A tattoo is not only a design but also a permanent work of art on your skin. The safety standards of the tattoo parlour directly affect your health and the quality of your tattoo.
Many people choose a tattoo parlour after considering the design and pricing, but in reality, the most important things are hygiene, professionalism, and safety standards.
The following points are a checklist that every client should follow before getting a tattoo.
1. Cleanliness and Hygiene
Whenever you visit a tattoo parlour, observe the surroundings first. Check whether the place is clean and fresh. If the place is dirty, it means the parlour is not professional. Professional tattoo parlours usually smell of disinfectant.
Check proper sanitisation of the work area, artists’ gloves, and the equipment’s plastic wrapping. A good tattoo parlour always maintains a clean space and prioritises your skin’s safety.
2. Licensed Artists
Getting a tattoo is not only an art but also a medical procedure, so the artist should be trained and certified. Confidentially ask about the licence and training certificate, and the professional parlours happily show it. Getting a tattoo by an untrained artist is risky, unsafe, and guaranteed to be a lifetime regret.
Certified artists not only know the design techniques but also the infection control and skin allergy awareness. They know how to respond to any skin reaction.
3. New, Sealed Needles
It is a severe point. Everyone should receive service from new, sealed needles. Ask them to open the needle in front of you. The reused needles can transmit hepatitis B, C, HIV, and other infections.
Good parlours use disposable needles and immediately discard them in a biohazard container. A responsible parlour openly performs this process in front of the client, which builds trust.
4. Proper Use of Gloves, Masks, and Sanitisation
The professional tattoo artist never works with bare hands. They change the gloves for every client. Carefully observe this act. Examine whether they are wearing a mask. A slight lapse in hygiene can spread infection, as tattooing is a skin-penetrating process.
5. Clear Communication
A good tattoo parlour is never secretive; they openly guide every step, from the type of ink to aftercare. An artist will clearly tell you about the brand of ink, the machinery used, precautions after the process, and the sterilisation process. A genuine parlour continually educates the client before and after service.
6. Patch Testing
A high-quality parlour only uses approved, certified inks. The low-quality ink can cause
- Skin irritation
- Itching and redness
- Faded colours
Before starting the process, ask for a patch test and check for any kind of allergic reaction. The sound artist always suggests this step. Good parlors keep the ink bottles closed and keep the storage areas cool to maintain quality. Always check the labels and expiry dates of the inks.
7. Aftercare Instructions
The tattoo takes time to heal. An experienced parlor always gives written instructions after the service. They instruct using fragrance-free soap, keeping the tattoo moisturized, and avoiding sun exposure. Unprofessional parlors do not guide you, but a professional parlor understands your skin type and provides personalized aftercare.
Final Thoughts
Getting a tattoo is an exciting journey, but you cannot compromise safety. A professional tattoo parlour not only provides you with a design but also provides care. A good tattoo shop makes your experience memorable, since a tattoo is a permanent work of art.