SHADY TATTOOWhen will a tattoo studio say no? Age, health and alcohol
By the SHADY TATTOO team · 21 October 2026
In short: SHADY TATTOO may refuse to tattoo you if we suspect you are under 18, if there are health contraindications, visible wounds or skin infections at the tattoo site, or if you are intoxicated. These rules come from the studio’s terms – and they are there mainly to protect you.
Turning someone away isn’t about being difficult or not wanting the work. A tattoo breaks the skin, so a responsible studio has to be sure the procedure is safe and that the client is making an informed decision. Here’s when we may say no at our studio in Wieluń (ul. Głęboka 15/3) – and how to avoid surprises on the day.
1. Being under 18
We tattoo adults only. If we suspect someone is under 18, we may refuse – so always bring photo ID.
What about under-18s with a parent’s consent?
Our rule is simple: adults only. A parent’s consent doesn’t change that.
2. Health contraindications
Under the studio’s terms, you need to tell your artist about any medical conditions, allergies, medication and anything else that could affect tattooing or healing. Based on that, we may reschedule the session or decline the procedure.
When it’s worth rescheduling – general examples
As our preparation guide explains, reasons to move a session include:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding,
- an infection or a fever.
If you have a chronic condition, take medication (e.g. anything affecting blood clotting) or have skin problems, talk to your doctor and let your artist know before the session. Don’t stop taking medication on your own.
Withholding information
If a client withholds important health information, the studio is not responsible for complications after the procedure. Being open works in your favour.
3. Wounds and skin infections
We don’t tattoo over visible wounds or where there’s a skin infection. The same goes for sunburnt or badly irritated skin – so avoid tanning before your session. More in how to prepare for a tattoo.
4. Intoxication
We strongly advise avoiding alcohol and other psychoactive substances before your session. Anyone who is intoxicated won’t be tattooed. Alcohol can increase bleeding and make the work harder – and a decision about a tattoo should be made sober. It doesn’t “help” with pain either; we cover that in does getting a tattoo hurt?
5. When a design just won’t work
The studio’s terms don’t say this outright, but a good artist will sometimes suggest doing things differently – for example when a design is too small for the amount of detail, or the placement would shorten its life. That’s not a refusal; it’s honest advice.
Why these rules are in your interest
A tattoo done in poor conditions – on irritated skin, with an infection or under the influence – heals worse and looks worse, and the risk of complications is higher. The studio’s terms point out that tattooing carries risks such as allergic reactions, pain, scarring and infection. The refusal rules are there to reduce that risk, not to make your life harder. After the session, good aftercare does the rest.
What happens to my deposit if the session doesn’t go ahead?
If you know in advance that you can’t come (e.g. because of an infection), let us know as soon as possible – you can reschedule no later than 3 days before the appointment. The amount of the deposit is set individually; details are on the prices page.
How to avoid being turned away on the day
- Bring photo ID.
- Come rested, after a meal, and without alcohol.
- Make sure the skin at the tattoo site is healthy and not sunburnt.
- Tell us about any conditions, allergies and medication before booking.
- If you have health concerns, see a doctor before the session.
Planning your first tattoo? Read our first tattoo guide and the FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
Will you tattoo a 17-year-old with their parents’ consent?
No. We tattoo adults (18+) only.
Can I come for a tattoo after one beer?
No. We strongly advise avoiding alcohol before a session, and the studio may refuse to tattoo anyone who is intoxicated.
I have a cold – what should I do?
An infection or a fever is a reason to reschedule. Get in touch with the studio as early as possible.
Do I have to tell you about my medication?
Yes – the studio’s terms require you to tell your artist about medication, medical conditions and allergies.
Book a consultation
Have an idea, or just a general direction? Message us – describe the design, the placement and the approximate size, and attach any inspiration. We will reply and suggest a consultation date.
SHADY TATTOO, ul. Głęboka 15/3, 98-300 Wieluń, Poland · Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00, weekends by appointment (Ola and Zuzia)
Contact SHADY TATTOO → · Phone: +48 691 351 557 · Instagram: @tattoo.shady · Facebook: tattooshady
ONE LIFE. ONE SKIN. ONE RIGHT CHOICE.