Ink & insight
The KJRB Journal
Aftercare tips, style guides and honest advice from the chair — everything you want to know before and after your tattoo.
Aftercare
7 min read
The Complete Tattoo Aftercare Guide
Your tattoo is only half done when you leave the chair. Here's exactly how to heal it so it stays crisp for life.
Beginners
6 min read
Getting Your First Tattoo? Read This First
Nervous about your first piece? From choosing placement to what the day feels like — everything a beginner should know.
Styles
8 min read
Which Tattoo Style Is Right for You?
Realistic, minimal, geometric, spiritual or bold colour? A friendly tour of the 11 styles we offer and who each suits.
Cover-Ups
5 min read
Can That Old Tattoo Be Saved?
Regret an old piece? Cover-ups can work wonders — here's what's realistic, what isn't, and how we approach them.
Advice
4 min read
Does It Hurt? Honestly.
The question everyone asks. A straight answer on tattoo pain, the least and most painful spots, and how to make it easier.
Inspiration
5 min read
Tattoos That Tell a Story
Names, dates, portraits of loved ones and pets. Why meaningful tattoos are the ones people never regret.
Aftercare
The Complete Tattoo Aftercare Guide
A great tattoo is a partnership. We do our part in the studio; you do yours over the next few weeks. Follow these steps and your ink will stay bold and sharp for decades.
The first 24 hours
Leave the covering on for 2–4 hours (or as long as your artist advises). When you remove it, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat — never rub — it dry with a clean paper towel and let it air out.
Days 2–14
- Wash gently 2–3 times a day.
- Apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment or a fragrance-free moisturiser.
- Don't pick or scratch when it starts to peel and itch — this is normal healing.
- Keep it out of direct sun, pools, the sea and long baths.
The golden rules
Never soak a fresh tattoo, always wash your hands before touching it, and once healed, use sunscreen forever — the sun is a tattoo's worst enemy. If you ever notice unusual redness, swelling or heat, contact us or a doctor.
Questions about your healing tattoo? Message the studio any time — we're always happy to check in on our work.
Beginners
Getting Your First Tattoo? Read This First
A first tattoo is a big, exciting step. A little preparation makes the whole experience smoother — here's everything we tell our first-timers.
Before you come in
- Eat a proper meal and stay hydrated — it genuinely helps you sit better.
- Get a good night's sleep and avoid alcohol the night before.
- Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area.
Choosing your design and placement
Bring references, but stay open — an experienced artist will suggest sizing and placement that will age well. First-timers often love the forearm, upper arm or calf: visible when you want, easy to heal, and moderate on pain.
On the day
You'll see the stencil placed on your skin before any needle touches you — this is your chance to adjust. The sensation is more of a hot scratching than sharp pain, and most people settle in within minutes. Breathe, relax, and trust the process.
Remember: there's no rush. A good tattoo is worth taking your time over.
Styles
Which Tattoo Style Is Right for You?
At KJRB we work across eleven distinct styles. Here's a quick tour to help you find yours.
Realistic & Portrait
Photo-like shading that captures faces, pets and lifelike detail. Perfect for memorial pieces and anyone who wants a true-to-life image.
Minimal & Fine-line
Clean, delicate and understated. Ideal for a first tattoo or anyone who prefers something subtle and elegant.
Spiritual & Geometric
Deities, mandalas, dotwork and sacred symmetry. Deeply personal designs with striking visual balance.
Colour, Custom, Name & more
From vivid watercolour-style colour work to fully custom concepts, lettering and cover-ups — if you can dream it, we can design it around you.
Not sure? That's what a consultation is for. Bring your idea and we'll recommend the style that will bring it to life.
Cover-Ups
Can That Old Tattoo Be Saved?
An old, faded or rushed tattoo doesn't have to be a lifelong regret. Cover-ups are one of the most rewarding things we do — turning something you dislike into something you love.
What makes a good cover-up
- The new design is usually larger and a little darker than the original.
- Bold styles — florals, mandalas, animals — hide old linework beautifully.
- Very dark or solid old tattoos may need a session of laser lightening first.
Our approach
We start with an honest consultation. Sometimes a clever redesign completely conceals the old piece; sometimes we incorporate it into something new. Either way, you'll know exactly what's realistic before we begin — no false promises.
Bring your old tattoo in for a look. You might be surprised at what's possible.
Advice
Does It Hurt? Honestly.
Yes — a little. But almost everyone says it's far more manageable than they feared. Here's the honest breakdown.
What it actually feels like
Most people describe it as a hot scratching or a mild stinging, not a sharp stabbing. Your body also releases adrenaline, and many clients settle into an almost meditative rhythm after the first few minutes.
Least painful spots
Forearm, outer upper arm, calf and thigh — more muscle and fewer nerve endings.
More sensitive spots
Ribs, spine, ankles, feet and inner wrist sit closer to bone, so they're sharper. Worth it for the right design — we just work at a comfortable pace.
Make it easier
Eat beforehand, stay hydrated, sleep well, and don't hold your breath. Tell your artist if you need a break — that's completely normal, and we'd always rather you were comfortable.
Inspiration
Tattoos That Tell a Story
The tattoos people treasure most are rarely the trendiest — they're the ones with meaning. A name, a date, a face, a symbol that carries a whole chapter of a life.
Names & dates
A child's name and birth date, a parent's initials, an anniversary in Roman numerals. Simple, timeless and deeply personal.
Portraits of loved ones & pets
Some of our most moving work has been realistic portraits — a beloved dog, a grandparent, a friend. A way to carry someone with you, always.
Symbols & spirituality
Deities, mandalas and sacred symbols connect people to their faith, culture and values in a form they'll carry for life.
Whatever your story, we'll help you tell it in ink — thoughtfully, and beautifully. Start the conversation.
Have an idea?
Let's Bring It to Life
Whether it's your first tattoo or your fifteenth, we'd love to help you design it right.
