Bottomless tattoo events cheapen industry, say artists

Tattooists say “bottomless tattoo” events are devaluing their craft, as removal specialists report growing demand from people wanting tiny tattoos erased.

Chantale Coady-McCombs, owner of Picture House Tattoo Studio in Chippenham, Wiltshire, said the rise of “micro tattoo bottomless brunch studios” had led to more clients needing help to fix or cover unwanted artwork.

The concept allows customers to book a set amount of time with an artist and get as many small tattoos as they want during the session.

BBC News has approached a number of studios offering bottomless tattoos for comment.

Tanya Buxton, owner of Paradise Tattoo Studio in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire said: “It’s encouraging irresponsibility.”

“Tattooing is not meant to be gimmicky,” she added.

Buxton said the trend, which is often advertised on Instagram and TikTok for as little as £150 for a three-hour session, had been fuelled in-part by permanent make-up practitioners branching into fine-line tattooing.

“They’re trying to find new clients all the time,” she said. “That’s why they’re starting to do these tiny tattoos.

“It’s something that makes a lot of tattoo studios feel like they have to match, so people are now expecting cheap tattoos,” she added.