Plenty of our walk-in clients are visitors: people down for a weekend, a stag or hen do, or a week by the sea. A holiday tattoo is a great souvenir, but sun, sand and sea are tough on a fresh one. Here is how to plan it so the tattoo heals well.
Get it at the end of your trip, not the start
A new tattoo needs to stay out of the sea, swimming pools, hot tubs and baths, and out of direct sun, until it has healed. That usually takes between two and four weeks. If you get tattooed on day one, you will spend the rest of the holiday keeping it covered and dry. Get it on your last day instead, and enjoy the beach first.
Keep it out of the sun
Sunburn on a healing tattoo is painful and can fade the ink. Keep it covered with loose clothing rather than sun cream while it heals, and once it has healed, use a high SPF to keep it bright. The NHS has good advice on preventing and treating sunburn, and our guide to tattoo sun protection covers what to use once you are healed.
What to bring
- Original photo ID. Tattoos are strictly 18+ and we cannot accept a photo of your ID on your phone.
- Loose clothing that will not rub the tattoo on the journey home.
- A photo or screenshot of your idea.
- Something to eat beforehand. A full stomach helps.
Aftercare when you are not local
We apply a Second Skin film dressing to your new tattoo, which can stay on for 12 to 48 hours, so it is protected on the drive or train home. After that, follow our tattoo aftercare guide. Whitfields aftercare balm is available at the studio for ยฃ8 (RRP ยฃ12) if you did not pack anything.
If your tattoo needs a touch-up, it is free within 45 days of your appointment (except hand tattoos). If you live a long way away, keep that in mind when choosing your dates.
Finding us
We are at 109 Old Christchurch Road, BH1 1EP, about two minutes from the Square and an easy walk from the pier and the beach. Walk-ins run Monday to Saturday from 11am, last walk-in tattoo at 5pm. To check if an artist is free before you come up from the seafront, WhatsApp us on 07752 913846 or call 01202 900050. Directions are on our contact page, and there is more about walk-ins on our walk-in tattoos page.
Planning the rest of your visit? Visit Bournemouth has what is on around town.
