Question 1

How do I look after my tattoo during the first days?

Accepted Answer

Wash it twice a day with lukewarm water and unscented, pH-neutral soap, pat dry with disposable paper and apply a very thin layer of tattoo-specific healing cream. Avoid tight clothing and never touch it with unwashed hands. At Summit we hand you written aftercare instructions after every session.

Question 2

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

Accepted Answer

The surface layer closes in 10–14 days, but full healing takes 4–6 weeks. During that time avoid direct sun, pools, the sea and scratching. Large or heavily shaded tattoos may need a little longer.

Question 3

Can I shower with a fresh tattoo?

Accepted Answer

Yes, from day one. Use lukewarm water, don't aim the jet straight at the tattoo and avoid long soaks. Pat dry with paper rather than a cloth towel until it's fully healed.

Question 4

When can I swim at the beach or pool in Barcelona after getting tattooed?

Accepted Answer

Wait at least 3–4 weeks before going into the sea or a pool. Salt water, chlorine and bacteria can infect the wound and damage the ink. If you're on holiday in Barcelona, book your tattoo for the end of your trip or save the swimming for later.

Question 5

Which cream should I use on a new tattoo?

Accepted Answer

Use a tattoo-specific healing cream or a panthenol ointment with no fragrance or alcohol. Apply a thin layer 2–3 times a day — too much cream suffocates the skin and slows healing. Avoid petroleum jelly, alcohol-based aloe gels and scented body lotions.

Question 6

Is it normal for my tattoo to peel or itch?

Accepted Answer

Completely normal. Between days 4 and 10 the skin flakes like after a sunburn and usually itches. Don't pick or scratch: gently tap with your palm and keep it moisturised. The flakes fall off on their own with the ink already set underneath.

Question 7

Can I sunbathe with a new tattoo?

Accepted Answer

No. Sun is a tattoo's worst enemy: during healing it can cause blisters and ink loss. Once healed, always use SPF 50 to keep blacks deep and fine lines crisp for years.

Question 8

How long should I keep the film or second-skin bandage on?

Accepted Answer

If we used cling film, remove it after 2–4 hours and start cleaning. If we applied second skin (a breathable adhesive dressing) you can wear it for 3–5 days; peel it off in the shower with warm water, pulling parallel to the skin, never upwards.

Question 9

Can I exercise after getting a tattoo?

Accepted Answer

Skip the gym and intense sport for 5–7 days. Sweat, friction from clothing and shared surfaces increase the risk of infection. Walking is fine; wait until the skin is no longer raw before training again.

Question 10

How do I know if my tattoo is infected?

Accepted Answer

Redness spreading beyond the tattoo after day 3, intense heat, increasing swelling, throbbing pain, greenish pus or fever are signs of infection. If in doubt, message us on WhatsApp with a photo and see a doctor if you have a fever. Clear or pinkish seepage in the first 2 days is normal.

Question 11

Can I drink alcohol before or after getting tattooed?

Accepted Answer

Avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand: it thins the blood, causes more bleeding and poorer ink retention. Afterwards, wait at least 48 hours. Don't come hungover or on an empty stomach — arrive rested, hydrated and well fed.

Question 12

Does getting a tattoo hurt? Which areas hurt most?

Accepted Answer

It hurts, but it's manageable — most people describe it as a continuous scratch. Bony or thin-skinned areas hurt more: ribs, sternum, feet, hands, neck, elbow and knee. Outer arm, thigh, calf and shoulder are the most comfortable spots for a first tattoo.

Question 13

How much does a tattoo cost in Barcelona?

Accepted Answer

At Summit small fine line tattoos start from a studio minimum; everything else is quoted based on size, detail, placement and time. Large projects are charged per session. Tell us your idea through the booking form and we'll send you a fixed, no-obligation quote.

Question 14

What's the minimum size for a fine line tattoo?

Accepted Answer

We do micro tattoos from 1–2 cm, but the smaller it is, the less detail it can hold. We recommend at least 3–4 cm for lettering and 5 cm for shaded designs so the tattoo ages well and stays legible in 10 years.

Question 15

Do fine line tattoos fade over time?

Accepted Answer

All tattoos soften with the years, and fine line slightly more because of its thin lines. With good healing, daily sun protection and regular moisturising it stays crisp for a long time. Our artists adjust line weight to guarantee longevity.

Question 16

Can I get tattooed as a tourist visiting Barcelona for a few days?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many of our clients come from France, the UK, Germany and Italy. Book online before your trip or walk into our Gràcia studio. We speak English, Spanish, French and Italian and give you written aftercare for the journey home.

Question 17

Do you take walk-ins or do I need an appointment?

Accepted Answer

We accept walk-ins for small and medium tattoos depending on the day's availability. For custom designs, large pieces or a specific artist, book online in advance. We're at Carrer de Bonavista 8, next to Fontana metro.

Question 18

Do I need to pay a deposit to book?

Accepted Answer

Yes — to secure your date and design time we ask for a deposit that's deducted from the final price. It's refundable with at least 48 hours' notice and you can reschedule once free of charge.

Question 19

Can I get tattooed while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

We don't tattoo pregnant or breastfeeding clients as a precaution: the immune system is altered and any infection would affect the baby. We'll be happy to welcome you once that stage is over.

Question 20

Can I get tattooed with tanned or sunburnt skin?

Accepted Answer

We can't tattoo sunburnt or peeling skin: the needle would work on damaged skin and the ink wouldn't set properly. A light, settled tan is fine, but avoid sun on the area for the week before your appointment.

Question 21

How should I prepare my skin before the session?

Accepted Answer

Moisturise the area daily for a week, sleep well, eat beforehand and avoid alcohol and aspirin. Don't wax the area in the 3 days before; we shave it at the studio. Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the area.

Question 22

What materials and hygiene standards do you use?

Accepted Answer

Single-use needles and cartridges, vegan inks certified under EU REACH regulations, autoclave sterilisation, nitrile gloves and freshly protected surfaces for every client. Summit complies with Catalonia's health regulations for tattoo and piercing studios.

Question 23

Can I tattoo over scars or stretch marks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the scar is over a year old and fully healed. Scar tissue absorbs ink differently, so the artist will adapt the design. Send us a photo and we'll advise you on the best option.

Question 24

When can I get a touch-up?

Accepted Answer

Touch-ups are assessed once the tattoo has healed, from 4–6 weeks. If you've followed the aftercare, the first touch-up on our work is free within 3 months of your session.

Question 25

Can I get tattooed if I take blood thinners or have a medical condition?

Accepted Answer

If you take anticoagulants or have diabetes, epilepsy, haemophilia, healing issues or a skin condition, check with your doctor and let us know before booking. In many cases tattooing is possible with the right precautions.

Question 26

How do I clean my new piercing?

Accepted Answer

Clean it twice a day with sterile saline solution spray, without twisting or moving the jewellery. Pat dry with disposable paper. Don't use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine or scented soaps — they irritate the wound and slow healing.

Question 27

How long does a piercing take to heal?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the placement: earlobe 6–8 weeks; nostril 3–6 months; septum 2–3 months; helix, tragus, conch and rook 6–12 months; navel 6–12 months; tongue 4–8 weeks; eyebrow 2–3 months; nipple 6–12 months; bridge 2–3 months. Cartilage always heals slower than soft tissue.

Question 28

When can I change the jewellery?

Accepted Answer

Never before it's fully healed, and ideally have the first change done at the studio. Changing too early can damage the channel and cause irritation bumps. At Summit the first jewellery change is free when you buy the new piece from us.

Question 29

What's the best material for a new piercing?

Accepted Answer

Implant-grade titanium ASTM F-136: hypoallergenic, nickel-free, lightweight and rust-proof. It's the only material we use for initial piercings. Avoid cheap surgical steel, silver and costume jewellery until the piercing has healed.

Question 30

Does getting a piercing hurt?

Accepted Answer

It's a quick 1–2 second pinch. On a 1–10 scale, earlobe and eyebrow are around 2–3, nostril and septum 4–5, cartilage and navel 5–6, nipple and daith 6–7. Our piercer works with needles, which hurt less and heal better than a gun.

Question 31

Is crust or yellowish fluid normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During healing the piercing secretes lymph, a clear or yellowish fluid that dries into small crusts. It's a normal part of the process. Only worry if the fluid is green, thick, smells bad or comes with pain and heat.

Question 32

What's the bump on my helix and how do I treat it?

Accepted Answer

It's almost always an irritation bump (not a keloid) caused by pressure, friction, sleeping on it or ill-fitting jewellery. Remove the cause, clean only with saline, leave it alone and come to the studio: it usually resolves by switching to jewellery of the right length.

Question 33

Can I sleep on my piercing?

Accepted Answer

Not while it heals, especially ear piercings. Night-time pressure is the number one cause of bumps and crooked angles. Use a travel pillow (with a hole in the middle) to rest your head without touching the ear.

Question 34

Can I swim in the sea or pool with a new piercing?

Accepted Answer

Avoid it for at least the first 4 weeks. Chlorine, salt and bacteria in the water can cause infection. If you do swim, rinse immediately with saline and dry the area well.

Question 35

How much does a piercing cost in Barcelona?

Accepted Answer

At Summit the piercing price includes the procedure and an initial ASTM F-136 titanium piece. Earlobes are the cheapest; cartilage, septum, navel and nipple are mid-range, and piercings with premium jewellery (14k gold, gems) are quoted separately. Ask for prices on WhatsApp or at the studio.

Question 36

Do you use a gun or a needle?

Accepted Answer

Always a sterile single-use needle. Guns crush the tissue, can't be fully sterilised and damage cartilage. Needles are more precise, less painful and allow us to fit the correct jewellery from the start.

Question 37

What's the minimum age for a piercing?

Accepted Answer

18 without a guardian. At 16–17 you must come with a parent or legal guardian, both with ID, and sign a consent form. Under 16 we only pierce earlobes with a guardian present.

Question 38

Can I get several piercings on the same day?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 2–3 piercings in one session is reasonable, preferably on different sides so you can sleep. More than that slows healing because the body splits its energy between several wounds.

Question 39

What should I do if my piercing gets infected?

Accepted Answer

Don't remove the jewellery — the wound would close and trap the infection inside. Clean with saline, don't apply creams and come to the studio or message us with a photo. If you have a fever, widespread redness or strong pain, see your doctor.

Question 40

Can I exercise with a new piercing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, carefully. Avoid knocks and friction, rinse away sweat with saline afterwards and protect navel and nipple piercings from tight clothing. Contact sports and swimming should wait several weeks.

Question 41

Can I wear make-up or perfume near my piercing?

Accepted Answer

Keep make-up, perfume, hairspray, lotions and self-tanner away from the piercing throughout healing. These products clog the channel and cause irritation. Be especially careful with facial and ear piercings.

Question 42

Can I take the piercing out if it gets irritated?

Accepted Answer

No. Removing the jewellery from an irritated piercing makes it close with the irritation trapped inside. Identify the cause (friction, pressure, products, wrong jewellery), clean only with saline and ask us. If you do decide to retire it, have it removed at the studio.

Question 43

When can I wear a ring in my helix or septum?

Accepted Answer

You can start with a ring in the septum straight away. For helix, tragus or nostril we recommend starting with a labret (straight bar) and switching to a ring once healed, from 6–9 months: rings move and complicate cartilage healing.

Question 44

Is a septum piercing visible if I want to hide it?

Accepted Answer

No. With a retainer or a horseshoe flipped up inside the nose it's completely hidden — ideal for work or events. It's one of the most discreet and popular piercings at our Gràcia studio.

Question 45

Can I get pierced while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

We don't perform piercings during pregnancy or breastfeeding as a health precaution. If you already have a navel piercing, switch to a flexible PTFE bar as your bump grows.

Question 46

How do I care for a tongue or lip piercing?

Accepted Answer

Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash or salt water after every meal, avoid spicy food, alcohol, smoking and very hot food for the first week, and clean the outside of the lip with saline. Tongue swelling is normal for 3–5 days; suck on ice to relieve it.

Question 47

Can I get a piercing without an appointment in Gràcia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept walk-ins for piercings every opening day, subject to availability. If you want a specific piece of jewellery or several piercings, we recommend booking via WhatsApp to secure your slot.

Question 48

Why is the initial jewellery longer than normal?

Accepted Answer

Because the area swells during the first weeks and the bar needs extra room so it doesn't dig into the skin. Once the swelling goes down it's swapped (downsized) for a shorter bar — essential to prevent bumps and tilting. Come back at 4–8 weeks for the downsize.

Question 49

How do I know if I'm allergic to the jewellery metal?

Accepted Answer

Intense itching, redness, flaking and a persistent clear discharge around the piercing usually indicate a nickel allergy. That's why we exclusively use nickel-free ASTM F-136 titanium. If you have a history of allergies, let us know beforehand.

Question 50

Can I kiss or have sex with a new oral or nipple piercing?

Accepted Answer

Avoid oral contact and other people's fluids on the area until it's healed — they're the main source of bacteria. With a tongue or lip piercing wait at least 3–4 weeks; with a nipple piercing protect the area and avoid pulling for several months.

Frequently asked questions

Tattoo aftercare

Piercing questions

Frequently asked questions

Tattoo aftercare

01How do I look after my tattoo during the first days?

02How long does a tattoo take to heal?

03Can I shower with a fresh tattoo?

04When can I swim at the beach or pool in Barcelona after getting tattooed?

05Which cream should I use on a new tattoo?

06Is it normal for my tattoo to peel or itch?

07Can I sunbathe with a new tattoo?

08How long should I keep the film or second-skin bandage on?

09Can I exercise after getting a tattoo?

10How do I know if my tattoo is infected?

11Can I drink alcohol before or after getting tattooed?

12Does getting a tattoo hurt? Which areas hurt most?

13How much does a tattoo cost in Barcelona?

14What's the minimum size for a fine line tattoo?

15Do fine line tattoos fade over time?

16Can I get tattooed as a tourist visiting Barcelona for a few days?

17Do you take walk-ins or do I need an appointment?

18Do I need to pay a deposit to book?

19Can I get tattooed while pregnant or breastfeeding?

20Can I get tattooed with tanned or sunburnt skin?

21How should I prepare my skin before the session?

22What materials and hygiene standards do you use?

23Can I tattoo over scars or stretch marks?

24When can I get a touch-up?

25Can I get tattooed if I take blood thinners or have a medical condition?

Piercing questions

26How do I clean my new piercing?

27How long does a piercing take to heal?

28When can I change the jewellery?

29What's the best material for a new piercing?

30Does getting a piercing hurt?

31Is crust or yellowish fluid normal?

32What's the bump on my helix and how do I treat it?

33Can I sleep on my piercing?

34Can I swim in the sea or pool with a new piercing?

35How much does a piercing cost in Barcelona?

36Do you use a gun or a needle?

37What's the minimum age for a piercing?

38Can I get several piercings on the same day?

39What should I do if my piercing gets infected?

40Can I exercise with a new piercing?

41Can I wear make-up or perfume near my piercing?

42Can I take the piercing out if it gets irritated?

43When can I wear a ring in my helix or septum?

44Is a septum piercing visible if I want to hide it?

45Can I get pierced while pregnant?

46How do I care for a tongue or lip piercing?

47Can I get a piercing without an appointment in Gràcia?

48Why is the initial jewellery longer than normal?

49How do I know if I'm allergic to the jewellery metal?

50Can I kiss or have sex with a new oral or nipple piercing?