Pictures of Lily FAQs

How much do you charge for tattoos?
This will depend on the tattoo you are having and the artist you have chosen. We will provide a quote based on your specific design, so contact the studio and provide as much detail as possible, including:

• Picture references
• Sizing (in cms or inches)
• Placement
• Colour or black and grey
• Preferable dates/days/times

You can also contact our artists directly. Head to our Instagram or Facebook to find their details. We have senior and junior artists as well as an apprentice who offer different styles and price ranges. 

How do I book for a tattoo?
To book a tattoo, just get in touch with our studio through Facebook, Instagram, our website enquiry form, email, or by visiting us in person. Let us know what you’re looking to get, and please include reference photos along with as much detail as possible about your idea. If you have a preferred artist, make sure to mention their name. We’ll also need a rough size in centimetres or inches—terms like “small,” “medium,” or “large” are subjective and aren’t as helpful. Once we have all the details, we’ll guide you through the next steps.

Do you offer consultations?
We do. Initially, it’s best to message the studio with as much info as possible regarding what you are looking to get (size, placement, style, colour, image references), then we can match you with the right artist. It’s not always necessary, but should you need to talk to the artist face-to-face, we can book you in for a consultation, free of charge. 

Do you offer walk-ins for tattoos?
Walk-ins are always welcome, should we have an artist available, but it is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Keep your eye on our social media, we will often post if we have any cancellations or re-bookings last minute. 

Do you require a deposit to book appointments?
Yes we require a non-refundable down payment to secure your booking. This protects our artists’ time, covers the preparation of your design, and ensures your appointment slot is reserved just for you. The deposit comes off the final cost of your tattoo on the day of your appointment.

What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let us know as soon as possible.

• Deposits are non-refundable, regardless of the reason for cancellation.
• If you wish to reschedule, you must give us at least a weeks notice for your deposit to be transferred to a new date.
• Cancellations or significant design changes made with less than a weeks notice will require a new deposit to rebook.

Will the artist send me the design before the appointment? 
Tattoo artists don’t generally provide their designs beforehand for a couple of reasons. Firstly, because they tattoo almost every day, they are constantly producing designs so yours may not be drawn up until the week of the appointment. There is also the issue of clients taking an artist’s design elsewhere in an attempt to price shop, meaning they have spent their time creating the design for free. 

Last-minute changes can be made to the design on the day – we always allow time for this. If the design doesn’t suit at all and needs to be completely revised (this almost never happens), we would endeavour to rebook.  

Trust the process.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Please bring:

• Valid physical photo ID (you must be 18+ for tattooing)
• Comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area.
• Snacks and drinks if you’re booked for a longer session.
• Your payment method (check with us what forms of payment we accept)

We also recommend arriving hydrated with water and having eaten a balanced meal beforehand.

What aftercare do you recommend?
Your artist will give you personalised aftercare instructions at your appointment, please follow their advice carefully, as every tattoo and skin type is different.

In general, once the initial healing begins, we recommend using Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Fragrance Free Lotion’ to help gently rehydrate the skin, we do stock it for purchase in the studio. Avoid picking, scratching, or soaking the tattoo, and keep it protected from the sun during healing.

If you ever have questions or concerns during the healing process, feel free to contact the studio.

You can find more information in our blog Tattoo aftercare.

Is getting a tattoo safe?
Yes when done in a professional studio like ours, getting a tattoo is safe. We follow extremely strict hygiene standards, use single-use sterile equipment, and maintain a clean, controlled environment. Our artists are trained in proper safety procedures to ensure your experience is both safe and comfortable.

If you have any medical conditions, allergies, or skin sensitivities, please let us know before your appointment so we can advise you appropriately.

Will my tattoo fade?
Our skilled artists will apply techniques to ensure the best possible quality of your tattoo, yet it is natural that it will lose its sharpness over time. This is due to a variety of factors.

Aside from natural aging and skin regeneration, the level of care you apply will affect the durability of your tattoo. We advise always using a high SPF sun cream on your tattoo (even in the British sun!) and keeping a good skin care routine, such as applying moisturiser and regularly drinking water to keep your body hydrated.

Listen to your artist and follow their aftercare advice on the correct techniques and products – the immediate healing stage is crucial to maintaining the quality of your tattoo. Check out our blog for more details.

Fineline tattoos can often need touch-ups. The first touch-up is usually included in the initial tattoo price unless stated otherwise.

Where is the most painful area to be tattooed?
This, of course, varies from person to person. Saying that, ribs, feet, lower back are known to be more painful, but don’t let the fear of pain dissuade you. Some people actually enjoy the sensation, which is often likened to a cat scratch. 

Can I use numbing cream?
Yes (subject to the artists insurance policy) However, we don’t advise this for fine line or small pieces, as it can affect the texture of the skin and make tattooing more difficult. Please check with us or your artist first. It is advisable to buy from a reputable tattoo studio, rather than online, to avoid purchasing a counterfeit product. Make sure to do a patch test at least 24 hours in advance to make sure it is suitable for you.

Can I bring a friend to my appointment?
Unless you require assistance, we try to dissuade people from bringing friends/family along, as there’s often not enough room, and it can be off putting for the artist. Your friend is welcome to accompany you to the appointment and either wait outside on the benches just by the studio or in the seating area downstairs, as long as it’s not too busy. If you do require support or assistance just let us know and we can accommodate requests.

Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes, we do. They can be to any amount and are valid for a year. You can either pop by the studio to pick one up or we can email them out for you to print off at home & pay via PayPal or bank transfer. 

Do you tattoo hand/fingers/faces?
Yes, at the artists digression. There’s a few things to consider before committing to this placement. Aesthetically, if you don’t have significant existing tattoos, these placements can look very lost and disjointed on their own, so it’s better to start on the arm & work towards the hands.

Hands and fingers (being an area of heavy wear and tear) tattoos can be problematic, as the ink can drop out. Our artists would use techniques to ensure the ink would stay in better, but there’s always a chance some of the ink will drop out & you’ll need it touched up at a later stage, particularly if you are in a very manual job, or have your hands in water a lot. Sides of fingers & knuckles are particularly problematic. Touch-ups are not always FOC for these areas.

With both facial and hand tattoos, it’s advisable to consider how this can also affect career options. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma around tattoos and having visible pieces that cannot be covered may affect your employability in the future.

Can I get tattooed while breastfeeding?
There’s always a chance of infection when breaking the skin & although highly unlikely, if you were to get an infection, you’d need to have antibiotics. The main reason is that post-partum, the body is repairing itself, plus your hormones would be all over the place, which would affect the skin & healing. Your immune system plays a massive part in healing tattoos & piercings, so needs to be 100%. It’s best to wait a minimum of six months to a year post-partum, particularly on big designs. 

Do you offer laser removal?
Yes we do. The machine we use is one of the best; it’s a Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser, which is considered the ‘Gold’ standard of QS Laser technology. 

The laser pulses have been likened to hot oil from the frying pan hitting your skin – it’s usually tolerated without any anaesthetic but you can use numbing cream if preferred. It is usual to experience a small amount of pain in the area afterwards (it can feel like sunburn). 

Sessions usually last between 5 and 30 minutes, longer could cause too much skin trauma so is not recommended. Depending on the tattoo and the result required (removal or cover up) up to 12 or more sessions may be required. Treatment sessions are a minimum of 4 to 8 weeks apart. We would book you in for a consultation, which is £20, then go from there. Our minimum charge is £30 a session, depending on size and detail.

We recommend waiting at least 4 – 6 months after your last laser session before having the area tattooed over again, to ensure the skin is healed enough.

You can find more information in our blog Tattoo Laser Removal Information.

Where are you located?
We are located in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, just off the central market square. By car, we are approximately 20 minutes from Bedford, Hitchin and St. Neots, just off the A1. Also 30 minutes by car or 45 minutes by train from Cambridge and approx. 30 minutes direct from Kings Cross, London by train. There are direct trains also from Stevenage, Hitchin, Peterborough and St Neots.

View our pin on Google Maps

How do I book for a piercing service?
You can book yourself in online using Booksy, where you’ll find all the piercing related pricing & information. If you head over to our social media pages & website, you can also find the link there. If you have any trouble with this, please message us and we can help from here.

What are your age restrictions?
1st lobes – 7+ years with parental consent.
2nd lobes – 9+ years with parental consent.
Cartilage (excluding snug and various standard scaffold piercings) – 13-16+ years depending on complexity.
Snug – 18+ years.
Industrial – 18+ years.
Nose – 13+ years with parental consent.
Other facial – 15+ with parental consent.
Navel – 14+ with parental consent.

Nipples – 18+
Large gauge – 18+ years.
Genitals – 21+ years following a consultation with the studio. Please contact us for details. Check out our Genital Piercing FAQ for more info.

All customers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the appointment. This is for safeguarding reasons as well as complying with our insurance, Photo ID is required.

Do you use a gun for piercing?
No. Any spring loaded contraptions (guns) are unsafe and outdated. They are known to spread hepatitis and other bloodborne pathogens, as they cannot be sterilised – and would simply melt if put through a sterilising machine. The jewellery used is generally one size, which is too small for an initial piercing as it doesn’t accommodate swelling and is usually sub-standard in quality. This can cause all sorts of problems such as rejection, allergic reactions, embedding and infection.

We pierce exclusively with needle blades specifically designed just for body piercing. These allow for a cleaner piercing gliding through the skin with minimal trauma which aids healing, as opposed to guns, which tear a hole in the skin by forcing the blunt jewellery through. Piercing practices have modernised and we provide far better options than what used to be available, so why play Russian roulette with unsafe outdated equipment with yours or your loved ones’ health?

Why are your prices higher than high street stores like Claire’s?
We pride ourselves on being different from high street piercing brands. We don’t cut corners
and provide the best possible service we can, which does come at a price. Some of the reasons we stand above high street piercers include:

• The quality and selection of our jewellery.
• Specialist equipment designed specifically for body piercing.
• Our aftercare practises.
• The skills and knowledge of our practitioners, who attend professional development courses and conferences at least once a year.
• Our safety standards and hygiene levels, including piercing in a sterile field and aseptic environment.

For a full view of how we set our pricing so you can understand exactly the value of what you’re getting, have a read of our blog, Piercing Pricing Explained.

Can I bring my own jewellery?
No. As members of the UKAPP, we only fit and use jewellery from verified, certified manufacturers to ensure quality and safety. We also only use jewellery that has been through a strict quality control and cleaning process. Your own anatomy would also need assessment from our trained professionals to ensure we are using the correct size jewellery for your specifications. This is something you may struggle with and there is no such thing as one size fits all!

We don’t advise buying jewellery online or from high street stores even for a healed piercing, as you can’t guarantee safety or quality, despite their claims. It may look very shiny and sparkly on the shelf, but due to the mystery metals it is unlikely to stay like this for long and can cause a lot of problems, including rejection.

Can you help me decide what jewellery to choose?
Of course. We include time to browse our extensive jewellery in the piercing appointment, and we have several staff on hand who are able to discuss options with you. If you know you are a little indecisive, you are welcome to come to the appointment early and take your time.

You are also welcome to book in for a jewellery buying consultation prior to booking on Booksy or just pop by to take a look.

Can I have a ring in my piercing straight away?
Outside of specific piercings which require a ring to fit the anatomy, e.g. the daith, we only pierce with a labret/stud as we find this is better for healing. We don’t pierce with rings as they move around and aren’t as stable which can affect the healing process. We pierce with a slightly longer bar to allow for swelling, then make you a follow-up appointment, when we would then do a free change to a shorter, snugger fitting bar, as long as the healing is going O.K.

If your eventual goal is a ring, we can of course help with that. We advise waiting minimum of 4 to 6 months from the initial piercing, then we can change it over for you, as long as there are no healing issues.

Can my friend be my parental consent?
No. Due to local regulations, our insurance policy and our personal safeguarding values, we require a parent or legal guardian to be present to give consent for piercings of those under 18.

How many piercings can I have at one time?
We advise not to have more than four piercings in one session, also depending on which ones you have chosen. This is because multiple piercings can overwhelm the immune system leading to a reduced ability to heal effectively.

What can I do if I don’t have the correct anatomy for a piercing?
We will advise on piercings specifically suited to your anatomy, and will make suggestions on
jewellery and placement to suit your body type. If what you want doesn’t work, we will not just take your money, pierce you, and send you out the door with something that can potentially cause discomfort or harm. We can offer informed alternatives, (e.g. a floating navel instead of a classic belly piercing), or sometimes it can be just helping find jewellery that is more suitable for your particular anatomy.

You are welcome to book in for a piercing consultation on Booksy

Can I come to you if my piercing was performed elsewhere?
Certainly! Whether you’re experiencing problems or are looking to update your jewellery, everyone is always welcome to come to us, regardless of where you were pierced originally. As members of UKAPP (United Kingdom Association of Professional Piercers), we provide the most up to date guidance and offer the safest and highest quality jewellery. In order to confirm quality and suitability, it is our policy to only fit jewellery purchased at the studio .

Feel free to message us any time, we’re here to help. You can also book in for a piercing concerns appointment on Booksy or you’re always welcome to message us for any queries.

Can I bring my children to my appointment?
Ideally, it is best not to bring young children to an appointment. Children cannot be left unattended at the studio, and as we need your sole focus on the experience, regarding aftercare and best practices, it is best to come to the appointment alone or with just one additional adult for support. However, if this is unavoidable, we can accommodate up to one child in the piercing room. As they cannot sit on the couch with you during the piercing, they need to be of an age where they can sit calmly by themselves, and our piercing room does not have the space to accommodate buggies or pushchairs. If in the waiting area, under 10s will need supervision from an over 13 year old. Please be aware we reserve 30 minutes for each appointment, and children may get bored during this time.

Please contact the studio if its an emergency and you need to bring a child.

Can I have my friends come into the piercing room?
We do ask not to bring an entourage with you, but can accommodate one or two people for support depending on the piercers digression. If you are under 18, this will need to be a parent or guardian.

My piercing feels sore, what can I do?
Many people worry about the general aches and tenderness after being pierced, but don’t worry, this is normal. Some piercings can be more tender than others, perhaps for longer than we may want, but in time and with the correct aftercare, your piercing will heal but it’s not going to happen overnight. It’s important to follow correct aftercare, yet occasionally things can still go awry with a piercing. The main thing is not to panic. It could be just a simple case of changing the jewellery or adjusting your aftercare regime. Always consult a professional piercer at the first sign of any issues or if you have concerns. Check out our blog for more info on General Piercing Aftercare.

My piercing has a lump, what shall I do?
This is one of the most common issues people can have, especially with cartilage and navel piercings, which are prone to getting knocked and caught. There are many reasons as to why a bump may have developed and there is a lot of misinformation out there, referring to Dr Google is never a good idea. But don’t worry, there are steps to treat it, and it’s unlikely to be a keloid. You don’t need to remove the piercing, it just requires a little patience and care. Steps to treat the issue are:

• Don’t touch it.
• Keep it clean & dry. Don’t go to bed with wet hair. Dry it thoroughly with a hairdryer after showering, cleaning etc.
• Don’t put any creams or ointments like TCP, Tea Tree oil, Savalon etc. on it.
• Ensure clothes/glasses are not rubbing on the piercing.
• Check that the jewellery you have is of a good quality and the right size and shape (we can help you with that)
• Sleep with a travel pillow/pillow with a hole (if appropriate for ear/facial piercings) to avoid compressing the piercing.
• Apply a chamomile tea compress.

Feel free to contact us if the problem persists or worsens. Check out our Lumps and Bumps blog for more details.

Is my piercing infected?
It’s very unlikely to be infected, but the best thing would be to pop by the studio, we can take a look & advise. With infection, you’d likely have a fever & feel nauseous, plus you’d have a foul smell & it would be immensely painful. It is much more likely that it’s just irritated. Check out our Common Piercing Problems blog and feel free to contact us at the studio.

What happens if my child only wants to do one lobe piercing after booking in for both?
This doesn’t happen often, but if the child does not want to proceed, we will not do so. We strive to provide a positive experience for customers, and if that means coming back another day when they are feeling braver, so be it. You will only be charged the price of a single lobe. We do have a tandem piercing option where two practitioners pierce at the same time; you can find this option and more about it on Booksy

How do I care for my piercing?
Your piercer will give you personalised aftercare instructions during your appointment please follow their guidance carefully, as different piercings heal in different ways. You can also find helpful aftercare advice on our studio blog (Link to blog).

If you ever feel unsure about anything during healing, you’re always welcome to come back to us for support.

How long will my piercing take to heal?
Everybody heals differently, but the full maturation of a piercing can take up to 2 years. Most people find their piercing feels “healed” much sooner, often within several months to a year but this doesn’t mean the tissue is fully stable internally.

Do piercings hurt?
Pain varies from person to person and depends on the area being pierced. Most piercings involve a quick, sharp pinch that lasts only a moment. We make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible, and we’re always happy to talk you through it and help you feel at ease.

Do I need an appointment or do you accept walk-ins for piercing?
We prefer bookings over walk-ins, as we are a very popular studio and appointment spaces fill up quickly. Walk-ins may be available depending on the day/time, but booking ahead ensures you avoid disappointment and guarantees that a piercer is ready for you when you arrive. Please note, we do not offer intimate piercings or intimate jewellery changes on a walk-in basis.

Can I get pierced whilst breastfeeding or pregnant?
We do not pierce anyone who is pregnant, as this can increase risks and affect healing.
If you are breastfeeding, it is generally recommended to wait until your body is stable, rested, and your immune system is not under additional strain.

Are intimate piercings safe?
Yes. When performed by trained professionals in a sterile environment, intimate piercings are considered safe. We only use high-quality jewellery and follow strict hygiene protocols to keep your experience as smooth as possible. Like any piercing, there are small risks such as irritation or infection, but we help minimize these with proper placement and comprehensive aftercare guidance.

What is your policy on inappropriate behaviour?
We are industry professionals, and the comfort and safety of our team and clients is our top priority. Any behaviour that is inappropriate, sexual in nature, or makes our staff feel uncomfortable will NOT be tolerated under any circumstances. If this occurs, you will be asked to leave the studio immediately, your details may be recorded, and when necessary, we will pass this information on to the police. We maintain a respectful, professional environment, and we expect all clients to do the same.

How long does healing take for intimate piercings?
Healing times can vary depending on the specific piercing and your individual anatomy. Some intimate piercings heal within several weeks, while others may take a few months. During your appointment, we’ll explain what you can expect for your particular placement and how to support healthy healing.

What types of intimate piercings do you offer?
We offer a full range of safe intimate piercings, all dependent on your anatomy and what can be performed securely. Options may include hood piercings, certain shaft or surface piercings, scrotal piercings, and other anatomy-specific placements. During your consultation, we’ll assess your anatomy to ensure any piercing we offer is both safe and suitable for you.

Please contact us if you wish to see our protected intimate piercing portfolio.

What jewellery do you use?
We use only high-quality, implant-grade, hypoallergenic materials, which are most suitable for jewellery which pierces the body. This includes implant-grade titanium, niobium, and solid gold. We size and select each piece carefully to ensure comfort and proper healing. All of our jewellery is guaranteed nickel and copper free.

Can I have sex after getting a intimate piercing?
You’ll need to avoid sexual activity during the initial healing period which can vary. Once you’re cleared to resume, we recommend being gentle and using protection until the piercing is fully healed. This helps prevent irritation or complications while your body is still adjusting.

What can I expect during the appointment?
Your appointment is private, respectful, and designed to help you feel at ease. We begin with a consultation and anatomy check. Once everything is prepared, we complete the piercing quickly and provide clear aftercare instructions. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and comfortable from start to finish.

How much do genital piercings cost?
Pricing depends on the specific piercing and the jewellery you choose. We’ll give you clear pricing before your appointment in your consultation so you know exactly what to expect with no surprises.

Can anyone get a genital piercing?
You must be 18+ or older with valid ID. Beyond that, eligibility depends on your anatomy and overall skin health. We’ll assess this during your consultation to make sure any piercing we offer is safe for your body.