Important Information

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Please either fill out the Tattoo Enquiry Form or send the required information by email (as outlined in my autoreply) - I will read the proposal and then email you a price quote and a link to my calendar, where you can book yourself in.

You don’t need to fill out the form if you are booking a consultation, touch-up, or patch test (all free), or if you already intend to book a half‑day or full‑day session.

They can all be booked through my calendly link here:

https://calendly.com/alienink

If you would like to see the design ahead of the appointment, please book a free consultation first, so we can discuss it together and draw it in person. 

PRICING

• Small Tattoo: £100 (includes a £50 deposit)
• Medium Tattoo: £150 (includes a £75 deposit)
• Half-Day Session (3 hours): £250 (includes a £100 deposit)
• Full-Day Session (6 hours): £450 (includes a £150 deposit)
• Extended Day Session* (~9 hours): £650 (includes a £200 deposit)

* In my experience, six hours is usually the upper limit for most clients in one day. I offer longer day sessions for people visiting from out of town, those with a high pain tolerance or large-scale ongoing work, or for clients who prefer a slower pace with more breaks.

Quotes are based on the information you provide in the Tattoo Enquiry Form. If the tattoo takes longer than expected (for example, if you change the design, request a larger size, or need more frequent breaks), this may require an additional session and will be reflected in the final cost. The more information you provide at the booking stage the better, as I will have a clearer idea of what you're after, and the faster and smoother it will be on the day. 

If you have a fixed budget please make this clear when booking - I don’t want to turn anyone away for lack of funds, and I can usually adapt my work accordingly.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

The studio is on the ground floor. There is a 5cm step from the waiting area to the tattooing space, and a ramp is available if needed. There are two gender-neutral toilet cubicles accessible through a 74cm-wide outer door.

The tattooing area is large and open-plan with plenty of space. Privacy screens are available. Music is chosen communally and quite varied - you're welcome to request a change or wear headphones. Bright lighting is necessary, so feel free to bring sunglasses if you're light-sensitive.

We have water, tea, coffee, biscuits, Coke, and Diet Coke available. You're welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks, which can be consumed in the waiting area.

You may bring a carer or companion with you. However, we ask that you only do so if necessary for accessibility, as the studio can get quite busy.

Please let me know about any injuries or physical needs. It's usually possible to tattoo in different positions (e.g. sitting in a chair instead of lying on a bed), and I’m happy to make adjustments.

 

GIFT VOUCHERS / DISCOUNT CODES

Multiple gift vouchers can be used for a session, whereas only one discount code can be used. The code must be written in the Tattoo Enquiry Form at the time of booking. The calendar used for booking won’t display this discount, and it won’t change the deposit amount required. I will make a note of it, and it will be taken off the amount due (please remind me on the day!).

 

DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

So please make sure you are certain about getting tattooed before paying!

The deposit payment is taken online when you choose your appointment time. The remainder is due in cash on the day. 

 

RESCHEDULING OR CANCELLING

To reschedule you'll need to give at least 72 hours notice. If you reschedule within 72 hours of the appointment you will need to pay a new deposit. If you cancel your appointment you will forfeit the deposit - this is to cover the lost income and pay the studio. If you cancel without letting me know ("no-show"), you may not be rebooked. 

If I need to reschedule the appointment I will offer you a full refund or the option to reschedule your tattoo and carry over the deposit.

 

DISCLAIMER

Tattooing is, by its very nature, an imprecise and imperfect art. I will do my utmost to leave you with a great tattoo that you are happy with, to the best of my knowledge and ability. I also offer a free touch-up in case anything happens during the tattooing process or the healing which affects the final outcome.

However, it is important to remember that no tattoo will ever be completely perfect - if you look closely you can always see the hand of the artist and the complexities of the skin. And, until the robots take over, that's part of the magic!

 

YOU WILL NEED TO BRING A VALID PHOTO ID WITH YOU TO YOUR APPOINTMENT

No matter your age, this is a legal requirement. It will need to match the name you put on your consent form on the day of your appointment - Please let me know how you would like to be addressed if this is different from your ID.

 

IMPORTANT:

• you cannot be tattooed under the age of 18
• you cannot be tattooed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• you cannot be tattooed under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Tattooers are not medically trained - if you have any of the following medical conditions you should consult with your doctor and get the go-ahead (before booking in and paying a deposit): diabetes, psoriasis, eczema, cancer, blood disorders (including excessive bleeding or clotting), heart disease, high or low blood pressure, epilepsy, if you have a pacemaker, are taking blood-thinning medication, are on antibiotics, are immunocompromised, are prone to keloid scarring, or are on anti-rejection medication following an organ transplant. 

If you have any allergies (nuts, metals, iodine, aloe vera, adhesives, plasters, lavender, latex, lanolin, etc) please let me know about them in advance so I can prepare the studio and my materials accordingly.

It's best to avoid tattooing directly over moles - this is so that they can continue to be monitored for changes in size or colour. Keep this in mind when you are choosing a placement, but we can always leave a little gap. 

It is possible to tattoo over fully healed scar tissue. Depending on the size, texture, and desired outcome some designs would be more or less suitable. If there is significant scarring please email me a photo of the area or add it to your booking form.

If you are concerned about potentially having an allergic reaction to the ink, or would like to see how colour heals in your skin, please book a free patch test before booking the tattoo. This is available to everyone. Please note it will result in permanent dots of ink in the skin, and it's important to test it in a similar area to where you would like the final tattoo (especially in terms of skin tone and the level of sun exposure). 

Let me know about any accessibility requirements in advance - I am happy to modify the booking process or physical space to better meet your individual needs wherever possible. 

If you have any concerns or questions, please drop me an email to: 

em.alienink@gmail.com

IMPORTANT:

• Moisturise daily - this is especially necessary for areas with tougher or drier skin (e.g. hands and fingers, elbows, feet).
• Refrain from using fake tan one week prior to your appointment. 
• Avoid sunbathing or using sunbeds for at least a week before your appointment. If you have sunburn I cannot tattoo you.
• There is no need to shave the area yourself - I'll do that for you! A trim with clippers is fine but please be mindful of rashes or razor burn if you have sensitive skin.
• Please reschedule if you are unwell. Being tattooed while sick can be unpleasant, may affect healing, and puts the artists at risk of taking (unpaid) sick leave.
• Avoid alcohol the night before your tattoo, as it thins the blood. (Also, being tattooed while hungover is dreadful!). Do make sure you stay hydrated and have plenty of water. 
• Get a good night's sleep so you are well rested. 
   

PLAN THE ROUTE

The studio address is: Parliament Tattoo, Unit D, Leeds Place, London, N4 3RF

We don’t recommend driving, as parking is limited to local residential streets with two-hour pay-and-display restrictions.

Fortunately there are great public transport links! Finsbury Park is just a couple of stops from King’s Cross St Pancras and easily accessible from both Victoria and London Bridge stations. Several local buses also serve the area.

 

PAIN MANAGEMENT

If you are taking pain relief medication in advance or during your appointment please ensure it doesn’t thin the blood — paracetamol is fine, but avoid ibuprofen.

Many numbing creams available online are unregulated or counterfeit, and their use can lead to serious complications. If you want to use a numbing cream: consult a medical professional, buy it from a pharmacy or reputable seller, do a patch test a few days before your appointment, and inform me you'll be using it. Please also follow the directions - most of them need to be applied hours beforehand, so you would need to plan and do this at home before coming to your appointment - allow for at least 30 minutes of stencilling and preparation before we start tattooing.

I do have Bactine available for during the appointment - this is a lidocaine-based spray that works on open skin and reduces pain and swelling. Everyone experiences pain differently — please communicate with me throughout the session if you're struggling, and I’ll do my best to support you.

IMPORTANT:

• Don't forget your ID! No matter your age!
• Shower with unscented antibacterial soap before your appointment.
• Eat a decent meal beforehand, and bring plenty of snacks and drinks with you, especially for longer sessions.
• Make sure you are dressed comfortably, in clothing that allows access to the area being tattooed (e.g. shorts, crop tops, loose shirts worn back to front), and that you don’t mind possibly getting ink on. 
• Feel free to bring things to make you more comfortable - e.g. stim toys, sensory aids, headphones, phone charger, something to watch TV or listen to music, sunglasses if you're sensitive to bright lights, a blanket in case you get cold, etc.
• Arrive on time, not early - my bookings are back-to-back so I will likely be with another client.
• Come alone! If you require a carer, interpreter, translator, or extra support that is absolutely fine, just let me know in advance so we can plan for having extra people in the studio
• Please don’t bring children or pets (service animals are welcome).
• Avoid scheduling anything immediately after your tattoo — appointments can sometimes run over, so it’s best to allow extra time just in case.

IF YOU ARE RUNNING LATE

Please email me as soon as you know you're running late. If you arrive 30+ minutes late, we may need to reschedule - this would require paying a new deposit.

If you're 30+ minutes late and haven’t contacted me, you'll be considered a "no-show" and may not be rebooked.

Looking after your tattoo is just as important as the tattooing process, if you would like yours to heal well, please follow these instructions:

BANDAGE STAGE

There are several ways I wrap tattoos - please follow whichever method I used for yours:

1. Second Skin - 1-6 days

Brand I currently use: Dermalize Pro

This is a medical-grade bandage originally developed for treating burn wounds. It's a sterile, breathable membrane. Unless you have a sensitivity to adhesives, this is my preferred wrapping method.

The first piece can stay on for up to 24 hours - I recommend keeping it on overnight as this will protect your bedding from plasma and ink. Carefully remove the bandage in a warm shower. Wash your tattoo gently with warm water and unscented antibacterial soap, then pat dry with a clean towel, kitchen roll, or allow it to air dry. If you experience redness, itchiness, or swelling, stop using the bandage and move to the Healing Stage below.

However, if you aren't experiencing any sensitivity and would like to keep it covered, you can use a fresh piece of second skin. Wash the tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap, dry thoroughly with something clean, and wash and sanitise your hands. It's very important not to introduce bacteria, hair, or dirt into this second piece. Do not add in any creams or lotion. This second piece can stay on for up to 5 days. It is important not to sweat excessively into this bandage, please refrain from strenuous exercise while using it. 

If the bandage leaks, the seal is broken — remove it immediately and follow the Healing Stage.

You can read more about second skin here: https://faq.saniderm.com/knowledge-base/guide-to-new-tattoo-care/

2. Spray Plaster - 1-3 days

Brand I currently use: Opsite

If you dislike the sensation of second skin, I offer this as a lightweight alternative.

I also use this in areas which would be impossible to cover with second skin or clingfilm - e.g. fingers, ears, etc. This is less durable than second skin but will protect the tattoo for the first few hours of healing. The spray plaster will come off of its own accord - avoid rubbing or excessive contact. Be extra careful with fingers, especially avoiding submersion in water or exposure to harsh chemicals (such as cleaning products). 

3. Cling Film - overnight

If you have an adhesive allergy or contact dermatitis, clingfilm is a better option.

Keep the first piece of clingfilm on until you get home. Wash your hands, then remove the clingfilm and clean the tattoo with warm water and unscented antibacterial soap. Pat dry and apply a fresh piece of clingfilm, taping the edges (micropore is ideal unless you have adhesive sensitivity). 

Change the clingfilm every 3-4 hours until bedtime. Before bed, wash it and apply the final clingfilm layer. Fasten it well - but note that it may still leak overnight. Ensure your bed sheets are clean to reduce the risk of infection. In the morning, remove the clingfilm, wash the tattoo, and begin the Healing Stage.

HEALING STAGE

Your fresh tattoo is essentially an open wound - keep it clean, dry, and protected. Wear fresh, loose-fitting clothing, and ensure it is covered from the sun. Brief showers are fine - morning and evening, wash gently with unscented antibacterial soap and clean hands. Roughly 2-5 days after the bandage is removed it will start to feel tight, dry, scabby, or itchy - this is normal!

You may now start using a gentle, unscented cream - it must be the tiniest amount, you don't want to leave any visible moisture on the surface. It should be a lotion you know your skin gets on with (e.g. cetaphil, eucerin, hustle butter, dream cream, coconut oil, etc). There are a wide range of specific tattoo balms now. I do not recommend petroleum/paraffin based products such as vaseline or bepanthen.

If using a pot (not a pump), use an unopened one and always wash your hands before touching it, to avoid contamination.

IMPORTANT:

• Don't touch, scratch, or pick at your tattoo - this could introduce bacteria and cause an infection, and prevent it from healing consistently.
• If you do need to touch your tattoo make sure your hands are freshly washed and clean.
• Make sure you have freshly washed bedding and towels, this will reduce the risk of contamination and infection. Excess ink and plasma will come out of your tattoo for the first 24-48 hours and could stain, so don't use your favourite bedding.
• If you have pets, keep them away from the tattoo — including fur and dander.
• Do not go to the gym or do any strenuous exercise for at least a week after getting tattooed, and be cautious with sweating in the area during the second week of healing. 
• Do not use fake tan, perfume, or cosmetics on your tattoo for the first two weeks.
• Do not wear tight clothing, jewellery, bags etc over the tattooed area while it is healing.
• Do not go swimming, have baths, use saunas, or use a sunbed for the first two weeks.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing over the tattoo during the first 2-4 weeks to protect it from the sun - when the tattoo is fully healed I strongly recommend using a high factor suncream every day. The UV rays in sunlight break down tattoo ink and cause them to age faster, spread out, and appear blurry over time 
   

SUPER IMPORTANT:

If you have any concerns about infection, please email me immediately with photos. Symptoms may include: redness that spreads wider than the tattoo, the area feeling hot to the touch, fever, chills, sweating, inflammation, rashes, or pain that worsens over time.

If I have used a second skin product on you it's possible for the area under the bandage to remain red even when you remove it, for it to cause wrinkles in the skin that may be stained with ink, and for it to feel itchy (depending on your sensitivity to the adhesive). In most cases this won’t affect the final appearance of the tattoo. Please send me a photo if this happens.

Any time you open the skin you run the risk of an infection. We minimise this by using single use items, and anything we reuse (the tattoo bed, arm rests, etc) is wrapped, covered, and sterilised with a hospital grade cleaner before and after each tattoo. The skin is cleaned thoroughly with alcohol or iodine. The needles, cartridges, and grips are gas sterilised and disposed of after each procedure. We have a biological waste company remove our clinical waste and sharps containers safely. We take every measure to prevent infection and contamination.

You can also help reduce risk by washing the area with an unscented antibacterial soap before your appointment, making sure you have clean bedding and towels for afterwards, avoiding any strenuous activity that could cause sweating while the tattoo is healing, and following the aftercare advice. 

Tattooers are not medically trained and can not diagnose infections - if you are seriously concerned you must seek advice from medical professionals.

 

TOUCH UPS

I offer a free touch up appointment for every tattoo! It's really helpful for me to see how the tattoo has healed, fix any little bits if needed, and to get a healed photo. I'll send you an email after your initial appointment with a link to book in - it's an optional extra, but I recommend doing so if you can.