Saturday, November 6, 2010

Getting A Safe Tattoo


Getting A Tattoo? Try To Be Safe!

06.11.2010

Author: Christian Carlson

It’s important to make sure you’re getting your tattoo safely if you’ve decided to join the growing number of people with tattoos. You may have heard the rare horror stories of people who’ve contracted HIV or Hepatitis from getting a tattoo.

It could be an unfortunate possibility if you’re not careful. Here are the safety precautions you must take before getting your tattoo:

Go to a reputable artist and tattoo shop. What you can do is ask around. If you see someone having a tattoo that’s well done and you like it, ask for the shop the name of the artist. Most people won’t mind you asking who did their tattoo. Try searching the yellow pages or go online. Many shops advertise their sterilization processes and procedures, or advertise that their artists have taken special courses provided by the local health department.

Ask questions and expect answers. It’s okay to interview a couple of different tattoo artists. They won’t mind talking to you about your concerns if they’re professionals. Avoid talking to them if they’re in the middle of a tattoo. If needed, you can ask when they’re expecting a slow moment or are available to talk. Try to ask about the precautions they use with the needles and about the sterilization procedures. Evidence should back up their answers. If they seem uncomfortable or don’t want to talk to you regarding safety, needle disposal, and cleanliness, then it’s better to look for another artist.

Try to search for evidence of training. You’ll often see certificates (that should be up to date) posted regarding health department inspections and course completion. Tattoo shops have different requirements in different areas. Determine what are the requirements in your area. In your local tattoo shop, there should be evidence of meeting those requirements.

Ask to see the equipment that will be used. When it comes to needles, they should all still be sealed in their packages. The brand new needles should be opened in front of you by the artist. Walk out if that doesn’t happen. Tattoo guns will be covered with plastic film and your artist will wear disposal exam gloves. If they take off the gloves for some reason, a fresh pair should be put on when they work again on your tattoo. It’s important for the tattoo shop to look clean. Although it wouldn’t look like a doctor’s office, it should at least be organized and clean.

For tattoo care, always follow your artist’s instructions. It’s important to have aftercare in order to properly heal and have a great looking tattoo. Before you get inked, you need to know the safety measure in order to stay safe.

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