Seven Swords Tattoo Studio | Cheltenham Tattoo Artists

Keeping you safe

Hygiene & Safety

Hygiene and safety are our top priorities, as they should be in any professional tattoo studio.

Equipment & Sterilisation

All needles and consumables are single-use only.
All equipment is properly sterilised before use.
Water used in rinse cups is distilled on-site using a medical-grade distiller.
Any reusable equipment follows a strict cleaning and disinfection process.
We operate an on-site autoclave and keep detailed records of every sterilisation cycle.

Cleanliness & Waste Disposal

Workstations and furniture are thoroughly cleaned between every appointment using hospital-grade disinfectants.
Gloves, inks, and consumables are disposed of after each client in clinical ‘tiger bags’.
Needles and disposable tubes are disposed of in approved sharps containers.
All clinical waste is collected and disposed of by a licensed medical waste contractor.

Professional Standards

Fully licensed and registered with Cheltenham Borough Council Environmental Health Department (both premises and artists).
All artists follow Cheltenham (CBC) Environmental Health standards and the CIEH Tattoo Toolkit guidelines.
All artists are trained in blood-borne pathogens and infection control.
We maintain comprehensive insurance for your peace of mind.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book an appointment?

You can get in touch via our contact form below, by emailing us directly, or by visiting the studio in person.
Feel free to share any reference images, design ideas, or questions you have when you reach out.
We recommend booking at least two weeks in advance (longer for weekends), especially for larger pieces or specific artists. We'll discuss your design ideas during a free consultation before confirming your session.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Pricing varies based on size, complexity, placement, and the artist. All custom work is quoted individually after your consultation (which has no cost).
For work that spans multiple sessions, we can provide an estimate for the entire piece upfront but generally work off an hourly rate.
If the price estimate is outside your budget, we're happy to discuss adjustments to the design, size or placement to better suit your needs. We believe in complete transparency — there are no hidden costs.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Ensure you get a decent night's sleep the night before your session.
Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed.
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand, as it thins the blood and can affect the quality of your tattoo. For longer sessions you're welcome to bring a drink and snack for when you need a break.

Can I use numbing cream?

We don't endorse or provide numbing agents at the studio.
However, should you feel the need to use a numbing cream please make sure you use a reputable brand, prefereably provided by a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
Be sure to follow the instructions carefully, and do a patch test beforehand to check for any adverse reactions.
There are some potential downsides to be aware of: numbing creams can sometimes affect the quality of the tattoo by causing the skin to swell or become more sensitive, which can make it harder for the artist to work effectively. Additionally, some people may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation from certain ingredients in numbing creams. If you choose to use one, please apply it well in advance of your appointment and let your artist know so they can adjust their technique if necessary.

Do you do piercings?

We currently do not offer piercing services at Seven Swords. Our focus is on providing high-quality tattooing.
However, we're happy to recommend reputable local piercing studios if you're interested in getting a piercing done.

Does getting a tattoo hurt?

Everyone's pain tolerance is different, and much depends on placement. Bony areas (ribs, spine, feet) tend to be more sensitive, while fleshier areas (upper arm, thigh) are generally more comfortable. Our artists work at your pace and are experienced in making sessions as comfortable as possible.

How do I care for my tattoo afterwards?

We'll provide you with a full aftercare guide at the end of your session (verbally and by email if requested).
Generally, keep the area clean, apply a thin layer of unscented moisturiser, avoid direct sunlight, swimming, and soaking the tattoo until it has fully healed — typically 2–4 weeks.
This means if you're planning a holiday, planning to go to the sauna or use a hot tub, it's best to schedule your tattoo accordingly to allow for proper healing.

Do you use Vegan products

Yes, we use vegan-friendly products for all our tattoo sessions. Almost all inks on the market are vegan, but we specifically source from brands that are transparent about their ingredients and ethical practices.
If you have any specific concerns or preferences regarding the products used during your tattooing process, please let us know during your consultation, and we'll be happy to accommodate your needs.

Do you do cover-ups or reworks?

Yes, cover-up and/or rework consultations are welcome.
The feasibility of a cover-up depends on the size, colour, and placement of the existing tattoo, as well as your desired new design. During your consultation, we will assess your current tattoo and discuss design options that can effectively cover or incorporate it.
Remember to send us a photo of your existing tattoo when getting in touch so we can advise on the best approach before your visit.

Are there any particular styles you specialize in?

We work in a variety of styles, including traditional, new skool, fineline, oriental, dotwork and black & grey.
If you're unsure you're welcome to view the online portfolios of our artists to get a sense of their individual styles and strengths (see Our Artists section).
If you have no preference we generaly assign the artist whose style aligns best with your vision.

Where are you located?

We are located in Cheltenham at the top of the High street, easily accessible by public transport and with ample parking available nearby.
Check out the map below for our exact location, and feel free to pop in during opening hours if you're in the area!

I'm on blood thinners, can I get a tattoo?

This is best discussed with your doctor, as it depends on the specific medication and your individual health circumstances. Some blood thinners may increase bleeding during the tattooing process, which can affect the quality of the tattoo and healing time.
If you are on blood thinners, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before booking a consultation with us to ensure it's safe for you to proceed with getting a tattoo.

Do you do cremation tattoos?

Unfortunately, this is something we don't offer. We understand that this is a meaningful way for some people to memorialise their loved ones, but adding foreign substances to our inks is against our hygiene protocols and we want to ensure the safety of all our clients. We recommend exploring other memorial options that can provide a similar sense of connection and remembrance without compromising health and safety.

In all honesty, the ashes aren't fine enough to be safely incorporated into tattoo ink and will likely be rejected and disposed of by the body. We're happy to discuss alternative ways to create a meaningful and lasting tribute to your loved one through a custom tattoo design that incorporates symbols, imagery, or elements that are significant to you and your relationship with them.

Seven
Swords