People have been having their bodies inked since the ancient days. But nowadays tattooing has become a mainstream practice in the Western world. People get tattoos for all sorts of reasons and in all kinds of parlors. But it's important to note that tattooing can be quite dangerous if handled carelessly and negligently. Any procedure that involves the puncturing of your skin and the shedding of some of your blood should be taken very seriously. This is mainly because you risk serious infection when your skin is exposed and your body is bleeding; however slightly. Getting a tattoo should be fun but it can turn deadly if you visit the wrong parlor. And remember that many tattoo artists also perform body piercings. This is another sensitive procedure that requires utmost care and protection. Today we are going to teach you how to pick the right tattoo parlor for all your tattoos and body piercings.

New Disposable Gloves

There are several indicators that you are in the right or wrong tattoo parlor. The first thing that you should do when you visit any tattoo parlor is to sit and observe. Take as much time as you can spare to observe their operations. Note how the artist(s) handle their clients, the tattooing equipment, and the general condition of the parlor. And while you are observing, note whether the artist(s) dispose of their tattoo exam gloves after finishing every tattoo. Disposable gloves are very important in a tattoo parlor. They protect both the client and the tattoo artist. They prevent cross contamination between the two parties. That is why you should check and confirm that the artist dons a new pair of disposable tattoo gloves after every session.

Disposable Needles And Tubes

A tattoo artist should never use the same needle on two different people. He should open new sealed needles and tubes when performing a new procedure on a new client. Established tattoo parlors use disposable kits with sealed needles and tubes on their clients. The pigment trays should also be new.

Sterilized Equipment And Surfaces

Some of the tattooing equipment, such as the tattoo machine, are too expensive to throw away after single use. But all this reusable equipment should be sterilized properly before being used again to perform the procedure on another client. You should also observe and note whether the tattoo parlor maintains high sanitary conditions. For instance, all surfaces and countertops should be cleaned and sanitized regularly to avoid contamination. During the tattooing process, some of the blood and other secretions can splatter on other surfaces and furniture. This is why the whole place should be sterilized as frequently as possible.

Nonmetallic Ink

You should also ensure that the tattoo artist uses high quality tattoo ink on your body. Inquire about the source and manufacturer of the tattoo ink. Some tattoo inks contain dangerous metallic elements and solvents. These are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and they can cause cancerous infections.

Licensed Tattoo Parlor

And last but not least, ensure that the tattoo artists are all properly trained and the parlor has a valid license. Also ensure that the artists wear all the required protective items including face masks and that you get a bib to protect your clothing.