What we can and can’t do, tattooing.
When it comes to tattooing, most people focus on the “can” — the beautiful designs, the artistic expression, and the meaningful marks we get to carry for life. But just as important are the “can’t” — the rules, restrictions, and responsibilities we, as professional tattoo artists, must follow to keep you safe and the art respected.
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned collector, here are a few things we legally or ethically cannot do — and the real reasons behind them.
We Can’t Tattoo You if You're Under 18
Even with parental consent.
In many countries (including the UK), it’s a legal requirement: you must be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo. This law is in place to protect young people from making permanent decisions they might not fully understand. As artists, we’re not just here to create tattoos — we’re also responsible for upholding that law and ensuring every client is informed and ready.
We Can’t Tattoo You If You’re Pregnant or Breastfeeding
This isn’t about judgment — it’s about safety. When you're pregnant or nursing, your body is already under a lot of stress. Your immune system, hormone levels, and skin sensitivity all change, which can increase the risk of infection, allergic reaction, or complications during healing. Most importantly, we can’t risk anything that could potentially affect your baby. It’s always best to wait — your design will still be here when you're ready.
We Can’t Mix Ashes Into Tattoo ink.
We understand the want to carry a loved one with you as a permanent memorial in a tattoo, however, mixing raw ashes shouldn’t be used directly in tattoo ink because they aren’t sterile, may contain harmful contaminants like heavy metals, and have large, irregular particles that can trigger inflammation, infection, or scarring in the skin and can potentially damage the fine needles.
Unlike finely milled tattoo pigments, ashes don’t mix evenly, and their colour can fade or change unpredictably.
As tattoo ink must be discarded after each client to maintain hygiene, meaning much of the ashes mixed into the ink would be thrown away rather than fully used, it is also considered insensitive and unethical.
In many countries, health regulations also prohibit tattoo artists from using unapproved materials in ink.
A thoughtful alternative to mixing ashes into tattoo ink is to create a memorial tattoo inspired by the person or pet.
Skin Conditions Can Affect Whether We Tattoo You
Conditions like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, or infections (such as fungal or bacterial issues) can all affect whether or not it’s safe to tattoo an area of your skin.
Tattooing skin that is already affected by any of these conditions can potentially trigger more of the condition, which is something you need to be aware of if you are considering getting tattooed.
If you have an active flare-up or any broken, inflamed, or infected skin, we will need to reschedule or avoid that area entirely. Tattooing over compromised skin can delay healing, damage your skin further, or lead to an uneven result. It’s not about judgment — it’s about doing right by your body, and your tattoo.
If you have a chronic skin condition, we recommend speaking with your GP or dermatologist beforehand. We’re always happy to collaborate and find a safe plan that works for you. Your artist may request that you have a doctors note for their records to show a doctor has said it is safe for you to be tattooed.
What We Can Do:
Help you choose or design a piece that fits your vision and body perfectly
Keep everything sterile and safe — from equipment to aftercare advice
We will be honest if a tattoo won’t work, and will work with you to find alternatives to bring your idea to life.
Tattooing is a collaboration — not just between artist and client, but between creativity and care.
We’ll always be transparent about what’s possible, and what’s not, because your health and the quality of your tattoo matter more than anything else.
Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions, we’re always here to help.