Tattoo Glossary
The words artists and studios use, in plain English — each linked to the guide that explains it properly.
- Aftercare
- What you do for the tattoo while it heals: washing, a thin layer of ointment or lotion, no soaking, no sun. Guide →
- Blowout
- Ink spreading under the skin beyond the line, giving a blurry, blue-ish halo. Usually from the needle going too deep or at the wrong angle; permanent, but often hidden by rework. Guide →
- Consultation
- A short talk with the artist — in person or by message — about the idea, placement, size, price and dates before you book. Guide →
- Cover-up
- A new tattoo designed to hide an older one, usually larger and darker than the original. Guide →
- Custom design
- Artwork drawn for you, as opposed to flash. Usually needs a deposit and time to draw. Guide →
- Deposit
- A payment that reserves your appointment (and the artist’s drawing time). Usually taken off the final price; usually kept if you cancel late. Guide →
- Dermis
- The layer of skin under the surface where tattoo ink is placed. It does not shed like the top layer, which is why tattoos last. Guide →
- Flash
- Ready-made designs an artist has already drawn, often shown on sheets or their social media. Faster and often cheaper than custom. Guide →
- Fresh / healed
- A fresh photo is taken on the day; a healed photo after the skin has settled (weeks to years later). Healed photos show how the work really lasts. Guide →
- Guest spot
- When an artist works for a short time at another studio, often in another city. Guide →
- Köbner phenomenon
- When a skin disease such as psoriasis, lichen planus or vitiligo appears in injured skin — including a new tattoo. Guide →
- Line weight
- How thick a tattoo line is. Heavier lines age more predictably than very fine ones. Guide →
- Packing
- Filling an area solidly with black or colour. Guide →
- Rework
- Going back over an existing tattoo — yours or another artist’s — to strengthen lines, add shading or change the design. Guide →
- Second skin
- A clear, breathable adhesive film (brands like Saniderm or Tegaderm) some artists apply after the session, left on for a few days. Guide →
- Shop minimum
- The lowest price a studio charges for any tattoo, however small — it covers setup and sterile single-use supplies. Guide →
- Stencil
- A transfer of the design onto your skin before tattooing, so you and the artist can check placement and size. Guide →
- Touch-up
- A short follow-up session to fix small gaps after healing or refresh an older tattoo. Guide →
- Walk-in
- Getting tattooed without an appointment, when an artist has a free slot — usually for small or flash pieces. Guide →
Last updated September 30, 2026
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