Tattoo questions and aftercare
Prices, deposits, age limits, walk-ins and looking after a new tattoo, for anyone getting tattooed by Morgan Harnett at Southsea Tattoo Co in Portsmouth.
How do I book a tattoo with Morgan?
Send a request through this site with your idea, where it is going and roughly how big. Morgan reads every request himself and replies by email, usually within a few days.
If it is a good fit you get a link to pick a date from his diary and pay a deposit online. Nothing is booked until the deposit is paid.
How much does a tattoo cost in Portsmouth?
Every tattoo is priced on its size, detail and placement, so Morgan gives you an estimate for your piece before you pay anything.
As a guide, Southsea Tattoo Co lists hourly rates of £70 to £90 across its artists, day sittings of £400 to £500 and a minimum charge of £50.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Your deposit secures your appointment and comes off the price of your tattoo on the day. Deposits are non-refundable, but can be moved to a new date with at least 48 hours notice.
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in the UK?
You must be 18 or over. That is the law across the UK, and a parent’s permission does not change it.
Bring valid photo ID to your appointment: it is checked on the day, and the studio will not tattoo anyone without it.
Can I walk in without an appointment?
Southsea Tattoo Co takes walk-ins when an artist has time on the day. Call the studio on 023 9282 3519 at 10am to check, or keep an eye on its social media.
To be tattooed by Morgan in particular, the surest way is to send a request so he can hold a date for you.
When is the studio open?
Southsea Tattoo Co is open Monday to Saturday, 9:30am to 5:30pm, and closed on Sundays. Tattoos are by appointment, with walk-ins when there is time.
Where is the studio?
Morgan works at Southsea Tattoo Co, 129 Albert Road, Southsea, PO5 2SQ. Albert Road is in the middle of Southsea, a short trip from Fratton, North End, Cosham and Gunwharf Quays.
It is also easy to reach from across south Hampshire, including Gosport, Fareham, Havant, Waterlooville, Portchester, Hayling Island and Emsworth.
Is Morgan LGBTQ+ and trans friendly?
Yes. Morgan is LGBTQ+ and trans friendly, and his chair at Southsea Tattoo Co is a safe space: everyone is welcome and every body is treated with respect.
Book under the name you go by and tell him your pronouns. If anything would make the session more comfortable for you, such as how much is uncovered, where you sit or taking breaks, say so in your request or on the day.
Does getting a tattoo hurt?
Yes, a little, though most people find it easier than they expected. How much depends on where it is going: fleshy areas such as the outer arm and thigh are the gentlest, while ribs, feet, hands and anywhere close to bone are sharper.
Eat a proper meal about an hour beforehand, drink plenty of water and wear something comfortable. The studio will not tattoo anyone who has been drinking or taking drugs.
What should I know before my first tattoo?
Have a clear idea of what you want and where, and collect a few reference pictures. A small, bold design is a good place to start.
On the day, arrive on time, bring photo ID, eat beforehand and wear clothes you do not mind getting ink on. You will be asked to fill in a consent form with a short medical history. The studio prefers the balance to be paid in cash.
Can Morgan cover up an old tattoo?
Often, yes. It depends on the size, darkness and age of the tattoo. Add a clear photo of it to your request and Morgan will tell you what is possible.
How do I look after a new tattoo?
Your tattoo is wrapped in cling film before you leave. Take the wrap off after one to two hours, wash the tattoo with warm water only and dab it dry with a clean towel.
After that, wash it morning and evening with an unperfumed soap and rub in a thin layer of moisturiser, such as cocoa butter, whenever it feels dry. Do not pick at it, keep it out of the sun and off sunbeds, and wear loose clothing over it.
Morgan goes through the aftercare with you on the day and gives you a sheet to take home.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
The studio’s guidance is that most tattoos heal in roughly a week, and a little longer for some people. The first 72 hours matter most, because that is when the skin is most open to infection.
Keep up the aftercare routine until the skin has stopped flaking and feels normal again. If anything worries you while it heals, contact the studio.
Can I swim in the sea after getting a tattoo?
Not until it has fully healed, however tempting Southsea beach is. Sea water, swimming pools and baths all soak the tattoo and can cause infection, so stick to showers while it heals.