tattoos

[stressed out]

Hi, I'm thinking of getting a tattoo. Nothing major, just something feminine and small. (I'm a mum so something subtle)! In London. and not too expensive. Anyone recommend anywhere? I went a few years ago to one in Camden but i found that i had afrosty reception, probably because i did'nt look gothic (no offence!) and i was quoted one price and the second time they quoted me �20 more for the same tattoo i had asked about! Anyways, any 'serious' suggestions would be appreciated.

[Birchy]

My "serious suggestion" would be to forget the idea entirely. But if you are adamant that a tattoo is a must have.....how about "ESSEX" on your forehead?

[Greedyfly]

I would imagine the same as anything else you do have to 'shop around' - but please note that even if the price is good PLEASE do not be sucked in by it - seek somone proffessional and polite and clean. ask people for Suggestions of good places, ask the tattooist to see pictures of THEIR work etc.... Have a look round the place your thinking of going and ask questions about how to look after your tattoo and what happens if it goes septic etc... If you get answers to all these questions and you are comfortable with then you know you have a good idea of what this person is like. I don't mean to sound whiney but it is vital to choose someone good!

Have fun and hope it goes well for you.

[maitre d']

stressed out - I understand exactly what you mean.   When I was looking for one we went to loads of places.   Some of them we didn�t even bother going inside.   Others seemed full of chain-smoking chavs, or were just so grungy you�d prob catch something.   Eventually found an excellent place, not in London, but Dorking, Surrey.   You need to book beforehand, they�ll work on your own design if you want, but they aren�t cheap.   It�s clean & friendly and as it�s something that�ll be with forever you want a decent job done.   I think the shoulder or bikini line looks good on a lady, that way you can keep it covered if you want [for example if you�re in the company of those who may disapprove].   I think it�s a personal thing and it�s also your body.   It doesn�t mean you�re a soccer thug or as slapper if you�ve got one either!!
Here�s their website,
http://www.eternal-tattoos.co.uk/ and this is how to get there
http://www.visitdorking.com/TR/Travel.htm   Good luck and let us know how you got on & what you get.

[dbrown]

Hey stressed out,

I have the loveliest tattoos. I have three tidy stars on my right wrist and it cost me �8 in a very clean and proffesional tattoo parlor. I also have a tiny Japanese symbol on my shoulder that says my name. This cost me �15.

The only problem is that I did not get these done in London. I got them done in Barking, Essex. But Barking is very accessable from London.

Hope that helped a little