Tattoos with Ashes is a Permanent Way to Keep Them Close. There are moments in life that change everything. Losing someone you love is one of them. Whether it’s a parent, a partner, a child, or a four-legged friend who felt like family, that kind of grief doesn’t go away. It just changes shape. And for some people, it becomes ink.
At Inception Ink, we are regularly get asked about tattoos with ashes. It’s one of the most emotional services we offer, and one we take incredibly seriously. This isn’t just a trend or a quirky request. It’s a tribute. A commitment. A decision to keep someone with you always.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what tattoos with ashes are, how we do them safely, and what the process looks like from start to finish. Whether you’re just starting to think about it or you’ve already got an idea in mind, this will help you understand what to expect.
What Is a Tattoo with Ashes?
Let’s start with the basics. A tattoo with ashes, sometimes called a cremation tattoo, is exactly what it sounds like. A small amount of a loved one’s cremation ashes is mixed into the tattoo ink, which is then used during the tattooing process.
People choose to do this for lots of reasons. Some want a way to feel close to the person or pet they’ve lost. Others see it as a way of turning pain into art, or grief into something they can carry with strength. For many, it’s about connection. That feeling that even though someone’s gone, they’re still with you, quite literally under your skin.
It’s hard to describe how powerful this kind of tattoo can be. We’ve seen clients cry, laugh, sit in silence, and even talk to their loved one while being tattooed. There’s no right way to do it. Whatever feels right for you is exactly how it will go.
Is It Safe to Get a Tattoo with Ashes?
This is the question we get asked most, and rightly so. In the wrong hands, mixing ashes into ink can be dangerous. Ashes are not naturally sterile, and if they’re just scooped into a bottle of ink without the right preparation, the risk of infection goes up. That’s why it’s important to choose a studio that knows what they’re doing.
At Inception Ink, we follow a clear, safe process for every single ashes tattoo we do. The ashes are carefully sifted to remove any larger particles and before being mixed into a small, single-use pot of tattoo ink. We don’t reuse anything. We don’t guess. And we don’t cut corners.
We only use a very small amount of ash. The rest is returned to you, safely sealed, and treated with the respect it deserves. If at any point you want to pause or change your mind, we’ll support that too. There’s no pressure and no rush.
What to Expect from Start to Finish
Booking a tattoo with ashes is different from your average walk-in. We understand the emotional weight of it and take the time to get everything right. Here’s how the process works:
1. First Contact
You can reach out by clicking here to message, phone call, email, or by popping into the studio. You don’t have to know exactly what you want. We’re used to people saying, “I just know I want something for my mum” or “I’ve got this idea but I’m not sure it works.” That’s totally fine. We’ll help shape your ideas into something that feels just right.
2. Consultation
We’ll book you in for a consultation, either in person or online if you’re coming from further afield. This is where we talk through the design, placement, size, and the ashes process. If you have any health concerns or want to discuss sensitivities, this is the time to chat about that too.
3. Preparing the Ashes
We’ll explain exactly how to bring the ashes in, how much we need, and how they should be stored. You’ll bring them on the day of your tattoo appointment in a sealed, labelled container. If you’d like us to prepare them in advance, we can book an earlier drop-off.
4. The Tattoo Session
When you arrive, we’ll walk you through everything again so you feel fully in control. Some people bring a friend or family member for support. Others prefer to come alone and use the time as a quiet moment of reflection.
The session will feel like a regular tattoo appointment, but we’ll go at your pace. If you need a break, we stop. If you want to talk, we listen. And if you want to sit in silence, that’s okay too. You are not expected to hold it together. This is your moment, and we’re here to support you.
5. Aftercare
Once your tattoo is done, we’ll talk you through the healing process. Ashes tattoos heal just like regular ones, but the emotional impact can sometimes hit a little harder. If you find yourself feeling emotional in the days after, that’s completely normal. We’re always here if you want to pop in or check in with us afterwards.
Can Multiple People Use the Same Ashes?
Yes, they can. We’ve worked with families, friends, and even entire groups who want to share a tattoo using the same ashes. Whether you each get a different design or go for matching symbols, we can safely divide and prepare the ashes for multiple tattoos.
We’ve even had full-day bookings where a whole family comes together, sharing stories while each person gets their piece. Some people bring food, music, or mementoes. Others prefer it quiet. Either way, we can make it work for you.
What Kind of Designs Work Well?
Anything that means something to you will work.
We’ve done tiny paw prints using pet ashes. Song lyrics in a partner’s handwriting. Portraits, dates, constellations, flowers, animals, and coordinates. Some people choose something symbolic, like a heartbeat or a favourite quote. Others go for humour. Yes, really.
If you’re unsure about style, our artists will talk you through what will work best for the size, placement, and emotional impact you’re after.
Why Choose Inception Ink?
Not all studios offer tattoos with ashes, and even fewer do them well.
At Inception Ink, we’ve created a studio environment that feels different. We’re proud to be welcoming, inclusive, and especially supportive for people getting tattooed for the first time. This kind of tattoo can bring up a lot of emotion, and our team understands that. You’ll never be rushed, judged, or made to feel like “just another client.”
Our artists are experienced, gentle, and take pride in what they do. Every piece is custom-designed. Every session is handled with compassion. And every client leaves knowing they’ve been cared for from start to finish.
People have travelled from all over the UK and beyond to have their memorial tattoos done with us, including from Canada, Scotland, and America. It’s not about distance. It’s about trust. And we’re proud to be that safe space for so many.
How to Book
You can book your consultation or tattoo appointment by:
- Sending us a message on Instagram or Facebook
- Calling the studio directly
- Using the contact form on our website
- Or just popping in if you’re local to South Woodham Ferrers
We’ll walk you through everything and make sure you feel confident before your appointment. There’s no obligation to go ahead unless and until it feels right.
Final Thoughts
Grief doesn’t have a timeline. There’s no rule about when the right time is to get a tattoo with ashes. Whether it’s been six weeks or six years since your loss, you’re welcome here.
These are some of the most meaningful tattoos we ever do, and we never take them lightly. It’s a privilege to be trusted with someone’s memory, and we promise to honour that trust with the care it deserves.
If you’re ready, we’re here. And if you’re not, that’s okay too. When the time comes, we’ll be ready for you.
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