It is critically important to qualify the tattoo parlor, and artist you choose to ink your tattoo designs. This is a very important decision and goes hand in hand with the importance of the design you choose. Neither the tattoo design nor the inking should come with any regret.
If you read my previous article on Find the Right Tattoo Design, you may now be ready for the next step. Before you head out to the tattoo parlor, let’s take a close look at what to look for in a tattoo parlor, and ultimately the tattoo artist you choose to work with.
Here are some guidelines for choosing a tattoo parlor. Follow these key points, and you are well on your way to making a wise decision.
1. The tattoo studio should be clean (floors and interior).
2. Autoclave is recommended for sterilizing equipment.
3. Single-use needles must be used prior to expiration date.
4. A separate room for keeping sterilized implements.
5. Good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
6. References should be made available.
Look at the tattoo artist as not only good at his/her artistic skills, but also as a consultant. A good tattoo consultant will make you feel comfortable by explaining shop rules and health guidelines taken to protect you from risks. You have the right to be concerned about your personal health. If safety health procedures are not given prior to the work being started, you need to ask what precautions are taken for your own well being.
No one should be offended by this questioning.
Here is why sanitation guidelines by the tattoo shop and artist are so important for your health. Your skin protects you from infections, and when the skin is pierced, it gives pathogens a chance to enter the body. A pathogen is a biological agent that causes disease or illness.
Your greatest risk at the tattoo parlor would be from contaminated needles. Pathogens can also enter your body through breathing. If the shop is not clean, there is a chance that the tattoo equipment and other items are also dirty, and pathogens can be in the air.
Find out what type of needles will be used for your tattoo. Single use needles come in sterilized pouches and should always be taken out of the pouch with you looking on. All needles should be used only once, and discarded in a sharps container after use. Make sure you see the needles come out of a sterilized pouch, and check the expiration date on the pouch.
In addition, every item being used on your body should be sterilized. This includes the needles, wound care products, latex gloves, ink tubes and grips (stainless steel tube that holds the needle bar). If it touches your body it must be sanitized. Any professional tattoo artist will make sanitation a top priority, not only for your good, but also for his own.
The needles protruding from the grip are dipped into tattoo pigment inks. The inks are either in individual caps or cups for each client. Pigments should be prepared in a sanitary manner, and used for one client only. Excess ink is discarded just like the needles after use on one client.
If you are satisfied, that the tattoo parlor and artist meet your qualifications, go ahead and start the consultation. The tattoo artist should be friendly and a good communicator. A good communicator is one who listens as well as talks. If you have any feeling of uncertainty, back off and give it some more thought.
Other than price, this should wrap up making a good decision. This is one instance, when you don’t want to go with the low bidder. Quality is the name of the game, so expect to pay more for a good quality tattoo.
