Area 51 Blogs
Looking for tattoo inspiration? Piercing 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 Blog page is your go-to guide for everything piercing and 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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Crisp and Clear: Autumn Piercing Healing Beats Summer’s Sweat
Most people think about getting a new piercing in the summer. Festivals, holidays, short sleeves, and selfies make it the season of sparkle. But autumn piercing healing is far easier than summer healing.
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.
Piercing Prices at Area 51 (Basingstoke)
Are you curious about piercing prices AT Area 51? We believe in no-nonsense clarity: top tier piercing service, implant grade titanium jewellery, and prices that won’t leave you fainting.
Piercing Swelling or Bumps? Here’s What’s Normal
You’ve got a tattoo that doesn’t quite hit like it used to. Maybe it’s a faded teenage decision, your ex’s name, or something that just doesn’t feel like you anymore.
Whatever the reason, you’re thinking about laser removal—but wondering: how many sessions will I need for tattoo removal?
At Area 51, we’re not in the business of making false promises. Tattoo removal takes time, patience, and a bit of science.
How Many Sessions Will I Need for Tattoo Removal?
You’ve got a tattoo that doesn’t quite hit like it used to. Maybe it’s a faded teenage decision, your ex’s name, or something that just doesn’t feel like you anymore.
Whatever the reason, you’re thinking about laser removal—but wondering: how many sessions will I need for tattoo removal?
At Area 51, we’re not in the business of making false promises. Tattoo removal takes time, patience, and a bit of science.
Best Piercing Studio Basingstoke
Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re searching for the best piercing studio Basingstoke, you can stop now. You’re probably weighing up a few options, wondering where to go, and trying not to get stung by a dodgy walk-in. Lucky for you, your search can stop right here.
First piercing appointment
Your first piercing appointment can feel a bit nerve-wracking, and that’s totally normal. Whether you’re getting a simple earlobe or something a bit more adventurous, it helps to know what you’re walking into.
This guide covers everything you need to know before your first piercing appointment, from what to bring and how to prep, to what actually happens once you’re in the chair.
Piercing myths
Let’s be honest — everyone has questions about piercings, but not everyone wants to ask them out loud. Whether you’re worried about sneezing mid-piercing or wondering if you can get pierced while on your period, we’re here to cut through the awkwardness. In this guide, we bust common piercing myths with a healthy dose of truth, no judgment, and a bit of Area 51 cheek.
Types of Piercings
There are so many types of piercings. The world of body piercing can feel like a maze, especially when you’re bombarded with jargon and horror stories. That’s why we’ve created this no-fluff guide to help you make an informed decision on what could be your next piercing.
Do Piercings Hurt
Getting a new piercing is a rite of passage. if you’re reading this, chances are you’re wondering one thing: do piercings hurt? Let Duncan level with you: yes, piercings involve a bit of pain. But it’s not the medieval torture could be imagining. And no, you’re not going to faint like your cousin did. Let’s unpack the truth with a side of sarcasm and science.
Healing Times for Every Piercing
Healing Times for Every Piercing Type: How Long It Really Takes to Heal Welcome to the Healing Club (Yes, It’s a Thing) So, you’ve booked in at Studio 51 for
TATTOO REGRETS PEOPLE
Let’s be honest—we’ve all got that one tattoo. The one we thought was a brilliant idea at the time (spoiler: it wasn’t). Whether it’s faded, misspelt, or tied to someone we’d now cross the street to avoid, tattoo regret is real. And at Studio51, we like to think of it like this: if tattoo regrets were people, who would they be?
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.
Book an Ear Piercing 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.
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?