Advice on memorial items
There's lots of ways to remember a loved one and many don't have to be chosen immediately after the funeral. If you’d like an urn or memorial item but need some advice please talk to your local Co-op funeral director.
Turning ashes into memorial tattoos
There are so many different ways to remember a loved one. An option that’s becoming more popular is using a loved one’s ashes as part of a personal tribute, such as memorial jewellery. Today, you can take that idea one step further and use their ashes to create a memorial tattoo.
We talk to Alice Nicholls, specialist tattoo artist and owner of The Fine Art of Tattoo studio in Colchester to learn about tattoos for lost loved ones.
What are memorial tattoos?
Memorial tattoos were traditionally a standard design celebrating a loved one, but today they include tattoos where a tiny amount of ashes is mixed into the ink. You may also have heard them called cremation tattoos or cremation ink.
‘Memorial tattoos have been around for quite a long time, but – thanks to social media and tattoos in general becoming more mainstream – more people know about them and want to get one,’ says Alice.
Why do people want memorial tattoos?
Some people like the idea of having a permanent reminder of their loved one, while others say keeping a physical connection to them is very comforting. People might have memorial tattoos for a family member, a friend or even to remember a special pet.
More women than men are now getting tattoos and research shows that women tend to put much more personal meaning into their body art.* Alice says, ‘Our studio motto is “Wear your story” and our female clients do seem to have a deeper story behind their tattoos. And nothing tells a deep, personal story like a memorial tattoo.’
How can you find a memorial tattoo artist?
It’s not something that every studio will do, so you may need to look a bit harder for a memorial tattoo artist. ‘Do your research,’ says Alice. ‘Check with your local tattoo studio or ask if they can recommend one. But the best recommendation is usually one from friends.'
When you do find a studio or a tattoo artist you like, ask to see some of their previous work. You can also look through any photos on social media to see their style and read comments from other customers.
What are some popular memorial tattoo designs?
You could go for your loved one’s name and important dates, such as a birthday or anniversary, any unique sayings they had, or something that simply reminds you of them. Alice says, ‘We get a lot of requests for plants – usually something small and linked to the person who died, such as their favourite flower or something they grew in the garden.’
Other ideas include:
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A symbol for your pet, like a pawprint
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A portrait of your loved one
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A quote that meant something to both of you
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Map coordinates for the place you met
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‘Classic’ designs like hearts or a cross
Prices will vary according to the design, colours used and the size of the tattoo.
Work with your tattoo artist to find something you really like. They can create a bespoke design, or they may have some illustrations to choose from. Don’t rush into it if you can’t find an image that you’re happy with. Take your time – you can keep the ashes safe until you’ve made a decision.
How are ashes used in memorial tattoos?
You only need a tiny amount of ashes to create a memorial tattoo – less than half a teaspoon is enough. Ashes come in all shapes and sizes, but tattoo needles cannot inject any large ‘grains’ into the skin. So, speak to your chosen tattoo artist before to understand how they would need the ashes provided.
On the day of your tattoo, take a small scoop of ashes with you and your tattoo artist will mix them into the ink. ‘I ask clients if they’d like to do it, to help them feel more connected to the whole process,’ Alice says.
Can the ashes affect the tattoo?
Don’t worry that the ashes will change the ink’s colour. Alice says, ‘We use such a minuscule amount that it won’t affect the design you choose.’ So, if you go for a pale pink rose or white clouds, the colours will look the same.
Because of the intense heat used during cremation, virtually all bacteria are destroyed. Your tattoo artist will also blend the ashes with sterilised inks before using them.
The ashes shouldn’t affect the healing process either. Because the ash particles are so fine, they don’t irritate the skin or prevent healing. If you do experience itching (more than would normally be expected) or an infection, see your GP.
Can memorial tattoos help with grief?
A memorial tattoo is a wonderful tribute to a loved one. ‘They become part of you, and will always be with you,’ says Alice. ‘I think that does help with grieving.'
The process of getting a tattoo can also allow you to share their life story. Alice says, ‘When clients come in and sit in the chair, they want to talk about why they’re getting the tattoo and what their loved one meant to them. I can see how that experience is really important, and I love becoming a part of their story. It’s an honour.’
Find more memorial ideas and bereavement support in our Advice section
This is not a service that Co-op offer. All of the responses given to the questions in this article are from Alice Nicholls, specialist tattoo artist and owner of The Fine Art of Tattoo studio in Colchester, not Co-op. Anyone seeking to get a memorial tattoo should only do so from an approved licensed professional.
