Why Cheap Tattoos End Up Costing You More
Why choosing the cheapest option can sometimes lead to bigger costs, limited choices and more work later.
Price is understandably an important consideration when choosing a tattoo artist, but the cheapest option can sometimes become the most expensive in the long run.
Poorly executed tattoos may need reworking, covering or even laser removal, all of which can cost considerably more than getting the tattoo done well in the first place.
In this guide, we’ll look at why choosing an artist based on price alone can be a false economy, what can go wrong and why it’s worth thinking about the long-term result before you book.
Why can choosing the cheapest tattoo become more expensive?
A lower price can seem appealing at first, but if the finished tattoo isn’t what you expected, putting it right can quickly cost more than the original saving.
Depending on the tattoo, this might mean paying another artist to rework it, having a larger cover-up designed or going through several sessions of laser removal before anything new can be tattooed over it.
What initially seemed like the cheaper option can therefore become a much more expensive and time-consuming process.
Can a poorly done tattoo always be fixed?
Unfortunately, no. What can be achieved depends heavily on the existing tattoo, including how dark it is, how much space it takes up, the condition of the skin and what you ultimately want it to look like.
Sometimes an existing tattoo can be reworked and improved. Other times, a cover-up may be possible, but you’ll usually have fewer choices because the new design has to work with what is already in the skin.
In some cases, laser lightening may be the best option before attempting anything new.
Why are cover-ups often bigger and darker?
A cover-up has to disguise the tattoo underneath rather than simply place a new design on top of it.
That usually means working with the existing shape, darkness and placement. The new tattoo may need to be larger, use darker areas strategically or include more detail than you would have chosen if we were starting with untouched skin.
This is why choosing a tattoo you’re happy with the first time gives you far more freedom over the finished design.
Could I need laser removal before a cover-up?
Yes. Some tattoos are simply too dark, heavily saturated or awkwardly positioned to give us enough freedom for a successful cover-up.
Laser doesn’t always have to remove the tattoo completely. Sometimes a few sessions to lighten particular areas can give us considerably more options when designing the new tattoo.
However, this adds extra appointments, healing time and cost before the new tattoo can even begin.
Does choosing an experienced artist guarantee a perfect tattoo?
No artist can guarantee that absolutely everything will be perfect, and tattoos are created on real skin rather than paper.
However, choosing an experienced artist whose work you have researched can reduce the likelihood of problems. Look at their portfolio, consistency, healed work and whether they regularly produce the style of tattoo you’re looking for.
The cheapest quote isn’t necessarily a bad tattoo, just as the highest price doesn’t automatically guarantee the best one. The important thing is choosing the right artist for your tattoo rather than choosing on price alone.
Why does researching my tattoo artist matter?
Different tattoo artists specialise in different styles and techniques. Someone who creates incredible traditional tattoos, for example, may not necessarily be the right artist for delicate floral or fine-line work.
Take time to look through portfolios rather than only looking at prices. Pay attention to the type of work an artist regularly produces, the quality and consistency of their tattoos and, where available, examples of their healed work.
A tattoo is permanent, so spending a little longer finding the right person to create it is worth it.
What should I consider besides the price?
Think about the overall experience and result you’re paying for rather than simply comparing two numbers.
Consider the artist’s portfolio, experience, style, hygiene standards, communication and whether you feel confident trusting them with the tattoo you want.
A quote tells you what the tattoo will cost. It doesn’t necessarily tell you whether two artists are offering the same level of work, experience or service.
Is it better to wait and save for the artist I want?
If you’ve found an artist whose work you genuinely love but their price is outside your budget right now, waiting can often be the better option.
There’s nothing wrong with having a budget, and a good artist should be able to tell you what is realistically achievable within it. You may also be able to adjust the size or complexity of the idea without compromising the overall quality.
But if the alternative is choosing someone you aren’t confident in simply because they’re cheaper, remember that correcting an unwanted tattoo later can cost considerably more.
Still Have Questions?
Hopefully this guide has helped explain why the cheapest tattoo isn’t always the best value and why it’s worth looking beyond price when choosing your artist.
If you’re comparing quotes, take some time to compare the artists and their work as well as the numbers. Look at their portfolios, styles, experience and healed results, and choose the person you genuinely trust to create something you’ll be happy to wear long-term.
If you have a tattoo you’d like reworked or covered, or you’re looking to start something new, feel free to get in touch and we can discuss what’s realistically possible.
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Creating meaningful artwork with honesty,
creativity and attention to detail.
Contact Us
Last Horizon Tattoo
85 High Street
Polegate
BN26 6AE
Phone 01323 301411
Email lasthorizontattoo@gmail.com
Studio Hours
Tuesday – Saturday
9:00am – 4:00pm