Walk-ins are welcome at Southside Tattoo, but a booking means one of our artists is set aside for you rather than fitted in around the day. You can book by phone on <a href="tel:+61242578288">(02)&nbsp;4257&nbsp;8288</a>, in person at 155 Tongarra Rd, or by DM on Instagram @southside.tattoo. For anything larger or more detailed, booking ahead is the better bet.

Yes. A chat with your artist beforehand, in person or over the phone, is how design, size and placement get sorted before you sit down. Call the shop on <a href="tel:+61242578288">(02)&nbsp;4257&nbsp;8288</a> or drop into 155 Tongarra Rd, Albion Park to arrange one.

It depends on the size, placement, level of detail and how many sessions a piece needs, so there is no single rate that covers every tattoo. Bring your idea in or call us on <a href="tel:+61242578288">(02)&nbsp;4257&nbsp;8288</a> and your artist will give you a proper quote once they know what you are after.

Give us a call as early as you can on <a href="tel:+61242578288">(02)&nbsp;4257&nbsp;8288</a> so we can move your booking and free up that time for someone else. We are open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm to take your call.

Yes, bring reference images, sketches or a clear idea of what you want and your artist will work with it. They will often adjust a design so it sits properly on your body and holds up as a tattoo long term, so come with an open mind as well as your references.

You talk through the idea with your artist first, covering style, size and where it is going on your body. They then draw up the design ahead of your appointment, and there is usually a chance to see it and talk through any changes before the needle starts. Every artist works a little differently, so ask them directly what their process looks like.

Yes, cover-up work is something our artists do regularly. Bring in a photo of the existing tattoo, or come and show us in person, so your artist can talk you through what will and will not work over the top of it.

Under NSW law you generally need to be 18 to get a tattoo. Someone under 18 can only be tattooed with a parent present, or with the parent's written permission covering the specific design, size and where on the body it will go. Give us a call on <a href="tel:+61242578288">(02)&nbsp;4257&nbsp;8288</a> to confirm exactly what you will need to bring.

Eat a proper meal beforehand and stay hydrated, it makes a real difference to how you handle a longer sitting. Skip the alcohol the night before and on the day, and wear clothing that gives your artist easy access to the area being worked on. A good night's sleep beforehand helps too.

Bringing a support person along is fine, especially for a first tattoo or a longer session. Keep in mind the studio is a working space, so check with us on the day if you are planning on bringing more than one or two people.

There is some discomfort, that is part of getting tattooed, and how much varies a lot from person to person and depends on where on the body the piece is. Bony areas like ribs, hands and feet tend to be more sensitive than fleshier spots like the outer arm or thigh. Your artist can talk you through what to expect for your specific placement.

Yes, our artists regularly work on large-scale pieces, including Japanese-influenced colour work, that are built up over several sessions. Your artist will map out how the piece breaks down into sittings and talk you through pacing and healing time between each one.

If a healed tattoo needs a touch-up, get in touch with the artist who did the work where possible, since they know the piece best. Call the shop on <a href="tel:+61242578288">(02)&nbsp;4257&nbsp;8288</a> and we will sort out the best time to bring you back in.

The surface usually heals over in about two to four weeks, but the skin underneath keeps settling for a few months after that. Follow the aftercare your artist gives you and see our full <a href="/aftercare/">aftercare guide</a> for the details on washing, moisturising and what to avoid while it heals.

Yes, single-use needles and proper sterilisation practices are standard at Southside Tattoo. If you have any questions about our hygiene setup before your appointment, ask your artist or call us on <a href="tel:+61242578288">(02)&nbsp;4257&nbsp;8288</a> and we are happy to talk you through it.

Have a look through each artist's recent work on Instagram @southside.tattoo and go with whoever's style matches what you are after, whether that is black and grey, colour, script or larger custom pieces. If you are not sure, call the shop on <a href="tel:+61242578288">(02)&nbsp;4257&nbsp;8288</a> and we can point you toward the right person for your idea.

We are at 155 Tongarra Rd, Albion Park NSW 2527. We are open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm, and closed Sundays. Call us on <a href="tel:+61242578288">(02)&nbsp;4257&nbsp;8288</a> if you are heading in and want to check we are free.

Phone is fastest for booking questions, call <a href="tel:+61242578288">(02)&nbsp;4257&nbsp;8288</a> during opening hours. You can also send a message through the form on the Book in page, message us on Instagram @southside.tattoo, or drop by the studio at 155 Tongarra Rd in person.