Booking a tattoo shouldn’t feel complicated. But if you’ve never done it before, the process can seem unclear — especially if different studios do things differently.
At XOXO Tattoo Studio on Capel Street, we’ve made booking as straightforward as possible. Whether you want a small flash piece or a multi-session custom project, here’s exactly how the process works from your first message to walking out with fresh ink.
The Booking Process at XOXO
Send Us Your Idea
Fill out our online booking form or DM us on Instagram @xoxo.dublin. Tell us what you want — the design, Size in cm or inches (or, if it’s easier, take a photo of the area and circle the desired size) and Body placement. Include any reference photos or inspiration images. The more detail you share, the more accurate our response will be.
We’ll Get Back to You
Our team will review your request and reply with an artist recommendation, a price estimate, and available dates. If your idea needs refining or we have questions, we’ll discuss it with you. There’s no commitment at this stage — it’s a conversation, not a contract.
Confirm with a Deposit
Happy with the quote and date? You’ll pay a deposit to lock in your appointment. The deposit is fully deductible from your final price — it’s not an extra fee. It simply secures your time slot and allows the artist to begin preparing your design.
Design Preparation
For custom work, your artist will prepare the design before your appointment. In most cases, you’ll see the design on the day of your appointment(Exceptions apply for complex or large-scale projects). If you’d like adjustments, there’s always time to refine before the needle touches skin. Nothing gets tattooed until you’re 100% happy.
Appointment Day
Arrive on time (or a few minutes early). Eat a proper meal beforehand, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed. Your artist will apply the stencil, make any final adjustments, and then start tattooing. Relax and enjoy the experience.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
Once your tattoo is done, your artist will wrap it and walk you through the aftercare instructions. You’ll pay the remaining balance (minus your deposit). If you need a touch-up once healed, it’s on us — we offer a free touch-up on every tattoo we do.
— XOXO Tattoo Studio Dublin
What About Walk-Ins?
Don’t have time to book in advance? No problem. We welcome walk-ins at XOXO whenever artist availability allows. Walk-ins are perfect for flash designs and smaller spontaneous pieces.
Just stop by our studio at 112 Capel Street, Dublin 1 during opening hours (Mon–Sun, 12pm–8pm) and we’ll let you know what’s available. No guarantees on specific artists for walk-ins, but we’ll always have someone ready to help if there’s space.
📱 Fastest Way to Book
For the quickest response, DM us on Instagram at @xoxo.dublin. We check DMs multiple times daily and can usually give you a quote within a few hours.
What to Bring on the Day
Photo ID — We require valid ID proving you’re 18 or over. No exceptions.
Reference images — Even if you’ve already sent them online, having them on your phone for the stencil fitting is helpful.
Snacks and water — Especially for sessions over an hour. Keeping your blood sugar up makes the experience much more comfortable.
Headphones — Music, podcasts, or audiobooks help the time fly and keep you relaxed.
Comfortable clothing — Wear something that gives easy access to the tattoo area without needing to fully undress. If you’re getting a rib piece, a loose button-up works better than a tight crew neck.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book?
For small pieces or flash, a few days to a week is usually enough. For custom work or a specific artist, 2-4 weeks is common. For large projects, contact us early to discuss timelines.
Can I request a specific artist?
Absolutely. We have four resident artists, each with different specialities. Check our gallery to see their work and request your preferred artist when booking.
What if I need to reschedule?
No problem — just let us know at least 72 hours before your appointment. We’ll move your booking at no extra cost. Cancellations with less than 72 hours notice may forfeit the deposit.
Do I see the design before the appointment?
For custom work, your artist prepares the design before your session. You’ll see it on the day and have time to request adjustments before anything is tattooed. Nothing is permanent until you give the go-ahead.
How much deposit is required?
Deposit amounts vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. Your deposit is always deducted from the final price — it’s not an additional charge.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring one person for support. We just ask that you keep it to one guest to maintain a calm, comfortable environment for all clients and artists.
Ready to Book?
Send us your idea and we’ll take care of the rest. Free consultations, honest quotes, no pressure.
Read More