What Those Considering a Tattoo Should Look Out For

 

In recent years, the presence of tattoos has been remarkably strong. However, tattoos are nothing new. In fact, tattoos date back 5000 years. That does not mean that one should take this fad lightly when deciding to get a tattoo. Because tattooing involves the breaking of the skin barrier, risks can be associated. Most tattooists reduce these risks by taking universal precautions. However, it is important that those considering becoming an owner of a new tattoo know what to look at for.

 

•Go to a reputable tattooing studio. It is important to go to a reputable tattooing studio with properly trained employees. Regulation requirements and licensing standards vary in different states so it is important to check with state, county or city health departments for information regarding local licensing and regulations.

 

• Be sure the tattoo artist uses the proper equipment. Make sure the tattoo artist removes a needle and tubes from sealed packages before the procedure begins. Anything that the tattoo artist uses on a customer should be thrown out afterward. Unused ink should not be returned to its original container as it is contaminated with blood and should be thrown out.

• Make sure the tattoo artist is wearing gloves. It may sound like a no brainer, but it is important that the tattoo artist washes his or hands and wears standard medical latex gloves.

• Be sure the tattoo artist sterilizes non-disposable equipment. It is important that the tattoo artist uses a heat sterilization machine to sterilize all equipment that is non-disposable. It is important for every tattoo shop to have an autoclave sterilizer. An autoclave sterilizer is a pressure cooker used in the medical field to sterilize instruments. It must remain at a temperature of at least 246 degrees for 30 minutes in order to fully sterilize the equipment. Supplies and other instruments used should be disinfected with bleach or another commercial disinfectant after each use.

 

• Ask to see examples of the tattoo artist's finished work. This is not for an individual to find what tattoo their looking for in an artist's portfolio, but rather to confirm the artist can perform good work. Make sure to look at the lines. They should be straight and smooth. And the colors should blend well to create an even image. One thing to keep in mind: photographs can be stolen from other artists.