Tattoo and Piercing FAQs in Aberdeen: Your Questions Answered

Thinking about your first tattoo, planning a sleeve or choosing a new ear piercing? At Utopia Body Arts, we want you to feel comfortable asking questions before you book.

Our tattoo and piercing studio is at 15 McCombies Court, Aberdeen, AB10 1AW, and we’re open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am–6pm. Here are answers to ten questions clients often ask about prices, appointments, artists, age requirements and aftercare.

1. How much does a tattoo or piercing cost in Aberdeen?

At Utopia Body Arts, standard piercing fees start from £44, with most standard procedures priced at £44, £49 or £59, depending on the piercing. These are piercing fees; your jewellery choice affects the total, so check the full cost before booking. We can help you choose jewellery that suits your placement, style and budget.

Tattoo quotes depend on the design, size, placement, detail and artist. A small fine line tattoo and a detailed realism piece require different amounts of preparation and appointment time. Send us your idea, approximate size, preferred placement and any reference images so we can guide you towards the right artist and a quote.

2. Do I need to book, or can I walk in?

We welcome piercing walk-ins when there is availability, but pre-booked appointments take priority. Tattoo walk-ins depend on the artist’s schedule and whether the design can be prepared for that appointment.

Booking ahead is the best way to secure a suitable slot, especially if you’re travelling into Aberdeen or planning several piercings. Larger custom tattoos usually need a discussion with the artist first.

Start with our online booking diary. For tattoo projects that need a consultation, contact the studio through our website so we can help you arrange the next step.

3. How much will a tattoo or piercing hurt?

Everyone experiences discomfort differently. Placement, appointment length and your individual sensitivity all play a part.

A piercing involves a brief, sharp sensation, while tattooing involves repeated sensations over a longer period. Your appointment also includes time to discuss the procedure, agree on placement and explain aftercare.

Tell us if you’re nervous. Our piercing team—Nathan Hague, Jordan Smith and Sage Modi—can talk you through what to expect. Your tattoo artist will discuss the session with you, and you can ask for a break when you need one.

4. Is Utopia Body Arts safe and hygienic?

We use needles for body piercing, including ear lobes, and never use piercing guns. We use sterile, single-use needles and jewellery selected for its suitability for the piercing.

Our piercing jewellery options include implant-grade titanium and suitable gold pieces. For initial piercings, we use our own prepared, sterilised jewellery rather than jewellery brought in from elsewhere.

We explain the procedure and aftercare before you leave. You’re welcome to ask about equipment, jewellery materials and hygiene practices during your appointment.

5. Can I see examples of your work and customer reviews?

Absolutely. Looking at an artist’s portfolio helps you choose someone whose work suits your idea. Ask to see healed examples where available, as well as photographs taken immediately after tattooing or piercing.

Our team offers a variety of styles:

Artist	Styles to explore
Wu Qi	Chinese-inspired artwork, smaller custom pieces, sleeves and bodysuits
Craig Fisher	Modern traditional tattoos and bold colour
Aleks Fanta	Fine line and minimalist tattoos
Eleanor Macri	Fine line and cybersigilism
Bogdan Paul	Realism
Christian Giurati	Japanese and fine line tattoos
Hayden Foreman	Californian traditional tattoos

For example, a delicate minimalist design could be a good starting point for a discussion with Aleks, while a realism project could suit Bogdan. If you love bold Californian traditional work, explore Hayden’s portfolio.

Visit our tattoo artists page to explore the team, and read customer reviews linked from our studio website.

6. What age do I need to be, and what ID should I bring?

Tattoos at Utopia are strictly for clients aged 18 and over. Parental permission does not allow someone under 18 to receive a cosmetic tattoo.

Our piercing age requirements vary by placement:

Minimum age	Piercings
7	Ear lobes
14	Nostril, navel and helix
16	Upper and lower lip, eyebrow, industrial, septum, bridge, tragus, forward helix, daith, rook and conch
18	Tongue, nipple, microdermal/surface, genital, cheek and large-gauge piercings

Genital, cheek and large-gauge piercings require a consultation before booking. Age eligibility does not guarantee suitability for a particular piercing.

All clients must bring accepted ID. Our published list includes a driving licence, in-date passport, Young Scot card or national ID card. A birth certificate alone is not sufficient. Clients under 16 must attend with a parent or legal guardian, who must also bring their own ID.

Please read our full age and identification policy before booking. If you’re unsure about your child’s documents, check with us first.

7. Can you do the tattoo or piercing I want?

We’ll discuss your idea and help you work out what is achievable.

For tattoos, your artist considers the design, placement, size and how the detail will read as the tattoo ages. Wu Qi can discuss a flowing Chinese-inspired sleeve, Craig can explore a bold colour piece, and Eleanor can help develop a fine line or cybersigilism project.

For piercings, anatomy matters. An industrial, navel or particular ear placement may suit one person and be unsuitable for another. Your piercer will assess the area before proceeding and explain alternatives where appropriate.

An ear styling appointment can also help you plan placements and jewellery that work together.

8. How should I prepare for my appointment?

Eat a meal around an hour before your visit, drink water and bring your required ID. Wear comfortable clothing that gives access to the area being tattooed or pierced.

Our studio asks clients to avoid fake tanning products for one week before their appointment and not to apply numbing cream. We cannot work on sunburnt or damaged skin.

Tell us about relevant health conditions, allergies or medication before your appointment. If you’re unwell or concerned about the skin in the planned area, contact us before travelling to the studio. Don’t stop prescribed medication to prepare for an appointment without advice from your prescriber.

9. How long will it take to heal, and what aftercare will I need?

Healing depends on the placement, procedure and individual. A piercing can feel settled before it has fully healed, and cartilage piercings generally take longer than lobes. Your piercer will explain the expected healing period for your placement.

For most external piercings, our guidance follows the Association of Professional Piercers: use appropriate sterile saline wound wash, avoid twisting the jewellery and protect the area from pressure and snagging. Avoid submerging a healing piercing in pools, hot tubs or open water. Have a professional perform jewellery changes and downsizing during healing.

For tattoos, follow your artist’s instructions for the dressing, cleaning and skin care. Ask about swimming and exercise before booking if you have a holiday or sporting event planned.

We explain aftercare at your appointment and email you a copy. Feeling comfortable does not automatically mean the area is ready for swimming or a jewellery change.

10. What happens if I have a problem afterwards?

Piercing check-ups are included in your initial piercing fee at Utopia. If you’re worried about the fit of your jewellery or how a piercing is settling, arrange a review with our team.

If a downsize or replacement requires a new piece of jewellery, there is a £15 charge per piece. Check-ups and new jewellery are separate, so you can return for advice without automatically needing a jewellery purchase.

If you suspect an infection—particularly with worsening pain, heat, swelling, pus or feeling unwell—seek an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 24 on 111. Leave the jewellery in unless a doctor advises removal. A studio check-up can help assess jewellery and placement, but infection needs medical assessment.

For tattoo healing concerns or touch-up enquiries, contact your artist. Touch-up arrangements should be discussed with them rather than assumed to be included in the piercing follow-up policy.

Book your tattoo or piercing in Aberdeen

Whether you’re choosing your first piercing, exploring fine line tattoos or planning a larger custom piece, we’re here to help you make an informed choice.

Utopia Body Arts
15 McCombies Court, Aberdeen, AB10 1AW
Tuesday–Saturday, 11am–6pm

Book your piercing or jewellery appointment online, or visit our website to explore tattoo artists and discuss your project.