Frequently Asked Questions

Pain is subjective and depends greatly on the body area, your personal tolerance and the length of the session. Realism requires more precise and repeated passes compared to other styles, so some areas may feel more intense.

Some areas are notoriously more sensitive — such as hips, sternum and feet — while areas like the arm and thigh are generally more manageable.

The possible use of a numbing cream can be discussed together based on the area and your pain sensitivity. You can ask for a break at any time — don't hesitate to let me know how you feel.

Yes, you can get a tattoo in summer, but you must avoid sun exposure and tanning lamps in the weeks before and after your session.

If you don't want to give up the sun before your session, it is strongly recommended to apply high-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+) to the area. After the tattoo, sun protection is essential to preserve the colours over time.

It depends on the size, complexity and number of colours. As a general guide:

• Small or simple subjects: 1 session
• Medium subjects: 2–3 sessions
• Large, detailed compositions: 4 or more sessions

We'll work this out together during the free consultation.

It depends on the size, ink density and colour of the existing tattoo. I assess each case during the consultation — bring a clear photo of the tattoo you'd like covered.

In some cases a direct cover-up is possible; in others, laser treatment to lighten the ink may be needed first.

I specialise in realism in both colour and black & grey. Both techniques require precise, detailed work. We'll choose the style together based on the subject and your preferences.

Technically, almost all skin on the body can be tattooed, but how well a tattoo holds over time can vary depending on skin type, placement, age and body composition.

The areas I personally prefer to work on, and which generally give the best long-term results, are: upper arm, forearm, chest, back, thigh and calf.

For orientation, take a look at the visual guide to tattoo zones with example works and approximate session counts.

The choice of placement depends on many factors and should be worked out together during the consultation. A design may suit certain body areas better depending on its style, size and shape.

If you already have a specific area in mind, I'll design around it. If you're undecided, I'll suggest the placement that best complements your tattoo.

Skin blemishes can vary in nature. If in doubt, you should consult a dermatologist first to identify the type and determine whether a tattoo can cover them fully or partially.

During the consultation we'll assess the area together and, if needed, I'll advise the appropriate medical checks.

If there are moles in the area you'd like tattooed, those spots must be left untouched, keeping the moles visible. In most cases a small border of clear skin around the mole is all that's needed.

If the mole is very large or the area has many, it may be worth considering moving the tattoo to a more suitable placement.

The price depends on size, complexity, number of colours and the number of sessions required. There is no fixed rate per square centimetre — every project is unique.

The final quote is agreed during the free consultation, after evaluating your project in detail.

The price agreed with the tattoo artist constitutes the consideration for the service. Any applicable taxes are indicated on the invoice at the time of payment.

To secure your date, a deposit of €50 per session is required, deducted from the final total. When you book your sessions on the website you pay it online with PayPal.

Conditions:

• Cancellation/rescheduling with more than 14 days' notice: deposit refunded 100% (or converted to credit)
• Cancellation/rescheduling with less than 14 days' notice: deposit is forfeited
• Exception: in case of a medical certificate or documented bereavement, the deposit remains valid as a credit for a new booking (even within 14 days)
• Giving up the tattoo: if you withdraw after Irene has already prepared the design for the pre-session, the first session's deposit is kept as compensation for the work done. Moving the dates is not a withdrawal.

The full conditions are in the Terms & Conditions.

The deposit is paid online with PayPal when you book your sessions. The final balance is paid at the studio on the day of the session, in cash or by card.

The consultation is an appointment of about half an hour where we talk about your idea: subject, placement, size, style and number of sessions. You can choose to meet in the studio in Rome or by WhatsApp video call.

You book it online, at 10:30, 14:00 or 21:00 (the 21:00 slot is video only). It is free and non-binding and at the end you receive a quote. Book your consultation →

It is a half-hour meeting at 18:00, in the studio or by video call, where Irene shows you the tattoo design and you finalise it together before the first session.

It is scheduled at least 21 days before the first session, so Irene has time to prepare the drawing. After booking your sessions you receive an email with the link to choose it.

Yes, you can join the waiting list. When a day becomes free, Irene may offer it to you by email and you have 24 hours to reply.

If you accept, your session moves to the new date. If you decline or do not reply, your date stays as it is and you go back to the end of the list.

In the confirmation and reminder emails you will find the Manage appointments button: from there you can see all your appointments, reschedule or cancel them and correct your details (name, phone, tattoo idea).

For sessions the deposit conditions apply: with less than 14 days' notice the deposit is forfeited.

During the tattoo session, companions are not allowed. Studio space is limited and full concentration during the work is essential.

• Eat well before coming — don't arrive on an empty stomach
• Stay hydrated in the hours beforehand
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area
• Avoid alcohol and drugs in the 24 hours prior
• Bring a jumper or blanket — it can get cold during long sessions
• Bring snacks and water for full-day sessions

Surface healing (the skin closes over) takes about 2–3 weeks. Full, deep healing of the colour takes approximately 3–6 months.

Throughout the process it's essential to follow the aftercare instructions I'll give you at the end of the session.

You'll receive detailed instructions at the end of the session. In general:

• Keep the protective film for the first few hours, then remove and do not re-cover
• From day 2 to day 14: wash morning and evening with neutral soap (5.5 pH) and lukewarm water
• Apply a thin layer of Bepanthen morning and evening (warm it between your hands so it becomes liquid)
• Do not scratch or pick at scabs — some flaking of the skin is normal
• Avoid direct sun, swimming pools and sea during healing

For the complete guide, see the dedicated tattoo aftercare page.

No. Getting a tattoo during pregnancy or in the six months prior to a planned pregnancy is strongly inadvisable. Although the risk of infection is very low when working with a professional, it is best to wait.

For the same reasons, tattooing while breastfeeding is also inadvisable. I recommend waiting until this period has ended.

Yes, all tattoos fade slightly over time, especially without proper care. The main factors are sun exposure and lack of skin hydration.

To keep colours vivid: always apply sunscreen (SPF 50+) to the tattooed area when in the sun, and moisturise regularly. A touch-up every 5–10 years is generally enough to restore the tattoo to its original brilliance.