Booking Terms & Conditions — Hexed Ink Collective

1. Bookings and Deposits

1.1. All tattoo appointments require a non-refundable booking deposit to secure the date and time. The deposit amount will be specified in your quote or by the studio at the time of booking.
1.2. Your appointment is only confirmed once your non-refundable booking deposit has been received and reflects in the studio's account, and you have sent proof of payment within 24 hours of receiving our payment details.
1.3. The booking deposit is deducted from the final cost of your tattoo on the day of your appointment.
1.4. Booking deposits cover admin, consultation, and design time, as well as reserving the time slot. They are non-refundable under all circumstances except where the studio cancels and cannot offer an alternative date.
1.5. Deposits, gift vouchers, and credits are not exchangeable for cash.
1.6. Deposits are not transferable to another person unless the studio has agreed to this in writing in advance.

2. Consultations, Quotes, and Designs

2.1. Consultations may be required (in person or online) for larger or custom tattoos to discuss design, size, placement, style, and budget.
2.2. All quotes are estimates only and are based on the information you provide (size, placement, detail, and reference images). The final price may change depending on the actual size, detail, placement, time taken, and any changes requested on the day of the appointment.
2.3. Unless otherwise stated, a reasonable number of minor design adjustments (for example up to three rounds of small changes) is included in your booking. Major redesigns, style changes, or repeated changes may incur an additional design fee or require a new booking and deposit.
2.4. Reference images are used for inspiration only. We do not copy other artists' work exactly. Your tattoo will be interpreted in the artist's own style.
2.5. All drawings, designs, stencils, and artwork created by our artists remain the intellectual property and copyright of the artist and the studio unless otherwise agreed in writing.
2.6. Custom designs are prepared specifically for your booking. You may not take the design to another artist or studio without written permission.

3. Cancellations, Rescheduling, and No-Shows

3.1. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you must notify the studio as soon as possible.
3.2. You may reschedule your appointment once, provided you give at least 2 full business days' notice.
3.3. If the required notice period is met, your deposit can be carried over to the new date, subject to availability.
3.4. If you cancel or reschedule with less than the required notice, arrive more than the allowed grace period late, or do not arrive for your appointment (no-show), your deposit will be automatically forfeited. A new deposit will be required to make another booking.
3.5. Only one reschedule per deposit is allowed. Any further rescheduling will require a new deposit.
3.6. If the studio or artist needs to cancel or reschedule your appointment, we will contact you as soon as reasonably possible to arrange a new date. In this case, your deposit will be carried over to the new appointment.
3.7. In the rare event that the studio cancels and cannot offer an alternative date, we may, at our discretion, refund your deposit or issue a studio credit.

4. Late Arrivals and Time Management

4.1. Please arrive at least 10–15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete any paperwork and final design or placement checks.
4.2. We allow a grace period of 15–20 minutes for late arrivals.
4.3. If you arrive later than the grace period, your session may need to be shortened or rescheduled, at the artist's discretion.
4.4. Shortened sessions due to late arrival are still charged at the full booked rate, and your deposit will not be refunded.
4.5. If your lateness means we cannot proceed with the tattoo on the day, your deposit will be forfeited and a new deposit will be required to rebook.

5. Age, Health, and Consent

5.1. All clients must be 18 years or older to receive a tattoo. Valid identification (ID, driver's licence, or passport) may be requested.
5.2. We do not tattoo anyone under the age of 18, even with parental or guardian consent.
5.3. By booking, you confirm that you:
- Are 18 years or older.
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Are not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substances.
- Have disclosed all relevant medical conditions, medications, allergies, and skin conditions.
5.4. You must inform the artist of any medical conditions such as (but not limited to) diabetes, blood clotting disorders, heart conditions, epilepsy, immune disorders, skin conditions, or if you are taking blood-thinning or other medication that may affect the procedure or healing.
5.5. The studio and artist reserve the right to refuse to tattoo any person if they believe it is unsafe or inappropriate to proceed, including for medical reasons, intoxication, abusive behaviour, or unsuitable skin condition.
5.6. Prior to tattooing, you will be required to complete and sign a consent and indemnity form. By signing, you confirm that the information supplied is true and correct and that you understand the nature of the procedure, the risks involved, and the aftercare requirements.

6. Pricing and Payments

6.1. Pricing may be structured per piece, at an hourly rate, or as half-day / full-day sessions. A minimum charge applies for small tattoos.
6.2. All pricing and rates will be communicated to you in advance or during the consultation.
6.3. The remaining balance of your tattoo cost is payable on the day of your appointment, before you leave the studio.
6.4. We accept the following payment methods: Cash, EFT. Any cash deposit or bank charges are for the client's account.
6.5. All payments for completed tattoo work are final. No refunds are given on completed tattoos under any circumstances.
6.6. Prices are subject to change without prior notice, but any changes will be communicated before your appointment where possible.

7. Studio Rules and Conduct

7.1. To protect hygiene and ensure a calm environment, no pets are allowed in the studio.
7.2. For safety and space reasons, we may limit the number of guests accompanying you. As a general rule, no or only one quiet guest may be allowed in the waiting area, and guests may not be permitted in the procedure area at the artist's discretion.
7.3. Abusive, aggressive, discriminatory, or disrespectful behaviour towards artists, staff, or other clients will not be tolerated. The session may be stopped immediately and you may be asked to leave the studio.
7.4. In cases of disruptive or abusive behaviour, your deposit will be forfeited and you may be refused future bookings.

8. Numbing Cream and Medication

8.1. If you wish to use numbing cream, you must discuss this with the studio in advance. Not all products are suitable for all clients or all areas of the body.
8.2. Clients are responsible for using numbing products only as instructed and for informing the artist of any products applied before arrival.
8.3. The studio reserves the right to refuse service if we believe a product used may interfere with the tattoo process or pose a health risk.
8.4. You must not take pain medication, sedatives, or any substance that thins the blood or affects clotting without first consulting your doctor; you must also disclose this information to the artist.

9. Aftercare and Healing

9.1. The artist will provide aftercare instructions verbally and/or in writing at the end of your session.
9.2. It is your responsibility to follow the aftercare instructions carefully to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of infection, scarring, or premature fading.
9.3. We are not responsible for issues that arise due to failure to follow aftercare instructions, interference by third parties, or factors outside our control such as swimming, sun exposure, tanning, picking, or scratching.
9.4. If you have any concerns during the healing process, please contact the studio as soon as possible and send clear photos so that we can advise appropriately.

10. Touch-Ups

10.1. At the artist's discretion, one complimentary minor touch-up may be offered within 2 months of the original session date, provided that you have followed aftercare instructions and the need for a touch-up is due to normal healing.
10.2. Complimentary touch-ups exclude certain high-wear areas such as hands, fingers, feet, lips, or other areas known to fade quickly. These areas may incur a touch-up fee.
10.3. Touch-ups requested after the specified time period, or due to poor aftercare, sun damage, tanning, picking, scratching, or other client-caused issues, will be charged at the studio's standard rates.
10.4. Missed or cancelled touch-up appointments may not be rebooked as complimentary and may be charged as a new session.

11. Photography, Social Media, and Privacy

11.1. The studio and artist may take photographs or videos of your tattoo (before, during, and after) for portfolio, social media, advertising, and educational purposes.
11.2. By receiving a tattoo at our studio, you consent to the use of such images, unless you specifically notify us in writing before the tattoo begins that you do not wish to be photographed or posted.
11.3. We will respect reasonable requests to maintain your privacy, such as cropping out your face or identifiable features.
11.4. Your personal information and contact details will be collected and stored securely in line with applicable privacy and data protection laws, and will not be shared with third parties except where required by law.

12. Liability

12.1. While we follow strict hygiene and safety standards, tattooing is an invasive procedure and carries inherent risks, including but not limited to infection, allergic reaction, scarring, and variations in healing.
12.2. By proceeding with a tattoo, you accept these risks and agree that the studio and its artists are not responsible for complications that arise where proper aftercare was not followed or where factors outside our control affected the outcome.
12.3. You acknowledge that your skin type, lifestyle, and aftercare can affect how the tattoo heals and how long it remains vibrant.
12.4. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the studio and its artists will not be liable for any loss, injury, or damage resulting from the tattoo procedure or aftercare, except where caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

13. Changes to Terms

13.1. The studio may update these terms and conditions from time to time.
13.2. The version in force at the time of your booking and deposit payment will apply to your appointment, unless changes are required by law.