8 Major Red Flags Indicating Studio is Not Worth Getting a Tattoo

Sanitation is an integral part of the tattoo industry. While there is debate regarding certain procedures, there are rules one can never break or bend. If a person notices any of the red flags mentioned below, they must immediately leave the studio. Not doing so compromises the safety quotient to a great extent.

For decades, the tattoo industry has tried to prove that the art of inking designs on the skin is harmless, so it simply cannot tolerate lazy or reckless artists ruining things for the ones in the pursuit of creating a professional ambience.

No Sharp Boxes

Every tattoo studio must have a sharps box where the artist dumps the used needles. The tattoo needles and cartridges should never be thrown in the regular dustbin. An overflowing sharp box is also a red flag.

No Autoclave

Several artists still invest in metal tubes attached to a coil machine. They reuse the metal tube. So, an autoclave that can thoroughly sterilize the metal tube seems mandatory. Autoclaves are found in hospitals and private clinics since they assure cent per cent clean instruments.

No Disinfection

Surfers Paradise tattoo artists practising in the town emphasised the significance of disinfection. Leave the studio if the staff does not disinfect the armrests, chairs, massage beds, and the entire station with industrial cleaning solutions. Remember, wipes hardly remove the germs.

No Distilled Water

To prevent access to bacteria, tattoo artists must always keep distilled water in a rinse cup. If a person sees the practitioner filling the rinse cup from a tap, leave immediately. No explanation is needed.

No Bloodborne Pathogens Certification

Each state requires some kind of certificate that ensures a tattooist has been trained in controlling infections caused by bloodborne pathogens. Check if the certificate hung from the wall is up-to-date, or in other words, has not passed the expiration date.

No Bed and Machine Covers

During the procedure, the bed must be covered with a plastic tarp. This protects the fresh ink and makes the clean-up easier for the artist. The tattoo artists must always keep the machine and other equipment in special bags or bottles. Saran wrap will do as long they are changed.

No Trash Can

Make sure to run if the studio is full of trash. Artists must never have food and beverage near their stations because they attract flies. The tattoo studios that acquired popularity can make a good impression on their clients regarding hygiene.

No Disposable Needles or Pre-Packaged Cartridges

This seems like a no-brainer. A tattooist must never ink the skin with a used or unpackaged needle. They should open the container in front of the client. This will contribute to the latter’s peace of mind.

Apart from the red flags stated above, the tattoo artists ask the clients to observe the ink bottles cautiously. If a layer of oil is on top of the ink, it has gone bad. Studies did show that colours used for adorning the skin expire a year after the first usage. Additionally, nothing must float inside them.