How much does it cost?
For piercing prices, please click here.
Tattoos range from £20 upwards depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo, and the area in which it will be located. Your best bet is to contact us directly and ask. Don't worry, we don't bite.

 

 

Does it hurt?
Yes, it does. Sorry, but all tattoos and piercings hurt to some extent. Tattoos feel a little like nettle stings or cat scratches. After about ten minutes of tattooing, the area tends to become numb because of endorphins, your body's natural anaesthetic. We promise that it won't kill you, and it is bearable.
The level of pain associated with piercings is dependant on the area being pierced, the method of piercing, and the skill of the person doing it. At Sacred Arts, we only use single-use piercing needles. This way, all movements of the sharp point are directly connected with the hands of the piercist, and all control is retained. You can be a lot more careful with a needle than you can be with a piercing gun. Don't worry; we'll treat you gently. In fact, they will most likely hurt less than if you pinched the area hard with your nails.
As for tattoos - ask ten people how much a tattoo hurts, and you'll get twelve different answers. Tattoo needles usually penetrate the skin about one sixteenth of an inch. Get a ruler and see for yourself how insignificant that is. The needles move in an up-and-down motion, carefully pushing the ink just below the surface of the skin. The damage to your skin is so minimal that many people don't bleed at all - or very little, unless they've been drinking beforehand or taking some kind of blood-thinning medication.
It's true that everyone has a different threshold of pain. What one person considers not painful at all could be devastating to another. Some people describe the feeling as a "hot scratch". Some have said it was "annoying".
Having said that, our number one reaction is:
"Well, it wasn't as bad as I feared."

 

 

Is everything clean?
Yes. All needles, ink caps and gloves are sterile and single-use. All other materials, clamps etc. are sterilized to the highest possible standard using a vacuum autoclave.

 

 

Where do "they" have them, and what do "they" have?
Seriously, this is a genuine question. One we get very often.
Who are "they?" This elite group tend to dominate the body art world, but I've never actually met one of "them." A tattoo or a piercing is a personal thing, for you and your body to enjoy - not your mates, current beau, parents. A tattoo is a permanent piece of body art, so think about your design. Will you still love it in a year? How about twenty? It's your decision, nobody else's. If in doubt, wait a while - we're not going anywhere!
As for piercings, they can be removed if you don't like them once they're done, but they can leave a small scar. Again, it's your choice, not your mates'!

 

 

Do you use a piercing gun for ears or noses?
Absolutely not. We've never used piercing guns and never will. These "guns" are dangerous. Rather than using a sharp point, the jewellery itself is punched through the skin, which is traumatic for the surrounding area. They are also non-sterile since the gun itself cannot be autoclaved, unlike clamps.
Being pierced with a needle may sound scary and painful, but it really isn't. Needle piercings hurt far less than guns and heal much faster.

 

 

Where are you, and how do I book an appointment?
See the Contact page for details on how to get to us.

 

 

How do I care for my new piercing?
If you follow these simple instructions, you will have a healthy, healed piercing in no time!

1) Do not fiddle, pick, turn or play with your piercing. If you do, it will become infected.
2)Clean twice daily with a solution of 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/2 pint of boiled water.
3)Use cotton buds to clean it--pads will leave fibres around your piercing.
4)If you have any questions, do not ask your mate the 'expert.' Come and see us, or call 01606 74477.