Short answers to the questions we hear most. If yours is not here, call +91 22 5550 0177 or write to hello@ironhand.example.
Does it hurt?
Less than most people expect. Outer arms, shoulders and calves are the easiest places; ribs, sternum, hands and feet are the hardest. We take breaks whenever you ask.
How old do I need to be?
18 or over, with original government photo ID. No exceptions.
How do I book?
Choose a service and an artist online, or call either studio. Custom work starts with a free consultation. All bookings are held with a deposit.
How much will it cost?
Prices on the services pages are for a typical session. Your artist gives you a firm quote at consultation. The studio minimum is ₹3,500.
Do you take walk-ins?
Yes, most afternoons, for flash and small pieces. Flash Friday at Bandra is the best day.
Can you cover an old tattoo?
Usually. Book a cover-up consultation so the artist can see it in person and tell you what is realistic.
How long does healing take?
The surface heals in two to three weeks and the skin settles fully in about six. See our Tattoo Aftercare page for the full guide.
Are touch-ups free?
One touch-up within six months is free if you followed the aftercare.
What if I need to cancel?
With 48 hours' notice your deposit moves to a new date. Inside 48 hours it is forfeited. See the Cancellation Policy.
Where are you?
Chapel Road in Bandra West and Mathuradas Mill Compound in Lower Parel. Both studios are open 11:00 to 21:00 every day.
Before you book
It hurts less than most people expect. Outer arms, calves and shoulders are the easiest; ribs, sternum, hands, feet and the inner elbow are the toughest. Most clients describe it as a hot scratch that fades into the background after the first twenty minutes. Eat well, sleep well and we will give you breaks whenever you ask.
You must be 18 or older, with no exceptions and no parental consent workaround. Bring a government photo ID such as Aadhaar, a driving licence or a passport to every first session. We cannot tattoo you without it.
Yes. Both studios keep walk-in time most afternoons for flash and small pieces, first come, first served. Flash Friday at Bandra is the best day for it. Custom work and anything larger than a palm needs an appointment.
Usually, yes. A cover-up needs to be larger and darker than what is underneath, and some pieces do better with a round or two of laser lightening first. Book a cover-up consultation and bring the tattoo, not a photo of it. We will tell you plainly what is possible.
Booking & payment
Every booking is held with a deposit, usually ₹2,000 for small pieces and ₹5,000 for custom or multi-session work. It pays for your artist's drawing time and comes off the price of your final session. Deposits are non-refundable, but they move with you if you reschedule with at least 48 hours' notice.
By the time it takes. The prices on our services pages are for a typical session of that size and style, and your artist confirms a firm quote at consultation before any deposit is taken. Our studio minimum is ₹3,500.
Give us 48 hours and your deposit moves to the new date, once per booking. Inside 48 hours, or if you do not show up, the deposit is forfeited because your artist cannot fill that time. If you are unwell, tell us; we would always rather move you than tattoo someone who is sick.
Your session
Sleep properly, eat a full meal an hour or two before and drink plenty of water. No alcohol for 24 hours and no blood thinners such as aspirin unless prescribed. Moisturise the area for a week beforehand, do not arrive sunburnt, and wear loose clothing that gives easy access to the placement.
Needles, cartridges, ink caps, razors and gloves are single use and opened in front of you. Stations are wrapped fresh for every client and wiped with hospital-grade disinfectant between sessions. Reusable grips go through an autoclave that is spore tested monthly, and you can ask to see the log.
Bring references, sketches and photos by all means. We will not copy another artist's custom tattoo line for line, but we will draw you something of your own in that spirit. We also do not tattoo hate symbols, and faces and necks are for clients who are already heavily tattooed.
Healing
Leave the second skin on for 24 hours, then wash gently twice a day with a fragrance-free soap and pat dry. From day three use a very thin layer of balm. No swimming, gym sweat on the area, sun or scratching for two to three weeks. The full day-by-day guide is on our aftercare page.
One touch-up is free within six months of your session, provided you followed the aftercare. Hands, fingers, feet and elbows fade faster on everyone, so touch-ups there are charged at half our minimum after the first. Ink Club members get more generous cover.