AITA for telling a girl she should have told me she had scars before I started tattooing her, and not refunding her deposit?

The hum of the tattoo needle was ready to sing, but a London studio turned into a battlefield of emotions instead. A young tattoo artist, known for his intricate designs, faced a client whose leg bore a secret—a jagged keloid scar from a car accident. She hoped ink could hide her painful past, but his rules were clear: no tattooing over such scars. What started as a routine booking spiraled into a clash over a £100 deposit and a spilled Pepsi.

Her distress was palpable, but so was his frustration—hours reserved, income lost, and a bad review looming. He stood by his terms, sent weeks earlier, but her fury and that shattered soda bottle left him questioning. Was he too harsh in keeping the deposit, or was she wrong for ignoring the fine print? This tale of ink and ire begs the question: who’s really at fault?

‘AITA for telling a girl she should have told me she had scars before I started tattooing her, and not refunding her deposit?’

Tattooing is an art, but it’s also a business with rules sharper than a needle. The artist’s refusal to tattoo over a keloid scar was rooted in caution—medically sound, given scars can complicate healing. The client’s distress is understandable, but her failure to disclose the scar, despite clear terms, set the stage for this mess. Her tantrum and Pepsi-smashing exit didn’t help her case.

This scenario reflects a broader issue: miscommunication in client-based businesses. A 2023 survey by Small Business Trends found 68% of service disputes stem from unclear expectations (source). Here, the artist’s terms were explicit, but did she truly understand them? Relying solely on a message risks oversight.

Dr. John Duffy, a business psychologist, notes, “Clear, proactive communication prevents most client conflicts. Assumptions on either side can lead to resentment” (source). The artist could have requested a photo upfront, while the client should have read the rules. Both assumed too much.

For solutions, the artist might offer to hold the deposit for a future session when the scar is healed, showing goodwill. Clients should be encouraged to ask questions before paying.

These are the responses from Reddit users:

Reddit’s tattooed and opinionated masses chimed in with a mix of sympathy and shade. Here’s a sampling of their unfiltered takes, from practical advice to fiery clapbacks:

These Redditors aren’t shy, but do their hot takes hold ink, or are they just sketching drama? What’s the real cost of a bad review versus a lost deposit?

This inky saga leaves us pondering the line between rigid rules and human error. The artist protected his business but may have bruised a client’s trust, while her outburst cost her more than just £100. Could a kinder approach have saved the day, or was standing firm the only way? Share your thoughts—what would you do as the artist or the client in this tattooed tangle?