Frequently Asked Questions

Travelling by car: 

Follow GPS to SS9 4DT. If traveling from the A127 you should exit at the Fairglen Interchange (junction 29/A130). Take the first right onto Eastwood old Road just before the BP garage and follow the road to the end, taking the slight left bend. The studio will be on your right, where you will see our sign. (If coming from the other direction, take a left after the BP garage). There is onsite parking available, as well as street parking available outside of the gate.

By train:

Our nearest train station is Leigh-on-sea (c2c line direct from London Fenchurch Street or Shoeburyness). Once you arrive at the station, the quickest way to the studio would be a short Taxi/Uber ride, or by bus.

By bus:

Key bus routes are the frequent First Essex 20, 21, 27 or 28 running from Southend/Hullbridge/Basildon and Canvey. The X30 Express runs to Stansted Airport.

By Taxi: 

Local taxi numbers are as follows.

- 333444 Taxis (01702 333444)

- Andrew’s Taxis (01702 200200)

- AC Radio Cabs (01702 334455)

Exile has its own exclusive parking, with space for multiple cars. There is also off site parking available opposite our gate. 

There are various ways to book a tattoo at Exile. If you are already familiar with our artists and know who you would like to book with, you can contact the artist directly via Instagram or email.

If you are undecided on an artist or would like a recommendation, you can reach the studio through email (exiletattoouk@gmail.com), call us on 01702 715992, WhatsApp (‪+44 7386 286316‬), or direct message us on Instagram (@exiletattoouk). 

The studio accepts both walk-in and pre-booked appointments.
Appointments that are booked in advance require a Booking Fee payment to confirm your appointment. Our policy for booking fees is strictly as follows:

• A booking fee is required for every appointment, your appointment is NOT confirmed until this has been received.
• Booking fees are non refundable under any circumstance.
• Booking fees cannot be transferred through people, clients or from one artist to another.
• Booking fees will be honoured once when rearranging an appointment (minimum 48h notice, any notice shorter than 48h will result in loss of your fee and a new one will be required to rebook).
• Upon a second cancellation a 50% booking fee will be required.
• Upon a third cancellation you will be required to pay up front the cost of your tattoo to book back in.
• Not showing up to your appointment means your booking fee is void and there is no guarantee you will be booked in again.
• Fees will be held no longer than 3 months for you to reschedule upon cancellation.
• If you have not paid a booking fee, you do not have a confirmed appointment.

Your booking fee counts towards the total cost of your tattoo and will be deducted from the remaining costs to pay on the day of your tattoo.

If you have any further questions on this policy, please get in contact. 

Good preparation for your tattoo starts the week before your appointment. 

• Keep your skin moisturised daily leading up to your tattoo, but do not apply any creams the day of. 
• Avoid heavy sun exposure, tanning or any risk of sunburn leading up to your appointment. 
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. 
• Do not book any aggressive skin care treatments (peels, micro-needling, waxing) on the tattoo area.
• Avoid excessive alcohol use 24-48h before your appointment. 
• Get a good night sleep. 
• Eat a good size breakfast and bring some sugary snacks along. Eating before your appointment is very important. 
• Wear something that makes the tattoo site easily accessible and keeps you comfortable. Avoid tight clothing. 
• Have a shower the morning of your appointment, avoid using moisturiser and arrive with clean skin (you do not need to shave prior, we will do this for you). 

What to expect on the day of your appointment?
Once you arrive at the studio, you will be greeted by a member of the team, asked to complete a consent form and provide ID. You will be offered refreshments and asked to take a seat. Your artist will greet you and discuss your design, finalise any last minute changes and take you to your station. You are welcome to bring a trusted person along with you, but please note it is usually +1 only at the stations, however we have a games room for anyone else accompanying you to wait.
Before your tattoo starts you will be shown the stencil, agree on size and placement and have the chance to discuss any thoughts. Once you are ready, and happy to go ahead, your tattoo will begin. You will have the opportunity to take breaks, pause or get a bite to eat when needed. Once your session is complete, if you have given consent, sometimes the artist will take you to have the tattoo photographed. You will be given aftercare instructions, and be required to make the remaining payment in full either by bank transfer/paypal or cash. We do not take card payment. If you are happy with the service you receive please consider leaving us a positive google review. 

Use of numbing cream is artist dependent, make sure you consult with your artist before hand to prevent the risk of having to re-schedule your appointment. Artists have the right to refuse service if you turn up to your appointment after numbing the site of your tattoo without prior discussion and agreement. 

The short answer is no to all of the above. Please discuss with your artist before your appointment to make them aware so we can accommodate you in rearranging your appointment. 

We understand that sometimes cancelling or moving your appointment is unavoidable. We are understanding and try our best to accommodate any changes you need. If you need to rearrange or cancel your appointment it is important that you inform your artist or the studio at the earliest convenience.
Upon booking your tattoo, you would have been required to pay a booking fee. It is important you make it clear if you wish to cancel completely or reschedule, our policy is clear about both scenarios. 

Booking Fees are non-refundable under any circumstance.

Booking fees will be honoured once when rearranging an appointment (minimum 48h notice, any notice shorter than 48h will result in loss of your fee and a new one will be required to rebook).

Upon a second cancellation a 50% booking fee will be required.

Upon a third cancellation you will be required to pay up front the cost of your tattoo to book back in.

Not showing up to your appointment means your booking fee is void and there is no guarantee you will be booked in again.

Fees will be held no longer than 3 months for you to reschedule upon cancellation.

Every artist will provide you with tailored advice, some differing slightly to others depending on method of aftercare. All advice should follow along the lines of these instructions.

KEY NOTES -

For the first week or so it is normal for the area to be red and tender. As with all body art, infection is a risk. To reduce the risk follow aftercare closely and practice GOOD GENERAL HYGIENE.

Hand washing is the single most important method of reducing infection. Hands MUST be washed before touching the affected area. Wash your hands in warm soapy water and always dry your hands thoroughly with a clean paper towel.

TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS.

• Good practice is to cover the tattooed area with a non-stick gauze which is then secured with hypo-allergenic tape.
• Your practitioner will advise you how long to keep on the initial wrap they have applied, this will usually be between 3-4 hours. 
• Upon removal of the film, wash your hands first, then the tattoo should be cleaned & dried properly with fragrance free soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel, do not rub. 
• You will be advised when to apply a thin layer of cream and how often.
• Any CREAM that you apply must be used from an appropriate pot/tube at home and you MUST wash your hands before application.
• The cream most likely to be recommended to you is “PALMERS fragrance free COCOA BUTTER". A pot of cream should NOT be shared to prevent contamination. Ensure your cream is non-fragranced. Antibiotic creams should NOT be used except if infection has ocurred and under supervision of a doctor.
• Wash your tattoo gently 1-2 times daily with fragrance free soap. 
• Avoid using any fragranced soaps, creams not recommended to you or any harsh chemicals.
• Avoid the use of sun beds, direct sunlight, saunas and swimming for 3 weeks or until your tattoo is fully healed.
• Expect light peeling or flaking, do not pick at your healing tattoo, this will result in scarring and will effect the outcome of your tattoo.
• Wear loose, clean clothing. 
• Avoid long baths - quick showers are recommended.
• Your tattoo may look dull, dry or flaky - this is normal during healing. 

DERMALIZE - TATTOO ARMOUR

If your practitioner has provided you with DERMALIZE or TATTOO ARMOUR for the aftercare of your tattoo, follow the instructions given to you, further instruction can be found at the following websites:

https://www.dermalizepro.com/how-to-use/

https://www.tattooarmour.com/instructions

If appropriate aftercare is not followed infection may occur. Speak to your general practitioner if you have any concerns regarding the healing of your tattoo or if you experience any sign of allergic reaction.

Exile does its best to be as accessible, inclusive and disability friendly as possible. There are multiple rooms at Exile, some which require steps. We have a portable wheelchair access ramp for entrance into the main tattoo space, but please feel free to come and check out the facilities before hand to ensure we have what you need.
One room is run by our artist Cheyne, who offers a quieter environment, fidget toys and quiet hour appointments. 

Cheyne is BSL Level 2 qualified (working towards Level 3) so if you would like assistance in communication, she will be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and alternating Saturdays. Please just enquire about availability for consultations in advance. 

At Exile we have high standards for customer care and satisfaction. If your artist is requesting to move your appointment, we will do our best to accommodate a new date at your soonest convenience. Your booking fee will not be affected.
If however your appointment is being rearranged due to instances controlled by your own actions (such as sun burn on your tattoo site, alcohol/drug use, undisclosed medical conditions, arriving late, undisclosed use of numbing cream or aggressive/disrespectful behaviour) - you will be required to pay an additional booking fee to rearrange your appointment.