Have you decided to get a tattoo engraved on your body? If yes then make sure you get it done from the right people in the business. Not all tattoo shops whether in Chattanooga Tennessee or New York City are safe to be used.
If you are being sceptical then remember that you are not alone in this. Studies show that more than 30% of the American population have at least one tattoo engraved while the rest have 2 or more tattoos inked on their bodies.
What is crucial is to decide whether your chosen tattoo shop is a safe place to get a tattoo from. So how does one analyse the safety practices and standards of any tattoo shop? Stay tuned to find out.
Tattoo Shops Regulations
In America, the government has the responsibility of keeping a check on the operation of tattoo shops. However, the specific rules differ between the states and at times between the towns as well. Even though there are certain areas that imply no restrictions at all when it comes to getting a tattoo but if you fall in the age of a minor then you can legally get a tattoo only in 5 states.
Is it safe to get a tattoo?
The process of getting a tattoo inked involves a special machine used by hand which comprises a certain number of needles. This machine and the needles make tiny little pricks on your skin and then drops the tattoo ink inside these pricks. This entire process involves no administration of any kind of pain medication so you have to bear the pain.
At times, some people can become sick or develop allergic reactions to their skin during the process. Many people have been reported to develop severe skin infections after getting the procedure done. You can also catch hepatitis and AIDS if the tattoo shops reuse needles between the clients or follow low safety standards.
How to stay safe?
The million-dollar question here is that how can one ensure their own health safety while getting a tattoo? There are certain safety protocols set in place that you must follow while getting a tattoo otherwise you will end up in trouble.
For starters, never attempt tattooing your own skin by yourself. Get an appointment with a credible tattoo artist in town, one that is licensed and experienced. You must check your tattoo artist’s credentials with your state’s health department.
Moreover, keep in mind these standards while selecting a tattoo shop:
- Go for the tattoo shop where all employees have a license of operation.
- See that your tattoo artist wears all personal protective equipment to avoid any kind of contamination. Also, make sure that a new set of gloves is used when the procedure begins.
- Then ensure that the needles that your artist is using in the tattoo machine are new for every client fetched from sealed bags.
- Check that the tattoo shop has an autoclave or any sterilization equipment available to ensure sanitization.
- Talk to the staff employed at the shop. Ask them questions regarding the safety standards they follow to keep their furniture and items clean and sterilized. Find out how they dispose off the used needles and ink pots.
- Check from where the shop gets their tattoo ink. Some low-quality inks contain serious contaminants that pose danger to one’s health.
Lastly, never let alcohol influence your decision of getting a tattoo. Make sure you decide when you are sober and not in a moment of excitement. Only then you will be able to make the right decision.
