FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Pain levels vary depending on the individual and the placement of the tattoo. Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others.

At Alo Loco Tattoo, I use gentle, experienced techniques and always prioritise your comfort. You’re welcome to take breaks if needed, and I’ll work with you to make the experience as manageable as possible. Most clients describe the sensation as uncomfortable but bearable.

What To Do After Your Tattoo Session

• Remove the protective film once you arrive home. Do not reapply cling film.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
• Clean gently with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free pH-neutral soap using only your hands.
• For the first 48 hours, finish each wash with a splash of cool water to help close the pores.
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never rub or use rough fabrics.
• Keep the tattoo dry for the first 2–3 days to encourage faster healing.
• After 2–3 days, begin applying a very thin layer of a professional tattoo aftercare cream (e.g., Hustle Butter Deluxe or Hustle Butter CBD Luxe, available from Killer Ink).
• Do not use Vaseline, petroleum jelly, or heavy creams — these can trap bacteria and cause issues.
• Showers are fine (keep them short), but avoid soaking the tattoo until the peeling stage is complete.
• Wash the tattoo no more than twice daily, and keep it lightly hydrated

• Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing over the area to prevent friction and contamination.

• Allow any scabs or flakes to fall away naturally — typically within 7 days
• Once peeling has finished, continue to moisturise once daily with a light, unscented lotion (e.g., Aveeno) for the next 5–6 weeks.
• Full skin recovery usually takes 2–6 weeks, depending on the individual.

What To Avoid

• Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, or late nights immediately after your tattoo — your body heals best with proper rest.
• Do not scratch, pick, peel, or rub the tattoo during healing.
• Avoid cloth bandages or dressings that may stick to the tattoo.
• Do not wear tight or abrasive clothing, or jewellery that rubs against the area.
• Avoid swimming, soaking in baths, or using hot tubs for at least 2 weeks.
• Keep your tattoo away from dirt, sand, and unhygienic environments until fully healed.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 3 weeks. After that, always apply a high SPF sunblock to protect your tattoo from fading.

 Important: Healing is a partnership between artist and client. By following these guidelines, you will help your tattoo heal cleanly and preserve the fine details of your black & grey realism or surrealism design.

Good preparation helps both the tattoo and your comfort:

• Sleep well the night before.

• Eat a solid meal before your session to keep your blood sugar stable.

• Stay hydrated.

• Avoid alcohol and drugs for at least 24 hours — they can thin the blood and affect the process.

• Wear loose, clean clothing that gives access to the area being tattooed. I recommend clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting a little stained with ink.

• If you’re having a full arm or leg sleeve, please wear cut-off T-shirts and flexible shorts so I can easily access the area while working.

Arriving well-rested, clear-headed, and dressed appropriately will make the entire session smoother for both of us.

No. I have a strict policy against numbing cream. Products like this can change the way skin reacts and may affect both the process and the final look of the tattoo. They can also interfere with ink absorption.

If numbing cream has been used without my knowledge, I will refuse to proceed with the session.

Yes, safety and hygiene are my top priorities. The studio is clinically clean and carefully maintained.

• Workstations are sanitised before every client.

• Beds and surfaces are covered with fresh protective film.

• Single-use needles and fresh ink are used for each client — nothing is ever reused.

• Gloves are worn at all times during preparation and tattooing.

You can feel completely confident that your tattoo will be done in a safe and sterile environment.

• I will advise you of the arrival time, and it is vitally important that you are punctual. If you arrive late, it affects the entire day and I may not be able to finish your piece. This could result in requiring an additional session, which will be charged.

• We’ll start by reviewing your design and confirming we’re both happy, following the agreement made during consultation.

• I’ll prepare the skin by shaving, cleaning, and applying the stencil, carefully checking placement. For large pieces such as sleeves, torsos, or backs, we’ll adjust until it’s millimetre-perfect.

• Once the stencil is set, we’ll take a short break to allow it to dry. This also gives you time to relax, have a coffee (depending on the studio), or enjoy a sugary snack.

• The tattooing begins. Sessions can last a few hours to a full day, depending on the project.

• I recommend you set aside the whole day so you can immerse yourself fully in the experience.

• If you need to change your appointment, please let me know as soon as possible.

• Depending on the notice given, your deposit can be moved to a new date once.

• Please remember that the cancellation fee (equal to your full deposit) will be charged for any appointment not kept or cancelled without at least 14 days’ notice.

• If you cancel at the last minute or repeatedly reschedule, your deposit may be forfeited.

• I understand that life happens, so communication is key, just keep me updated.

Yes, a non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking. Deposits cover the preparation and design work before your session. The deposit amount will be deducted from your final tattoo cost.

Pricing depends on the size, detail, and placement:

• Small tattoos are usually priced individually.

• Larger projects (sleeves, chest panels, back pieces, bodysuits) are charged per session.

Exact prices are given during consultation once I know the scope of your project.

You’re welcome to bring references, but I do not copy other artists’ work. Every tattoo I do is an original piece created specifically for you.

References are useful for showing mood, style, or subject matter. From there, I’ll create something unique in my black & grey realism and surrealism style.

Sometimes, yes. It depends on the existing tattoo or scar and what design you’d like on top. A consultation is required to assess suitability. Not all tattoos or scars can be covered effectively.

No. By UK & European law, you must be 18 or older to get tattooed. Photo ID may be requested.

You’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions at the studio. In summary:

• Keep it clean and dry for the first few days.

• Wash gently with fragrance-free soap.

• Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream after 2–3 days.

• Avoid swimming, sun exposure, or soaking until healed.

• Do not scratch or pick.

Healing usually takes 2–6 weeks. See the Tattoo Aftercare Guide for full details.

If you have any questions during the healing process, contact me directly. I’m here to provide support even after your session. It’s completely normal to have questions, especially if it’s your first tattoo, and I’d rather you ask than worry.

I am based in Hackney, London, and also do guest spots abroad (e.g., Helsinki). You can check the contact form dropdown for current locations.

No. I do not offer house calls. All tattoos are performed either in my studio or at a professional guest spot to guarantee safety, cleanliness, and the correct equipment.

Ideally, I prefer you come alone so we can focus fully on your tattoo. Exceptions can be made if you are extremely nervous, but space is limited and the studio must remain distraction-free for both myself and other artists.

Choosing the right artist is one of the most important parts of getting a tattoo. Every tattooist has a unique style, and you should make sure their portfolio matches your vision. I specialise in black & grey realism and surrealism tattoos, which means my work focuses heavily on detail, shading, and artistic flow.

When choosing an artist, never settle for someone whose style doesn’t align with your idea. A tattoo is a lifelong commitment, take the time to research, view portfolios, and find the artist who inspires confidence. If my portfolio resonates with you, and you’re looking for realism or surrealism in black and grey, then we’re likely a good fit.

Yes. My portfolio is available on this website and regularly updated on Instagram. Reviewing my work will give you a clear idea of my style in black & grey realism and surrealism tattoos.

Documenting tattoos with photos and videos is an essential part of my work as an artist. It allows me to:

• Build a portfolio to show future clients the quality of my work.

• Share projects on social media where many clients discover me.

• Capture the flow and detail of large-scale tattoos.

Photos/videos are always taken in a respectful, professional way, I focus only on the tattooed area and avoid personal or identifying details unless you’ve agreed.

You may choose not to have your images published, and I respect that right. However, please be aware that this limits my ability to showcase my art, which is fundamental to how I grow my business. For that reason, if you opt out of allowing your tattoo to be photographed or shared, the cost of your tattoo will be higher.

All tattoo designs created by Alo Loco Tattoo are original works of art. They are provided for the client’s personal use only and may not be reproduced, copied, or used by another artist without the express written permission of Alo Loco Tattoo.

Alo Loco Tattoo may request permission to photograph or record tattoos for portfolio, website, and social media purposes. Such images will focus on the tattooed area and will not include identifying details without client consent.

If a client chooses not to grant permission for photography or publication, this must be communicated in advance during the consultation. As the ability to showcase artwork is an essential part of the artist’s business, refusal of permission may result in an adjusted price for the tattoo.

• A minimum of two weeks’ (14 days) notice is required if you need to cancel or move your appointment.

• A cancellation fee equal to your full deposit will be charged for any appointment not kept or cancelled without the required notice.

• If your medical condition changes in the days before your appointment (for example fever, flu, or other illness), please understand that I may not be able to proceed with the sitting. It is your responsibility to take care of yourself in the days prior to the session so the appointment can go ahead as planned.

• For bookings made during a tattoo convention or guest spot, please note that the appointment date cannot be changed under any circumstances.

• You can explore my work across several platforms:

  • Website Portfolio: Browse selected projects directly here on my website via the Portfolio menu.

  • Instagram: Updated regularly with new tattoos, works in progress, and healed pieces.

  • Facebook: Follow me on Facebook for updates, events, and client showcases.

  • TikTok: Short-form videos showing tattoo sessions, techniques, and behind-the-scenes content.

  • YouTube: Longer video content including tattoo processes and highlights from conventions or guest spots.

  Following me on social media is the best way to see my most recent work and get inspiration for your own project.