All guides
Plain-English guidance, organised by topic.
Getting Started
Registration, licensing, your first 90 days as a UK tattooist.
Compliance & Health and Safety
BS EN 17169, autoclave standards, infection control, clinical waste.
Insurance
Professional indemnity, public liability, premises cover for UK studios.
Tax & Self-Assessment
Self-employed tax, VAT, chair-rental traps, MTD ITSA timeline.
Apprenticeships & Early Career
Apprentice rights, NMW law, the first five years as a self-employed artist.
Workplace Health
RSI, mental health, hep B vaccination, sharps injury procedure.
Cosmetic Tattooing (PMU, SMP, Paramedical)
Microblading, scalp pigmentation, paramedical scar work and areola reconstruction.
Body Placements
Pain levels, healing times, UK pricing and design adaptation by placement.
Styles
American Traditional through Watercolour. UK artists, longevity, placement fit.
Equipment & Inks
Machines, needles, ink chemistry, UK REACH compliance, supplier audit framework.
Council Registration (UK)
Tattoo studio and operator registration with UK local authorities. Per-council fees, statutory basis, renewal cadence and inspection contact across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Glossary
UK tattoo industry terms, statute names, equipment standards, and PMU vocabulary explained in plain English.
For Clients
Plain-English guidance for people thinking about a tattoo, or coping after one.
Cosmetic Tattooing. For Clients
PMU, microblading, SMP and paramedical from the client perspective.
Intimate Tattooing
Studio policy, consent, chaperone protocol and age verification for intimate work.