How to Make Sure a Tattoo Shop Is Safe

The single most important part of getting a tattoo is protecting your health. In essence, a tattoo is an open wound made by thousands of small needle punctures. Therefore, sanitation and hygiene are crucial. Infections, allergic reactions, and lifelong complications can result from unsafe tattooing practices. In this article, we will explain sanitary tattoo practices, and provide tips for determining whether or not a tattoo shop is safe.

Sanitary Tattoo Practices

Sterilization is an absolutely necessary practice in any tattoo shop. Whenever you are getting a tattoo, you should make sure that the artist opens a brand new, disposable needle in front of you. You should also verify that they use single-use ink caps for each session, and clean the machine before tattooing. Artists should wash their hands before setting up, and wear gloves throughout the appointment. Watch for cross contamination: are they touching their phone while they have gloves on? It goes without saying that all tattoo artists should also have good personal hygiene.

How to Find a Clean Tattoo Shop

When you walk into a tattoo shop, you should pay attention to the details, and consider how clean it is. Not only should workspaces be tidy, but floors and furniture should also look clean. Artists should be regularly cleaning all work surfaces. You should also verify the proper disposal of all needles, if possible. Lastly, any reputable tattoo shop will have certifications displayed on their walls. Check these out to make sure that they're up to date.

Thanks to the internet, you can also get a feel for the shop's reputation by looking at customer reviews. Keep an eye out for any complaints about cleanliness, or clients who ended up with infections. It's not a bad idea to check out the shop's social media pages to get an idea of how the space is kept up. For a look inside of our shop, and to see our artists' work, visit the American Vintage Tattoo Instagram page.

Choosing a Tattoo Artist

The first step of finding the right tattoo artist for you is looking at their work. An artist's portfolio can give you an idea of what their style is, and the quality of their work. Make sure that their work looks clean, and check for photos of healed tattoos. A good tattoo artist should also be easy to talk to and willing to answer any questions, especially when it comes to safety. Trust your gut, and don't overlook any red flags. If anything seems shady, or questionable, it probably is, and you should avoid the shop at all costs.

Book Your Next Tattoo Appointment Now!

At American Vintage Tattoo in Orange County, California, we take pride in our high standards for cleanliness and our work. Our artists adhere to all hygienic guidelines, and prioritize our clients' health. We also provide clients with aftercare instructions to ensure that their tattoos heal quickly and properly. Visit us online to look through our artists' portfolios, and book a tattoo appointment today!