FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions…
1. What styles of tattoos do you specialise in at Six Three Tattoo?
• At Six Three Tattoo, our artists specialise in a variety of styles including black and grey realism, traditional, neo-traditional, and fine line realism. Each artist brings their unique flair, with specialisations in portrait work, realism/finer realism, and
script tattoos, both large and small.
2. How can I book an appointment?
• You can book an appointment by visiting our studio on St. Johns Street in
Colchester, or emailing our artists directly.
We also offer consultations which can be scheduled in advance to discuss your
tattoo ideas and preferences if needed.
3. Do you accept walk-ins?
• Yes, we welcome walk-ins at our studio on St. Johns Street. However, for specific artists or extensive tattoo designs, we recommend booking an appointment to ensure availability.
4. What should I bring to my tattoo appointment?
• Please bring a valid ID for age verification, as we do not tattoo anyone under the
age of 18. It’s also helpful to come with reference images or a clear idea of what
you want to discuss with your artist. If you have any medical conditions or allergies,
please inform us in advance.
5. How should I prepare for my tattoo session?
• We recommend that clients arrive well-rested, hydrated, and having eaten a good meal prior to their tattoo session. Avoid alcohol and sunburn in the area to be tattooed.
Wear comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the area where you will be
tattooed.
6. How do I care for my new tattoo?
• Aftercare is crucial for ensuring your tattoo heals properly. You will receive detailed
aftercare instructions at the end of your session, which typically include keeping the tattoo clean and moisturised, avoiding soaking, and limiting sun exposure. Follow these instructions carefully and consult with us if any questions arise during the healing process. We have a handy guide here
7. Can I bring a friend to my tattoo appointment?
• Due to limited space and the focus required during tattooing, we prefer that clients
do not bring friends or family to their appointments. If you require assistance or
support, please discuss this with us in advance.
8. What is your cancellation policy?
• We require at least 48 hours notice for cancellations. Deposits are non-refundable
but may be transferred to a rescheduled appointment date if proper notice is
given.
9. Do you offer touch-ups on tattoos?
• Yes, we offer free touch-ups within the first three months after your tattoo is fully
healed, excluding tattoos on hands, feet, and faces. Further details will be
provided during your session.
10. How can I see your artists’ work?
• You can view the portfolios of our artists on our website or by visiting our Instagram
page. We highly recommend looking at each artist’s style to choose the one that
best suits the tattoo you want.
UNCOMMON FAQs
1. Can I get tattooed if I have a skin condition?
• If you have a skin condition (like eczema, psoriasis, or acne) in the area you want
tattooed, it’s best to wait until the condition has cleared before getting tattooed.
Skin conditions can affect how your tattoo heals and may increase the risk of
infection. Please consult with your dermatologist and discuss with your tattoo artist before proceeding.
2. Is it safe to get a tattoo during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
• We recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to get a tattoo.
Changes in your skin and immune system during pregnancy, as well as the risk of
infection, make it safer to wait.
3. How do I know if I’m allergic to tattoo ink?
• Allergic reactions to tattoo inks are rare, but if you have sensitive skin or allergies to certain metals or chemicals, it’s important to discuss these with your artist. We can
perform a patch test where a small amount of the ink is placed under your skin in a
less visible area to see if there is a reaction.
4. What forms of payment do you accept?
• We accept cash and digital transfer payment options. Please
confirm your preferred payment method with us before your appointment.
5. Can tattoos cover scars?
• Many scars can be successfully covered with a tattoo, depending on the type and maturity of the scar. We recommend waiting at least one year after a scar has
formed to ensure it’s fully healed. Consultation with a tattoo artist is necessary to
assess the scar tissue and plan the design.
6. What should I do if I don’t like my tattoo?
• If you’re unhappy with your tattoo, options include touch-ups, modifications, or
cover-up work, all of which can be discussed with your artist. For more drastic
changes, professional tattoo removal services are an option, which we can advise
on.
7. How long do I need to wait before going swimming with a new tattoo?
• It’s best to avoid swimming until your tattoo has fully healed, which typically takes about 2-4 weeks. Chlorinated water, saltwater, and bacteria in natural bodies of
water can all potentially damage a new tattoo and increase the risk of infection.
8. Do tattoos fade over time?
• Yes, tattoos can fade over time due to exposure to the sun, aging skin, and the
body’s natural exfoliation process. Choosing professional quality ink and following
proper aftercare procedures can minimise fading. Regular touch-ups can refresh a
tattoo’s appearance.
9. Are there any types of tattoos you won’t do?
• At Six Three Tattoo, we prioritise the safety and comfort of our clients and staff. We do not tattoo hate symbols or anything that promotes discrimination. Additionally,
we may decline tattoos that we believe won’t represent our standards for quality
due to size or location.
10. Can tattoos affect my MRI scans?
• Most modern tattoos do not affect MRI scans. However, some older inks contained metals that could interact with MRI technology. If you have an MRI scheduled,
inform your technician about your tattoos, especially if they contain black or
metallic inks.
OBSCURE FAQs
1. Can tattoos interfere with sweat glands?
• Research indicates that tattooed skin may have a reduced capacity to sweat
compared with non-tattooed skin. However, the effect is minor and generally not
noticeable unless large areas of the body are covered with tattoos. It’s an
interesting physiological aspect to consider, especially for athletes.
2. Do different skin types affect how a tattoo will heal?
• Yes, different skin types can affect healing. Oily skin, dry skin, and darker skin tones may experience varying results during the healing process. Darker skin tones, for
instance, are more prone to developing keloids and might require different
aftercare to prevent hypertrophic scarring.
3. What is the significance of tattoo placement in terms of visibility and aging?
• Placement can significantly affect how a tattoo ages. Areas that experience more
sun exposure, like the arms and face, can fade faster than less exposed areas.
Additionally, places that undergo more skin stretching and changes (like the
abdomen) might distort a tattoo over time.
4. Is it possible to tattoo over freckles and moles?
• Tattooing over moles is generally discouraged because it can obscure changes in the mole that might indicate skin cancer. Freckles are usually fine to tattoo over,
but it’s important to consider how they might affect the visibility and clarity of the
tattoo design.
5. How does tattoo ink remain in the skin permanently?
• Tattoo ink is deposited into the dermis, the second layer of skin, which is below the constantly renewing outer layer (epidermis). The ink particles are too large to be
removed by the body’s immune system, which is why tattoos are permanent.
6. Can vegan clients get tattoos without compromising their ethics?
• Yes, vegan tattoos are possible. Some traditional tattoo inks contain animal by-
products, but there are vegan-friendly inks available that do not use any animal-
derived ingredients. It’s important to discuss ink options with your artist if you have
specific ethical concerns.
7. Are there any medical benefits to tattoos?
• Historically, tattoos have been used in reconstructive cosmetic procedures, like
creating nipple designs after mastectomies. Some recent innovations include
medical tattoos that help disguise vitiligo patches and tattoos that can monitor
glucose levels in diabetic patients.
8. What are the oldest known tattoos, and what did they signify?
• The oldest discovered tattoos belong to Ötzi the Iceman, who lived around 5,300
years ago. His tattoos were simple lines and crosses placed at various points on his body, believed to serve a therapeutic or diagnostic purpose, possibly related to
treating arthritis.
9. Can tattoos affect my sense of touch?
• There is no evidence suggesting that tattoos significantly affect the sense of touch. The tattooing process might cause temporary numbness or sensitivity due to
swelling, but this usually subsides as the tattoo heals.
10. Are there any professions that use tattoos as a part of their uniform or identity?
• In various cultures, tattoos are an integral part of identity and rites of passage.
Professionally, some modern organisations, particularly in creative fields, may view tattoos as an expression of artistic identity. Historically, tattoos have also been used among sailors to signify experiences and milestones.
