Prep & healing
What should I know before my session?
Straight answers on deposits, the night before, studio hygiene and caring for fresh ink.
When will I see my custom drawing, and can it change?
Your artist shows the drawing in person at the start of the appointment rather than emailing it ahead. That protects the original artwork and lets you check proportions against your body together, with time built in to adjust details and try stencil sizes until it feels right.
How do I prepare the night before and on the day?
Get a full night's sleep, drink plenty of water for the day beforehand and eat a solid meal 60 to 90 minutes before you arrive. Skip alcohol, aspirin and energy drinks for 24 hours, keep the area free of sunburn and self-tan, and wear loose, dark clothes that leave the placement easy to reach.
Can I use numbing cream?
Ask your artist first. Many unregulated creams sold online leave skin rubbery and pale, so the stencil wipes away, fine lines distort and healing turns patchy. If a placement worries you, tell us ahead and we will plan safe options and pacing.
How do deposits and rescheduling work?
A non-refundable deposit of $80 to $150 reserves your date and covers drawing time, and the full amount comes off your final price. Give us at least 48 hours' notice and your deposit moves to a new date with no penalty.
How do I look after a new tattoo for the first two weeks?
Most pieces go home under a breathable adhesive film for 3 to 4 days. Peel it off under warm running water, then wash gently twice a day with fragrance-free soap, pat dry and apply a thin layer of unscented lotion. Keep out of baths, pools, saunas and direct sun for 2 to 3 weeks.
Are Slatefield inks vegan, and how is equipment sterilised?
Every black and colour pigment we stock is vegan and cruelty-free. Needles are sterile, single-use cartridges with backflow membranes, and every workstation surface is wrapped in fresh barrier film for each client.
Can I bring a friend along?
To keep the tattoo bays calm and clean, seating is usually just for the client in the chair. If one quiet support person would help your nerves during stencil placement, ask ahead; friends are always welcome to wait in the front lounge.
Can you tattoo over scars, stretch marks or darker skin?
Yes, with the right technique. Scars should be fully matured, usually 12 to 18 months old and flat, which we check at a free consultation. Our artists work across every skin tone, choosing clear contrast, open breathing room and saturated hues that heal rich on melanin-rich skin.