Skin piercing, tattooing and electrolysis: Carlisle

How to register and get a licence for tattoo studios and businesses offering services such as piercings and acupuncture.

To carry out any of the following procedures, both the person and the premises must be registered with us:

  • acupuncture
  • tattooing
  • cosmetic piercing
  • electrolysis
  • semi-permanent skin colouring

The purpose of registration is to prevent infection. Registered practitioners and premises must follow local byelaws and hygiene guidance designed to protect public health.

Registration is not required if the procedure is carried out under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner.

How to register

To request an application form, contact us.

Telephone: 0300 373 3730

Once we receive your completed forms, we will process your registration within 20 working days.

Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme

The Tattoo Hygiene Rating Scheme (THRS) is a voluntary scheme. It helps improve hygiene standards in tattoo studios and allows customers to make informed choices.

The scheme aims to:

  • inform the public about hygiene standards at the time of the most recent inspection
  • encourage best practice across the tattoo industry
  • reduce the risk of infection and disease transmission

How it works

Tattoo studios have to apply to join the scheme.

Premises are inspected and given a hygiene rating. Studios are rated in one of four categories:

  • needs improvement
  • satisfactory
  • good
  • very good

The ratings are displayed as a certificate and window sticker.

Studios are re-rated on a regular basis or upon request.

Ratings

The following premises have been rated in Carlisle.

Participating studios and their hygiene ratings
Premises nameAddressRating
Verto Cosmetics Ltd2nd Floor, 33 Bank Street, Carlisle, CA3 8HJ4 stars
Mikes Tattoos7 London Road, Carlisle, CA1 2JU4 stars
Immortal Art Studio13 Castle Street, Carlisle, CA3 8SY4 stars

Guidance and rules