane, Tetracycline or particularly Isotretinoin, you cannot get tattooed. This is because the medication can cause severe scarring or discolouration of the skin. You should wait at least six months post-treatment to book a tattoo.

  • This will depend on your condition.

    If you have a heart condition, you will need to check with your GP and get a doctor’s note okay-ing you for tattoos.

    If you are diabetic, be aware that the healing process can take much longer. You should take extra care of tattoos, particularly those placed on limbs and extremities, as the risk of infection is higher due to your body’s decreased healing capabilities.

    Skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne and excema can similarly affect tattoos. We cannot tattoo broken or damaged skin, so if you are having a flare-up, consider postponing your booking, or choosing a different placement.

  • We will not tattoo anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or has given birth within the last 12 weeks.

    Tattooing takes a toll on your immune system, which is already working overtime in any of those circumstances. There can also be a risk of infection being passed on through the placenta or breast milk. After birth, your body is still healing and working hard; check with your medical team after the 12 week mark, and ensure you are feeling completely well and have the time and space to keep up with tattoo aftercare and general wellnesss before booking a tattoo.