When you get a tattoo, you should be aware that the needles used vibrate extremely rapidly when they break through your skin to apply the ink.
A tattoo is created within the inner layer of your skin and because the needle has to go beneath the third layer of skin to apply a tattoo, it is very important to be aware of the safety aspects of tattooing and what to look out for to prevent any mishaps.
I’m sure most people are aware that tattooing does carry an element of risk but it is no more dangerous than most other activities and with the right care and attention most of the risk can be minimized if not completely eradicated.
The majority of people worry about catching HIV through dirty and contaminated needles and while HIV is indeed a risk, there are also other viruses and diseases to consider. Hepatitis, tuberculosis and syphilis can all be caught through tattoo needles although if the tattooist follows the appropriate safety code this won’t happen.
Make sure you see the tattooist sterilize his needle before use. Simply wiping the needle with an alcoholic sterilization is not good enough. He needs to use a steam pressure autoclave and also wear rubber gloves at all time when touching the needle. These should be disposed of after each session and any other utensils used to apply ointment should also be disinfected, sterilized or got rid of.
Above all, the most important thing is that before any tattoo application begins, the tattooist must use a new set of needles. This goes without saying but there are still 100s of reports of seemingly reputable tattoo parlors recycling tattoo needles. It’s amazing that this still goes on but unfortunately it does. Don’t be a victim here. Make sure you see the tattooist actually open a new needle packet before he begins. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Choosing a tattoo parlor to visit based on safety concerns should be a primary concern of yours. I don’t want to create unnecessary fear; most parlors are clean and safe since if they weren’t they would go quickly out of business. They have their livehoods to protect after all. The rule of thumb should be – if it looks dirty and unclean to you then get the hell out of there. It’s just not worth the risk no matter what the price is. As always, common seem is your best friend.
For a tattoo member’s site which offers an excellent directory of pre-approved and reputable tattoo parlors, you should check out Chopper Tattoo Designs which is one of the leading premium tattoo design galleries on the web.