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.

Text reads "ouch". Image shows a doll being stuck with needles. Area 51 logo present

Most painful piercings

If you’ve ever Googled “what’s the most painful piercing?” you’re not alone. Pain is the number one thing first-timers worry about — and fair play, nobody likes the idea of unnecessary agony. If you want to know the most painful piercings clients ask for, buckle up — here’s the good, the bad, and the ouch.

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Text reads "Personalised gift". Image shows a gift box with a bow on a wooden worktop. Area 51 logo is present

Gift Vouchers at Area 51: Give Customisation

Tired of giving socks, scented candles, or yet another “funny” mug? Thought so. If you’re hunting for a present that’s remembered past Boxing Day, Area 51 has the answer: tattoo gift vouchers and piercing vouchers in Basingstoke that let your loved ones pick something they’ll genuinely love.

Whether it’s a first piercing, a long-awaited tattoo, or even laser removal for that dodgy bit of ink from the nineties, a gift voucher from Area 51 says: “I know you better than Amazon Prime ever could.”

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Text reads "get spooky with it". Image shows a gothic person holding a pumpkin with a tribal tattoo. Studio 51 logo is present

Spooky Tattoo Ideas for Halloween Lovers

Thinking about getting a tattoo but not sure where to start? Don’t worry — the process is much simpler than you think. At Studio 51, we’ve spent over 30 years making people feel comfortable in the chair, and booking your tattoo is the first easy step on that journey.

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Text reads "tattoo or piercing whilst pregnant?" Image shows a pregnancy stomach with the person making a love heart with their hands over their stomach. Area 51 logo present.

Can You Get Pierced or Tattooed While Pregnant or Breastfeeding

It’s one of the questions people ask quietly at the counter, usually with a slightly guilty grin: “Can I still get a piercing while pregnant?” Or, “Is it safe to get a tattoo while breastfeeding?”

Let’s cut through the rumours, the well-meant but clueless advice from mates, and the late night Google rabbit holes. This is your straight talking guide to piercings while pregnant in the UK, tattoos after birth, and what’s actually safe for you and your baby.

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Text reads "Thursday 9th October 11am. Tattoo appointment @ Studio 51." Text is on a blank book page. Studio 51 logo is present

How to Book a Tattoo Appointment at Studio 51

Thinking about getting a tattoo but not sure where to start? Don’t worry — the process is much simpler than you think. At Studio 51, we’ve spent over 30 years making people feel comfortable in the chair, and booking your tattoo is the first easy step on that journey.

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Text reads "piercing horror stories". Image shows a woman biting her nails in fear. Area 51 logo is present

Healing Horror Stories: How NOT to Care for Your Piercing

Piercings are supposed to be fun, shiny little statements of rebellion. Unfortunately, some people manage to turn them into full blown horror stories. The kind you’d expect to read online at 3am whilst wondering if your ear is about to fall off… And those are EXCATLY the kind we’ll be telling today! Settle in whilst I, Duncan, grab my torch and tell you some spooky, gory, piercing tales.

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Text reads "over 40? get that ink". Image shows coloured owl, and tattoo ink pots.

Tattoos Over 40: Why It’s Never Too Late for Ink

Walk into any tattoo studio and you’ll see a mix of people: fresh-faced 18-year-olds getting their first dab of ink. Seasoned collectors topping up their sleeves, and — increasingly — people in their 40s, 50s, and beyond finally making the leap.

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Text reads "tattoo colours". Image shows a black and grey tattoo of a ladys face, who is wearing red lipstick and a red rose in her hair. Studio 51 logo is present.

Skin Tone Tattoo Colours: That Work Best with Different Skin Tones

Are you thinking of getting a colour tattoo? Have you asked yourself? “Will this colour work on my skin?” The answer is always yes, but with some caveats. Different tattoo colours heal and show up differently depending on your skin tone. The trick is not avoiding colour, but choosing the right shade, placement, and style to make the art sing.

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Text reads: Tattoo regrets? Image shows man clutching his head with a worried look on his face. Area 51 logo is present at the bottom

Got a Bad Tattoo at Freshers? Welcome to Laser

Freshers’ Week has it all. Cheap drinks, themed nights, new mates, and terrible decisions that will haunt you for at least the next three years. Somewhere between the first pub crawl and the third “two for one Jäger bombs”, someone will inevitably say: “Let’s get tattoos!”. And we promise you – it will be a bad tattoo.

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Text reads "choosing the right tattoo artist". Images show different tattoos done by our artists at Studio 51.

How to Choose the Right Tattoo Artist

Getting a tattoo is not like buying a t-shirt. You cannot easily swap it out when it no longer fits your mood, and you definitely cannot return it for store credit. Tattoos are permanent, which makes choosing the right tattoo artist for your tattoo style one of the most important decisions you can make.

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Image shows large jewellery being worn. Text says "Jewellery sizes". Area51 logo is on display

That Moment When Your Piercing Jewellery Doesn’t Fit Anymore

If you have had a piercing before, you will know the moment. You notice that your stud looks tight, your barbell is pressing into the skin, or your hoop does not seem to sit the way it did on day one. Clients often think something has gone wrong, but most of the time it comes down to a simple truth: piercing jewellery is fitted longer or bigger at first to allow for swelling, and it needs adjusting later.

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From sketch to skin. Image shows tattoos being traced and the Studio 51 logo is present.

From Sketch to Skin: How a Tattoo Design Comes to Life

People often think tattoos just “happen.” You walk into a studio, point at a picture, sit down, and walk out with new ink. The reality is far more creative and personal. A tattoo design is not just an image; it is a process that turns your ideas into something permanent, wearable, and meaningful.

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Tattoo healing process. Image shows a tattoo healing with cream being applied. Studio 51 logo is present.

Why Your Tattoo Looks Different After Healing (and Why That’s Normal)

So, you finally got inked. You have survived the buzz of the needle, resisted the urge to scratch during the itchy stage, and proudly showed your mates. But now, weeks later, you notice something: your healing tattoo looks different. The black is not quite as bold, the lines are softer, or the colour seems slightly muted. Before you panic and blame your artist or your skin, let me reassure you this is completely normal.

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First tattoo placement. Image shows and arm being tattood with a mask tattoo. Studio 51 logo is present

Tattoo Placement Ideas That Will Last

Let’s face it: tattoo regret can be about the placement, not the design. That playboy bunny pelvic tattoo? Not ageing well. At Studio 51, we’ve seen (and rescued) it all.

Whether you’re a total ink virgin or planning your third piece, reviewing tattoo placement ideas is the perfect place to start.

So here it is: a cheeky, experience-led guide to tattoo placement ideas that you won’t regret every time you glance in the mirror.

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Stop. Are you old enough? Image shows a red stop sign. Piercing age in the UK.

Piercing Age Regulations: The UK Regulations You Need to Know

If you are under 18 and thinking about a new piercing, one of the first questions that comes up is “Am I old enough?”. Parents also ask the same question when their teenager starts dropping hints that everyone else has one. The truth is that piercing age regulations in the UK are not as straightforward as most people imagine. Unlike buying alcohol or driving a car, the law is a mix of national legislation, local council by-laws, and professional studio policies.

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Tattoo placement ideas. Image shows a female body, studio 51 logo is present

Tattoo Placement for First Timers: Where to Start

Thinking about your first tattoo? Good on you. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and full of possibilities—like getting a puppy. But once you’ve settled on your design (or at least narrowed it down to three ideas and one questionable Pinterest board), there’s one big decision left: Where should it go?

Let’s walk through the best tattoo placement ideas for first timers. Comparing visibility, pain levels and lifestyle compatibility – all with the blunt honesty of someone who’s seen a few regrets (and covered more than a few).

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