Answers to common questions about tattooing age in the UK, flash and custom work, and laser treatments — including how removal works and a Kirby–Desai session estimate.
Common questions
How old do you need to be to get a tattoo in the UK?
In England, Wales and Scotland it is an offence to tattoo anyone under 18, except for medical tattoos carried out by (or under the direction of) a qualified medical practitioner. That rule comes from the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969. At Skinz we tattoo adults aged 18 and over only, and we may ask for photo ID. Parental consent does not make under-18 tattooing lawful under that Act.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Laser tattoo removal uses short pulses of light that are absorbed by tattoo pigment. The energy breaks ink particles into smaller fragments so the body can clear them over time through the lymphatic system. Sessions are usually spaced several weeks apart so the skin can settle between treatments. Black ink typically responds more readily than some colours; denser professional work, cover-ups and scarring can take longer. The number of sessions varies — use the Kirby–Desai estimate below as a starting guide, then book a conversation at the studio for a proper look at your piece.
What is the Kirby–Desai scale?
The Kirby–Desai scale is a published clinical tool many laser clinics use to estimate how many treatment sessions a tattoo may need. It scores six factors — Fitzpatrick skin type, body location, ink colour, amount of ink, scarring or tissue change, and whether the tattoo is layered (a cover-up). The total score is an approximate session count, not a guarantee. Scores over 15 can be harder to clear and need an in-person assessment. See the original paper on PMC (Kirby et al.).
Do you offer flash tattoos as well as custom work?
Yes. Our artists design flash sheets you can view in the studio and choose a design from. You can also enquire about fully custom work drawn for you. Flash availability depends on the artist and the sheet.
What other laser treatments do you offer?
Alongside laser tattoo removal we offer laser hair removal and laser carbon facials. Enquire to ask which option fits what you want and how a course is usually planned.
Estimate laser sessions
Use the interactive Kirby–Desai scale below. It is the same six-factor guide many laser clinics use when talking through a course of tattoo removal.
Estimate
Kirby–Desai session estimate
Answer the six questions used on the Kirby–Desai scale. Your total score is a rough guide to how many laser sessions a tattoo may need. It is not a booking quote — we confirm in person after seeing the piece.