Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Consider Your Safety When You Get a Tattoo
By Kenneth Orr
If you've decided that you're going to join the growing numbers of people with tattoos, it's important to make sure you're getting your tattoo safely. You may have heard the rare horror stories of people who've contracted HIV or Hepatitis from getting a tattoo.
While this certainly isn't normal, it is a possibility that you should be aware of. Following are the safety measures you should take prior to having a tattoo done
1. Go to a reputable artist and tattoo shop. Ask around. If you see someone who has a tattoo that you like (or is particularly well done), ask the person for the shop or artist's name. Most people don't mind being asked who did their tattoo. Go online or search the yellow pages. Many shops advertise their sterilization processes and procedures, or advertise that their artists have taken special courses provided by the local health department.
2. Ask questions and expect answers. It's okay to interview a couple of different tattoo artists. If they're professional, they won't mind taking a little time to talk to you about your concerns. Don't try to talk to them when they're in the middle of a tattoo. If you need to, ask when they expect a slow moment so they can talk to you. Ask them about sterilization procedures, precautions they use and what they do with the used needles. Expect to see evidence to back up their answers. If they don't want to talk to you or seem a bit shaky about safety, cleanliness and needle disposal, find another artist.
3. Look for proof of training. You will probably see certificates posted regarding course completion and health department inspections. Not only should these be posted, they should be up to date. Each municipality will have its own set of requirements for licensing tattoo shops, but some areas do not require licensing. Make sure you know what is required in your area and ask the tattoo shop to provide evidence that these requirements have been met.
4. Ask to see the equipment that will be used for your tattoo. Any needles that are used should be brand new and still sealed in its package. The artist should open the needle package in front of you. If this doesn't happen, get up and walk out. This is not the artist for you! The tattoo guns should be covered with a plastic film and the artist should wear disposable latex gloves. If the artist takes the gloves off for any reason, fresh ones should be put on before work is resumed on your tattoo. While the tattoo shop might not be as sterile as your doctor's office, it should look clean, tidy, and at least reasonably organized.
When your new tattoo is complete, carefully follow all instructions for tattoo care that your artist provides. After care is critical to the healing process and will ensure a great looking tattoo. Now that you know about the safety measures to look for, you can keep yourself safe as you get yourself inked.
While this certainly isn't normal, it is a possibility that you should be aware of. Following are the safety measures you should take prior to having a tattoo done
1. Go to a reputable artist and tattoo shop. Ask around. If you see someone who has a tattoo that you like (or is particularly well done), ask the person for the shop or artist's name. Most people don't mind being asked who did their tattoo. Go online or search the yellow pages. Many shops advertise their sterilization processes and procedures, or advertise that their artists have taken special courses provided by the local health department.
2. Ask questions and expect answers. It's okay to interview a couple of different tattoo artists. If they're professional, they won't mind taking a little time to talk to you about your concerns. Don't try to talk to them when they're in the middle of a tattoo. If you need to, ask when they expect a slow moment so they can talk to you. Ask them about sterilization procedures, precautions they use and what they do with the used needles. Expect to see evidence to back up their answers. If they don't want to talk to you or seem a bit shaky about safety, cleanliness and needle disposal, find another artist.
3. Look for proof of training. You will probably see certificates posted regarding course completion and health department inspections. Not only should these be posted, they should be up to date. Each municipality will have its own set of requirements for licensing tattoo shops, but some areas do not require licensing. Make sure you know what is required in your area and ask the tattoo shop to provide evidence that these requirements have been met.
4. Ask to see the equipment that will be used for your tattoo. Any needles that are used should be brand new and still sealed in its package. The artist should open the needle package in front of you. If this doesn't happen, get up and walk out. This is not the artist for you! The tattoo guns should be covered with a plastic film and the artist should wear disposable latex gloves. If the artist takes the gloves off for any reason, fresh ones should be put on before work is resumed on your tattoo. While the tattoo shop might not be as sterile as your doctor's office, it should look clean, tidy, and at least reasonably organized.
When your new tattoo is complete, carefully follow all instructions for tattoo care that your artist provides. After care is critical to the healing process and will ensure a great looking tattoo. Now that you know about the safety measures to look for, you can keep yourself safe as you get yourself inked.
About the Author:
Looking to find the best deal on st louis laser tattoo removal, then visit www.vplaser.com to find the best advice on what to look for and prices to expect for getting a tattoo removed in st louis.
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