Health & Safety Tips for Tattoos

​|I firmly believe that anyone should have the right to express themselves as long as the form of expression is safe for themselves, and others. One form of expression that many people choose is through the procedure of getting permanent ink tattoos. There can be endless meaning behind a tattoo for an individual, therefore making it one of the most sought out forms of personalizing the body.

However, before considering getting a tattoo for the first time, or perhaps from a new tattoo shop or artist, it's imperative to consider a few health and safety tips in order to have a great experience.

Also, if you have had your own experience of getting a tattoo and would like to share any safety tips that helped you to have a great experience (or avoid unsafe procedures) please share in the comments below!

Please note: The information contained in this article is not professional health advice. If you are concerned about your health, please seek professional support from a doctor or hospital. This is a collaborative post.

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Health & Safety Tips for Tattoos

​Now that you’ve decided to get your first tattoo or add one more to the tattoos that you already have, it’s time to think about finding the best Toronto tattoo shop for the job. You don’t want just anyone to take on this task; it’s important to choose a shop that will take proper care of you. Here are some of the qualities that the shop should have before you consider stepping inside and getting that new tattoo. 

Expert Artists

The experience and expertise of the tattoo artists is one of the most important aspects to consider. You want someone who knows the craft well and has a reputation for doing excellent work. Someone who is up to date on the latest in terms of inks, equipment, and other essentials is a must.

Before settling into the tattoo parlour chair, be sure to ask your tattoo artist for their portfolio or work history, or turn to Google to learn more about their work or research any reviews from other clients. With a true professional, you can depend on the finished product looking exactly the way you want. 

A Clean Setting

Cleanliness is essential in order for you to consider a tattoo shop, and it’s not just about creating a pleasant environment. Shop owners who take hygiene seriously will ensure that all of their instruments are sterile and that the space set aside for creating tattoos is spotless.

Since the procedure of getting a tattoo does actually pierce the skin, having a clean and disinfected shop and tools is imperative for the health and safety of each new client that a tattoo artist works with. A tattoo artist that truly cares about their work, their business, and ultimately, the health and safety of their clients, will always have a clean setting in their shop.

Things to look for to ensure cleanliness:

• the tattoo artist (and any assistants) wear gloves
• proper (and new) equipment is being used each time
• items are disposed of or sterilized with disinfectant 
  

Aftercare

Your tattoo artist should give you suggestions on how to continue caring for your tattoo after your procedure, but also keep these considerations in mind in order to reduce any risk of infection:

• keep the tattoo area and surrounding skin clean using plain soap and water while avoiding direct streams of water like from the shower
• moisturize the tattoo area several times a day to keep the skin from drying
• avoid exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight for a few weeks
• try to wear loose clothing around the tattoo area to avoid rubbing
• allow the tattoo to heal without interruption

Other Considerations

Privacy is important any time, and shop should have the option of an enclosed space that allow no one other than you and the artist to see the tattoo while it’s in progress. Like any professional, tattoo artists respect the modesty of their clients and will do everything they can to ensure you’re comfortable through the entire process. 

While you’re at the shop, you might want to check out options for body ornamentation to go with your new tattoo. Most shops will have all sorts of nose piercing along with other piercing options. That includes jewelry that’s high in quality and varied in design. If you decide to get your nose pierced or consider some other type of piercing, be sure to consider the health and safety of getting this procedure done, as well.

Are you ready to get that new tattoo? Select the shop carefully and the results will meet or even exceed your expectations. It's your right to ask about the expertise of the tattoo artist, as well as checking in with the health and safety of the shop, so be sure to ask any questions you might have so that you can feel prepared and ready to get  your next tattoo.

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