Tel: 01256 335511
12-14 Church Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7QH

Area51 and Studio51 Blog

Looking for tattoo inspiration, aftercare advice, or the truth about laser tattoo removal (spoiler: it doesn’t *actually* feel like a thousand bee stings)? You’re in the right place. The Area 51 & Studio 51 Blog is your go-to guide for everything ink-related — from choosing your first tattoo to covering up that decision you made in Magaluf.

Based in Basingstoke, our team has over 30 years of experience helping clients wear their stories with pride (and sometimes helping them *un-wear* them too). Whether you’re planning your next piece, thinking about removal, or just here for the banter, this blog’s for you.

So go on, have a browse. Your skin’s next chapter starts here.

LASER MYTHS

Let’s face it—tattoo removal gets a bad rap. There’s a lot of internet folklore floating around that makes it sound like laser tattoo removal involves medieval torture, skin-melting lasers, or guaranteed disappointment. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

At Area 51 and Studio 51, we’ve heard every myth in the book.

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BOOK EAR APPOINTMENT

This guide shows you exactly how you can book an ear piercing appointment online — what to expect, what to bring, and why we’re the studio trusted by thousands since 1998.

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LASER VS COVER UP

Got ink you’ve outgrown? Whether it’s a name you’d rather not explain, a tribal armband from your early twenties, or just a tattoo that no longer vibes with who you are. You’ve probably asked yourself: laser vs cover-up—what’s the best way to deal with an unwanted tattoo?

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HOW LONG LASER

So, you’ve decided to part ways with your tattoo. Maybe it’s outgrown your vibe, maybe it’s blocking new ink, or maybe it just never looked how you wanted.

You’ve read up on the process, and now you’re asking the big one: how many sessions does laser tattoo removal take?

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THING PIERCER WISHES

You’ve booked your piercing. Done a little scrolling for inspo, and maybe even watched a YouTube video that made it look way more dramatic than it actually is. Now you’re walking into the studio — nerves, questions, and all. And while we’re always happy to talk you through every step (and we will), there are a few things we secretly wish clients already knew before sitting in the chair.

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SUMMER 2025 TRENDS

Festival season’s calling, beach playlists are loaded, and it’s time to trade your winter woollies for something a bit more sparkly — like a well-styled ear stack. Whether you’re new to piercings or just planning your next curated combo, you’ll want to keep an eye on the summer 2025 ear piercing trends lighting up the UK’s piercing scene (and Instagram feeds).

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LASER REMOVAL HOW DOES

At Studio51 in Basingstoke, we’ve been helping people rewrite their ink stories for years—without judgment, jargon, or clinical coldness. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about laser tattoo removal: the science, the process, the results, and what to expect if you’re thinking about giving your skin a clean slate.

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GUIDE EAR PIERCING TYPES

So, you’re thinking about getting your ear pierced. Brilliant. Whether it’s your first-ever lobe or your tenth curated cartilage piercing, you’ve landed in the right place. This is the ultimate guide to ear piercing types — no fluff, no fakery, just honest insight, expert advice, and a little bit of Area51 cheek.

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If Tattoo Styles Were Pub Characters

Getting a new piercing? Brilliant. Whether it’s your first or your fifteenth, one thing’s certain: the more you know beforehand, the better your experience will be. So, here are questions to ask before getting pierced.

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What To Expect – First Piercing Guide

Thinking about getting your first piercing? You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not weird for feeling a little nervous. At Area 51 in Basingstoke, we’ve helped thousands of first timers take the leap, and we get it: walking into a piercing studio for the first time can feel a bit like walking into a spaceship. (Clean, shiny, slightly mysterious… but with fewer aliens and more titanium.)

That’s why we’ve created this warm and honest first piercing guide on what to expect.

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10 Things Not To Do

Getting a new piercing is exciting. Can be a little rebellious, a little empowering, and a lot of sparkle. But, once that needle’s done its job, it’s not all glam selfies and compliments. The aftercare phase is where the real magic (or chaos) happens. Ignoring your piercing aftercare instructions isn’t just a rookie move. It’s a fast-track ticket to infection city, pain town, and possibly a trip back to the piercer for damage control.

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What to Expect First Tattoo

Getting a new piercing? Brilliant. Whether it’s your first or your fifteenth, one thing’s certain: the more you know beforehand, the better your experience will be. So, here are questions to ask before getting pierced.

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10 Questions To Ask

Getting a new piercing? Brilliant. Whether it’s your first or your fifteenth, one thing’s certain: the more you know beforehand, the better your experience will be. So, here are questions to ask before getting pierced.

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How Tattoos Age

You’ve got questions, and Duncan’s got answers — whether you’re nervously eyeing the piercing chair or already sporting more metal than a punk gig in ’97. This guide is a no-fluff, no-nonsense breakdown of the most common piercing FAQs, answered with decades of expertise and the blunt honesty only a professional piercer (with 30+ years in the game) can provide.

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Piercing FAQs Unfiltered

You’ve got questions, and Duncan’s got answers — whether you’re nervously eyeing the piercing chair or already sporting more metal than a punk gig in ’97. This guide is a no-fluff, no-nonsense breakdown of the most common piercing FAQs, answered with decades of expertise and the blunt honesty only a professional piercer (with 30+ years in the game) can provide.

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First Tattoo Myths: Busted by Duncan

You’ve finally decided to get your first tattoo. You’re excited, maybe a bit nervous, and suddenly everyone’s an expert. Your mate’s goldfish’s cousin reckons tattoos fade in six months. Your nan’s convinced you’ll regret it when you’re older.

Let’s put the brakes on, shall we? At Studio51, we’ve heard every myth in the book

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FAQs for First Timers

FAQs for Tattoo First Timer: The Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask We get it. if you’re a tattoo first timer you’ll have a lot of questions—some totally reasonable, some

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