FAQ & aftercare
Good to know
Everything to know before, during and after your appointment. Not answered here? Just ask.
Booking & prices
Getting booked in
How do I book?
Send an enquiry through the contact form: your idea, where on the body it’s going, a rough size and any reference pictures. Jonny reads everything himself and gets back to you about the design, a price and dates.
You can also email jonnyrhodestattoo@gmail.com, but the form is the quickest way to get all the details across.
How much will it cost?
It depends on the size, the detail, where it goes and how long it takes. Once Jonny knows what you’re after he’ll give you a price, or an estimate for bigger pieces, before anything is booked.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Yes. A deposit holds your appointment and comes off the final price. It covers the time spent drawing your design, so it isn’t refunded if you cancel or don’t turn up.
What if I need to move my appointment?
No problem, as long as you give at least 48 hours’ notice: your deposit moves to the new date. With less notice than that the deposit is lost, and a new one is needed to rebook.
When do I see the design?
Jonny draws your design in the run-up to the appointment and you see it on the day. There’s always time for small changes before anything goes on skin; big changes might mean rebooking.
Can I get one of your flash designs?
Please do. Jonny paints a lot of flash and loves tattooing it. Have a look on Instagram for what’s available, or mention the one you like when you enquire.
Do you do cover-ups?
Yes, there are a couple in the gallery. Send a clear, well-lit photo of the existing tattoo with your enquiry and Jonny will tell you what’s possible. Cover-ups usually need to be bigger and darker than what’s underneath.
How can I pay?
Cash, card or MobilePay on the day.
Before your appointment
Turning up ready
How old do I have to be?
18. In Denmark it’s against the law to tattoo anyone under 18, even with a parent’s permission, so bring photo ID.
How should I prepare?
Get a good night’s sleep, eat a proper meal before you come and drink plenty of water. No alcohol the night before or on the day: it thins your blood, which means more bleeding, a harder job for Jonny and a worse heal.
In the week before, keep the area out of the sun and moisturise it. Sunburnt or very dry skin can’t be tattooed well. Don’t shave it either, Jonny does that on the day.
What should I wear?
Something loose and comfortable that gives easy access to the area, and that you don’t mind getting a bit of ink on.
Can I bring someone?
One friend is fine, but the studio is small, so please don’t bring a crowd.
Does it hurt?
Yes, but it’s very manageable and most people are surprised. Bony spots like ribs, feet, elbows and the sternum sting more than fleshy ones. Being rested and well fed makes a real difference, and you can always ask for a break.
What if I’m ill on the day?
Let Jonny know as early as you can and rebook. Getting tattooed while you’re sick is bad for the healing, and nobody wants to share a cold in a small studio.
Aftercare
Looking after it
How do I look after my new tattoo?
Jonny talks you through it on the day, but here’s the short version.
- Leave the wrap on for as long as Jonny tells you. With a clear second-skin film that’s usually three to five days; with cling film, just a few hours.
- Wash it gently with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap, using clean hands only. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel, never a cloth.
- Once it’s dry, rub in a thin layer of unscented moisturiser or the aftercare cream Jonny recommends, two or three times a day. Thin is the key word: the skin needs to breathe.
- Keep it out of the sun, and stay out of baths, pools, the sea and saunas for at least three weeks. Showers are fine.
- Don’t pick or scratch. It will flake and itch for a week or two, and that’s normal.
- Wear loose, clean clothes over it and sleep in clean sheets. Skip the gym and heavy sweating for the first few days.
How long does it take to heal?
The surface heals in two to three weeks. Underneath, the skin takes a couple of months to settle fully, which is when the colours look their brightest again.
What if something doesn’t look right?
Some redness, swelling and clear fluid in the first few days are normal. If the area is getting hotter, redder or more swollen after day three, is oozing, or you feel feverish, see a doctor straight away and let Jonny know.
Do you do touch-ups?
Once it’s fully healed, if a spot has dropped out, get in touch and Jonny will sort it. Touch-ups within the first six months are free, as long as the tattoo has been looked after.
Can it go in the sun once it’s healed?
Yes, with high-factor sunscreen on it, for the rest of its life. Sun is what fades tattoos, so the more you protect it the longer it stays bold.