Tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to express themselves through body art using unique designs.
If you’re considering getting a tattoo, one of the first things you’ll likely consider is the cost. But how much do tattoos cost in the UK? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
In this post, we will take a closer look at the cost of tattoos in the United Kingdom and explore some factors that can affect the price of tattoos, so you can better understand what to expect.
We will also provide some tips on how to save money on your tattoo. So whether you’re thinking about getting your first tattoo in the UK or you are an ink enthusiast wanting to get one in the UK, read on to learn more about the cost of tattoos in the UK.
Several factors can affect and make up the cost of tattoos in the UK; some of the main factors that affect tattoo costs include:
Artists’ Experience and Skill Level: Tattoo artists with more experience and skill will generally charge more for their work than those less experienced. This is because more experienced artists can produce higher quality tattoos and have a better reputation in the industry.
Location: Tattoo shops in larger cities and more densely populated areas will generally have higher prices than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to these areas’ higher cost of living and business.
Size and Complexity of the Tattoo: The size and complexity of the tattoo can greatly affect its cost. Larger tattoos with more intricate designs requiring more time to complete will generally cost more than smaller, simpler tattoos.
Placement on the Body: Tattoos on areas of the body that are more difficult to work on, such as the hands, feet, and face, will typically cost more than tattoos on other parts of the body.
Type of tattoo: Certain types, such as portrait tattoos or specific techniques like dotwork or watercolor, may cost more than others.
Materials Used: Tattoos with high-quality inks, needles, and other materials may cost more than those with lower-quality materials. Tattoo artists using the latest technologies and equipment will charge more.
Time spent on the tattoo: The longer it takes to complete a tattoo, the more it will cost.
Custom Design: Custom designs will be more expensive than pre-drawn designs
Artist’s Demand: Popular artists are more expensive than the less in-demand artists.
The popularity of the design: Popular and those in demand will be more expensive than less popular designs.
Color or Black and Gray: Color tattoos are more expensive than black and grey ones because they require more time and skill.
Studio Reputation: Popular and reputable tattoo studios may charge more for their services than less well-known studios. Tattoo studios with more amenities will charge more than studios with limited amenities.
All these factors considered, the cost of a tattoo can vary greatly depending on the specific details of the tattoo and the artist performing the work. It’s always best to speak with a tattoo artist directly to get an accurate estimate for the cost of a specific tattoo.
Cost of Tattoos in the UK Based on the size of the Tattoo
The cost of tattoos in the UK can vary depending on the size of the tattoo and the artist performing the tattoo. Small tattoos may cost around £40-£100, while larger tattoos can cost several hundred pounds or more.
It is important to note that the cost can also depend on the design’s complexity, the tattoo’s location, and the artist’s experience.
We recommend getting exact quotes from the tattoo artist or several artists and studios for your tattoo design. The cost of tattoos based on their size is further discussed below.
Tiny Tattoo (£60-£90)
A tiny, simple tattoo is a small design tattoo that is easy to execute and does not require a lot of intricate details or shading.
These tattoos are often no larger than a few centimeters and can be placed on various body parts, such as the wrist, finger, ankle, and behind the ear. Examples of simple tattoos include small symbols, such as a heart, star, infinity sign, or a simple word or phrase.
The cost for a tiny, simple tattoo in the UK can vary, generally between £60-£90. However, it’s important to note that the cost can vary depending on the tattoo parlor’s location, the tattoo artist’s experience, and the specific design you choose.
Small Tattoo (£90-£150)
A small tattoo is typically a tattoo that is less than around 4 inches in size and can be placed on various parts of the body, such as the wrist, ankle, or behind the ear.
The cost for a small tattoo in the UK can range from £90 to £150, depending on the artist, the tattoo’s location, and the design’s complexity. It is important to note that prices may vary, and it’s always best to check with the specific tattoo artist or shop for their pricing.
Medium Size Tattoo (£150 – £300)
A medium size tattoo is generally considered around the size of an adult hand or larger. A medium-sized tattoo is typically defined as a design larger than a small or mini tattoo but not as large as a full sleeve or back piece.
The cost of a medium size tattoo in the UK can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the artist’s skill level, the design’s complexity, and the tattoo studio’s location.
Prices for medium-size tattoos in the UK can range from £150 to £300, but some artists may charge more or less than this depending on the factors mentioned above.
Large Size Tattoo (£350 – £550)
A large-sized tattoo is typically defined as a design larger than a medium-sized tattoo and typically takes a larger surface area on the body.
It is impossible to give a general size limit for a large tattoo as it can be subjective and depend on the design and the placement on the body. However, 6”x6” is considered a large-sized tattoo.
The cost of a large-sized tattoo in the UK can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the artist’s skill level, the design’s complexity, the tattoo studio’s location, and the time required to complete the tattoo. Generally, the cost of a large-sized tattoo in the UK can range from £350 to £500.
Extra Large Tattoo (£700+)
An extra-large tattoo is defined as a design that is larger than a large-sized tattoo and often covers even larger surface areas on the body than a large tattoo.
It is impossible to give a general size limit for an extra-large tattoo as it can be subjective and depend on the design and the placement on the body. However, 8″x8″ is considered an extra-large-sized tattoo.
The cost of an extra-large-sized tattoo in the UK can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the artist’s skill level, the complexity of the design, the location of the tattoo studio, and the amount of time required to complete the tattoo.
Generally, the cost of an extra-large-sized tattoo in the UK can range from £700 and up.
How To Save On The Cost Of Tattoos In The UK
There are several ways to save on the cost of tattoos in the UK:
Consider alternative placement: Tattoos on less visible body areas, such as the thigh, back of the neck, or ankle, can be less expensive than tattoos on more visible areas, such as the face, hand, or forearm.
Get tattooed during off-peak hours: Many tattoo studios offer discounts for appointments scheduled during off-peak hours, such as early or late at night.
Be patient: Tattoos can be expensive, so if you’re not in a rush, you can save money by waiting for a sale or promotion.
Avoid changes and touch-ups: Make sure you are happy with the design and placement of the tattoo before getting it, changes and touch-ups can cost more.
Negotiate with the artist: Be upfront about your budget and ask if they will work with you to create a design that fits your price range.
Look for deals or promotions: Some tattoo studios may offer deals or promotions, such as discounts for repeat customers or flash day deals.
Consider a smaller or simpler design: The size and complexity of a tattoo can greatly affect its cost. Choosing a smaller or simpler design can help you save money.
Shop around: Visit multiple tattoo studios and compare prices for similar designs. Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best regarding quality and safety.
Remember that when you opt for a cheaper option, you may be sacrificing quality and safety, so always weigh your options carefully and prioritize safety over cost.
The cost of a tattoo in the UK can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the design’s size and complexity, the tattoo shop’s location, and the artist’s experience. Prices can range from as little as £40 to several thousand pounds.
Are there any additional costs associated with getting a tattoo?
In addition to the cost of the tattoo itself, some shops may charge a deposit or a sitting fee. You may also need to purchase aftercare products like moisturizers and ointments to keep your tattoo healthy and looking its best.
How can I find a reputable tattoo shop with fair prices?
It is always a good idea to research different shops and read reviews from previous customers before deciding. Look for a shop that has a clean and sterile environment and that uses disposable equipment. It is also important to speak with the artist and understand the cost before getting the tattoo.
Can I negotiate the cost of a tattoo?
Some shops may be willing to negotiate the cost of a tattoo, especially for larger or more complex designs. However, it is important to remember that the artist’s time and skill are valuable, and trying to haggle for a lower price is inappropriate.
Are there any risks to getting a tattoo done at a lower price?
Getting a tattoo done at a lower price may mean that the artist is less experienced or that the shop is not following proper safety and sterilization protocols. This can increase the risk of infection or other complications. Paying a little more for quality and a safe tattoo is always better.
Do tattoo prices vary by location in the UK?
Tattoo prices can vary by location in the UK, with prices tending to be higher in larger cities and tourist areas.
Is it worth paying more for a tattoo from a more experienced artist?
Are there any discounts or promotions available for tattoos in the UK?
Some tattoo studios offer flash days or special promotions at discounted prices. It is always worth checking with the studio or looking out for them in social media or advertisements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as we have discussed, the cost of tattoos in the UK can vary depending on several factors, such as the size, complexity, location of the tattoo, and the artist’s level of experience and reputation.
On average, small tattoos can cost anywhere from £50 to £100 or more, while larger, more detailed tattoos can cost upwards of £500 or more. Therefore before you get a tattoo in the UK
