Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Arcane Tattoo & Piercing — your go-to studio in Liverpool city centre for tattoos and piercings. We know you might have questions, so we’ve put together the answers to the ones we hear most often. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, just drop us a message on WhatsApp — we’re always happy to help.

Looking for prices or ready to book? Visit our tattoo prices, piercing prices, or tattoo booking page.

Booking & Appointments
How do I book an appointment?
Booking with us is simple — just tap the WhatsApp link in our bio or on our website, send us a message with what you’re after, and we’ll take it from there. We’ve designed our booking process to be as easy and friction-free as possible, because we know that reaching out to a studio for the first time can feel daunting.

Do you take walk-ins?
We welcome walk-ins whenever we have availability, but we can’t guarantee a slot without a booking. To avoid a wasted trip, we’d recommend messaging us on WhatsApp first to check if we have space. Appointments always take priority.

Can I book a consultation before committing to a tattoo?
Absolutely. If you’d like to discuss your idea in detail before going ahead, we’re happy to arrange a consultation. This is a great option if you’re planning a larger or custom piece and want to talk through design, placement, and timing before making a decision.

What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
No problem — life happens. Just give us as much notice as you can via WhatsApp. We ask for at least 48 hours where possible so we can offer the slot to someone else. Last-minute cancellations may affect your ability to rebook during peak periods.

Are you open seven days a week?
Yes — we’re open every day of the week. Check our website or Google Business Profile for current opening hours, as they may vary on bank holidays.

Tattoos
What tattoo styles do you offer?
Our master tattoo artist has over 20 years of experience across a wide range of styles, including:
Fine-line
Realism
Traditional
Blackwork
Colour
Custom pieces

If you have something specific in mind and you’re not sure whether it’s something we do, just ask — we’ll always be honest about whether we’re the right fit for your idea.

Do you do custom designs?
Yes, custom work is one of the things we love most. Bring us your ideas, references, or even just a rough concept, and we’ll work with you to create something that’s uniquely yours.

How much does a tattoo cost?
Pricing depends on the size, complexity, placement, and time required for your piece. We’re always upfront about costs — once we understand what you’re looking for, we’ll give you a clear quote before we begin. No surprises, no hidden fees.

Does it hurt?
We won’t pretend it doesn’t — but the level of discomfort varies depending on placement, your personal pain tolerance, and the length of the session. Most people find it more manageable than they expected. We’ll talk you through everything beforehand, and we always work at a pace that keeps you comfortable.

I’m getting my first tattoo — what should I expect?
First of all, congratulations on taking the plunge! Here’s a quick rundown:

Before: Eat a good meal, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol the night before. Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed.

During: We’ll start by placing the stencil so you can check the position and size. Once you’re happy, we’ll get started. You can ask for a break at any time.

After: We’ll apply a protective covering and give you detailed aftercare instructions. Follow them carefully — good aftercare is the difference between a tattoo that heals beautifully and one that doesn’t.

Do you offer touch-ups?
Yes. If your tattoo needs a touch-up during the healing process, we’ll sort it out for you. This is included as part of your original booking — we want you to love your tattoo for years to come.

Piercings
What types of piercings do you offer?
Our expert piercer Denisa offers a full spectrum of piercings, including:
Ear lobe and cartilage piercings (helix, conch, tragus, daith, rook, snug, and more)
Custom ear curations — planned multi-piercing layouts designed as a cohesive look
Septum and nose piercings
Lip and oral piercings
Navel and surface piercings
Advanced body piercings

If you’re unsure whether we offer a specific piercing, just ask.

What jewellery do you use?
We use only implant-grade titanium jewellery for all piercings. This is the gold standard for initial piercings — it’s hypoallergenic, nickel-free, and widely recommended by professional piercers and medical professionals alike. We don’t cut corners on materials, because your safety and healing depend on it.

Can I bring my own jewellery?
For initial piercings, no — we only use our own implant-grade titanium jewellery to ensure sterility and quality. Once your piercing is fully healed, you’re welcome to swap to your own jewellery. We’re happy to advise on what’s safe to use.

How long does a piercing take to heal?
Healing times vary depending on the type and location of the piercing:
Ear lobes: 6–8 weeks
Cartilage piercings: 6–12 months
Nose: 6–8 months
Navel: 6–12 months
Oral piercings: 4–8 weeks (outer), longer for inner tissue
We’ll give you detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your specific piercing, and we’re always on hand if you have any concerns during the healing process.

Does a piercing hurt?
There’s a brief, sharp sensation during the piercing itself, which lasts only a second or two. After that, you may experience some mild swelling, tenderness, or throbbing for the first few days. Most people find the experience far less painful than they imagined — and the result is well worth it.

Can I get multiple piercings in one session?
Yes, in most cases. Custom ear curations are designed around multiple piercings done in a single session. We’ll advise you on what’s realistic based on placement, your anatomy, and how your body tends to respond to piercings.

Safety & Hygiene
What safety standards do you follow?
We take hygiene seriously — it’s non-negotiable. Our studio follows strict aseptic techniques and uses medical-grade sterilisation for all equipment. We are fully licensed and operate from a clean, professional studio in Liverpool city centre. Every piercing and tattoo is performed with single-use, sterilised equipment where applicable, and all reusable tools go through a full sterilisation cycle between clients.

Are you a licensed studio?
Yes. Arcane Tattoo & Piercing is a fully licensed studio operating in compliance with Liverpool City Council’s licensing and health regulations. Our studio is regularly inspected to ensure we meet the highest standards of safety and hygiene.

Is it safe to get a tattoo or piercing?
When performed by experienced professionals in a clean, licensed environment using the right materials, tattooing and piercing are safe procedures. Leon has over 20 years of tattooing experience, and Denisa has over six years of professional piercing experience. We take hygiene and the quality of our materials seriously, with safety and client comfort at the centre of our work.

Age & ID

How old do I need to be?

You must be 18 or over to get a tattoo. For piercings, age requirements vary depending on the type and location of the piercing — some piercings are available to under-18s with parental consent and a parent or guardian present. Please message us on WhatsApp for specific details, and remember to bring valid ID to your appointment.

What ID do I need to bring?
Please bring a valid form of photo ID — such as a passport, driving licence, or PASS-accredited proof of age card — to your appointment. We may refuse to proceed without appropriate identification, so please make sure you have it with you.

Aftercare
How do I look after my new tattoo?
We’ll give you full aftercare instructions at the end of your session, but the basics are:
Keep the area clean — wash gently with unscented soap and warm water 2–3 times a day.
Apply a thin layer of the recommended aftercare balm — don’t over-apply.
Keep it out of direct sunlight and avoid soaking (no baths, pools, or sea water) for at least 2–3 weeks.
Don’t pick or scratch at scabs or flaking skin — let it heal naturally.
Once healed, use SPF to protect your tattoo and keep the colours vibrant.
How do I look after my new piercing?
Aftercare is essential for a clean, healthy piercing. We’ll give you tailored instructions, but the key principles are:
Clean the area twice daily with a sterile saline solution — no alcohol, no harsh chemicals.
Don’t touch, twist, or move the jewellery unnecessarily.
Avoid sleeping on the piercing where possible.
Keep hair products, perfumes, and cosmetics away from the area.
Don’t change the jewellery until the piercing is fully healed.
If you notice any signs of infection — excessive redness, swelling, heat, or unusual discharge — contact us or seek medical advice promptly.

Gift Vouchers
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Gift vouchers are coming soon! We’ll be launching digital gift vouchers in denominations of £25, £50, £75, £100, and £200, redeemable against any service at the studio. They’ll make the perfect gift for the tattoo or piercing lover in your life — keep an eye on our social media and website for the launch announcement.

How will gift vouchers work?
Once launched, you’ll be able to purchase digital vouchers online — each with a unique code that can be redeemed at the studio. Vouchers will be valid for 12 months from the date of purchase and can be used towards any tattoo or piercing service. Full terms and conditions will be available at launch.

What to Expect at Arcane
I’m nervous — is that normal?
Completely normal. In fact, most people feel a bit of nerves before their first tattoo or piercing — and even regulars still get the butterflies. Our studio is designed to put you at ease from the moment you walk in. We’re patient, we’re judgment-free, and we’ll take as much time as you need to feel comfortable before we start.

Do you cater to first-timers?
Absolutely — first-timers are some of our favourite clients. We’ll walk you through every step of the process, answer any questions you have (no matter how small they might seem), and make sure you feel confident and relaxed. Everyone starts somewhere, and we’re honoured to be part of your journey.

Is your studio inclusive and welcoming?
Yes, always. Arcane is a judgment-free, welcoming space for everyone — regardless of background, identity, body type, or experience level. We believe body art should be accessible to all, and we’ve built our studio around that principle. Step inside, bring your ideas, and let’s create something amazing together.

Where are you located?
We’re on Exchange Street East in Liverpool city centre — easy to reach by public transport, with plenty of nearby parking. Full address and directions are available on our website and Google Business Profile.

How can I contact you?
The quickest way to reach us is via WhatsApp— just tap the link in our bio or on our website. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram at @arcanetattooandpiercing. We aim to respond to all enquiries as quickly as we can during opening hours.