How Much Do Tattoos Cost?

Several intricate factors go towards the final price tag of your new ink. And they go beyond how big or colourful your tattoo is. In fact, the cost of a tattoo can be a complex equation, involving elements like:

• The tattoo artist you use
• The design you choose
• The geographical location you get tattooed
• The aftercare you add into your shopping cart

For all these reasons, prices can go from the sublime to the ridiculous!

We know you’re not here for vague estimates. You want numbers, and you want to know what those numbers mean. But the difference in price can be dramatic.

Think about it like this. You wouldn’t expect a minuscule butterfly on your ankle and the Game of Thrones map across your back to cost the same, would you? Now you’re getting the drift.

Time is money. So, there’s the labour of love to account for. And the more detail, the longer the session. Both these factors mean a higher price tag.

So, let’s break it down, shall we?

Here are the average scores on the doors. (Average is the operative word here, bearing in mind multiple factors keeping costs down, or sending them through the roof):

How much does a sleeve tattoo cost?

£1,000.00 - £5,000.00+ on average

Why so pricey?

• Multiple sessions (you might need 4 - 10+ depending on your chosen design, where you’re having your tattoo on your body - and your pain threshold!)
• Intricate shading
• Vibrant colours that don’t come cheap

How much are sleeve tattoos (half vs. full)?

You’d expect there to be a substantial difference in the cost of a half or full sleeve. And you’d be absolutely correct. But even the price of a half sleeve can easily climb, depending on the complexity of the design. And a good tattoo artist won’t rush a sleeve. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. So, there’s their time to factor in too.

What sort of outlay are you looking at?

• Half sleeve - £500.00 - £2,000.00+ on average
• Full sleeve - £2,000.00+ on average

The more well-known and in-demand a tattoo artist is, the more they can name their price. This can mean £££s worth of difference. So, think about the trade-off when you’re looking at the different creds of different ink meisters:

Novice needler

Every tattoo artist starts somewhere. Those just beginning their journey will typically charge less while they build their portfolios and hone their craft. So, how much do tattoos cost by an up-and-coming artist? Depending on what you want, you can be looking at less than half what you’d pay in the premier league. This can be a great option if you're on a budget and have a simpler design in mind.

Mid-level maestro

These artists have a solid portfolio, a loyal clientele, and a distinctive style. They've put in the hours, paid their dues, and their pricing reflects their experience. Expect to pay a fair price for quality work.

Ink royalty

These are the rockstars of the tattoo world. Their books are often full for months, even years, in advance. Their skill is undeniable, everybody wants a piece of their style, and their prices are premium. Paying for their name is investing in a piece of art.

It’s important to review a tattoo artist’s portfolio, so you can make an informed choice. Their body of work showcases their skill, their style, and their attention to detail. Look for consistency, clean lines, and solid shading.

In addition, you might want to keep an eye out for tattoo conventions. These events often bring in the biggest names from around the world. You might have the chance to get inked by a renowned tattoo artist without having to travel to their home studio.

How much do tattoos cost at a convention? Some tattoo artists might offer special event rates. But you’ll still pay a premium for a top gun.

Fancy that classic red rose most tattoo artists have inked on a thousand bods? Or something completely custom designed, calling for hours at the drawing board?

These factors all impact the cost of tattoos:

• Quick fix flash tattoos - These pre-designed tattoos are readily available in the studio. They're typically simpler designs. And they're a good go-to when you're looking for something quick and affordable.
• Custom designs combining your vision and their skill - This is where the magic happens, collaborating with your tattoo artist to create a unique design that reflects your personal style. It takes time to discuss your ideas, draw sketches, refine the design, and create a one-of-a-kind piece of art. So, make sure you’ve got some extra pounds in your piggy bank to cover it.
• Digital vs. hand-drawn designs - Some tattoo artists prefer to create designs digitally, while others prefer to draw them by hand. Both methods have their merits. The choice usually comes down to the artist's personal preference and the style of the tattoo.

How much are tattoos in different parts of the country? That’s a really good question, because location plays a big part in your final bill.

• London's leading ink at capital city prices - London is a global hub for art and fashion, and its tattoo scene is no exception. Expect to pay top whack for quality work.
• The north’s rates reflect the traditional north: south divide - You can find equally talented tattoo artists without the London premium in major northern cities like Manchester, Newcastle, and Leeds.
• Hidden gems in coastal and rural areas - There’s a longstanding perception of tacky tattoo parlours inking lager louts in seaside resorts. And we’re not saying this wasn’t the case - or still might be in certain scenarios. But you can have lucky finds in seaside towns and rural areas. And these underappreciated talents often charge less than their urban counterparts.
• Travel costs of going on an ink pilgrimage - Remember to factor in travel costs, accommodation, and meals if you're travelling to another part of the country (or even overseas) to get tattooed by a specific artist. These expenses can add up quickly and substantially on top of your tattoo cost.

As you can see, there can be more questions than answers when you’re trying to get the bottom of how much do tattoos cost. And we haven’t finished yet! Because some factors are so specific, they’re on a tattoo-by-tattoo and artist-by-artist basis.

For example:

The ouch factor in sensitive areas

Areas like the ribs, spine, and inner thighs are notoriously painful. As a result, you need to take more breaks during these sessions. This can increase the overall time and cost.

Long sessions vs. multiple sittings

Some tattoo artists prefer to do long sessions on larger tattoos. Others prefer to break it up into multiple sittings. Then there are your own personal preferences to add into the mix.

The tattoo artist's pace

Every artist has their own pace. Some work quickly and efficiently. Others take their time to ensure precision.

The quality of the ink used

High-quality ink is more vibrant, lasts longer, and is less likely to fade. So, the cost of longevity is added to your bill by tattoo artists who pay a bit more for quality ink.

Colour complexity

Tattoos using a kaleidoscope of colours take time and skill. Accordingly, the price of vibrancy is higher.

The delicate art of white ink tattoos

White ink tattoos are well-known for being difficult to do. They call for a highly skilled artist and top-quality ink. Both of which cost.

Tattoo aftercare products are essential for proper healing. So, don’t forget to budget for tattoo balms, creams, and cleansers.

The most popular and trusted products on the market include:

Hustle Bubbles Deluxe® Foam Wash

Ditch old-school soap! This ingenuous foaming cleanser does it all - cleans, soothes, and keeps your skin hydrated at every stage of the tattoo process.

It’s packed with antimicrobial power and formulated with natural, vegan-friendly ingredients, making it the perfect potion for prep, mid-inking washes, and post-tattoo healing. Just pump and go for fresh, calm, and moisturised skin.

Hustle Butter Deluxe® Organic Tattoo Care 

 This holy grail of tattoo aftercare is a rich, all-natural, vegan alternative to petroleum-based balms. It’s designed to keep your ink looking fresh and your skin feeling amazing.

Apply it before, during, or after tattooing to reduce swelling, ease irritation, and keep skin nourished. No parabens, no petroleum, just pure skin-loving goodness, whether you’re healing fresh ink or reviving an old tattoo.

Penny Black™ Tattoo Butter

This rich, non-greasy butter is designed for both fresh and healed tattoos, with fast absorbency to reduce redness, swelling, and irritation, while keeping skin deeply nourished.

It glides on smoothly, with no stickiness or stinging, just instant relief, keeping brand-new tattoos and old favourites soft, calm, and vibrant.

We should also mention touch-ups. Some tattoo designs need touching up after the initial healing process, which might mean an additional cost afterwards if you don’t initially factor it in.

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all price tag for tattoos. This is because there’s no one-size-fits-all tattoo, tattoo artist, and tattooing process.

One thing’s for certain: investing in a quality tattoo from a reputable artist, combined with proper aftercare, gives you:

• Fewer touch-ups
• Smoother healing
• Ink that stands the test of time

So, it’s worth not cutting corners. And your skin will thank you.

At Stretch It Body Jewellery, you can shop our full range of leading tattoo aftercare products and find expert advice. We’re all ears if you’ve got any burning questions or healing hacks. Just don’t ask “How much do tattoos cost?” As you’ve gathered by now, the answer can be as clear as mud!