After spending hours drawing up an idea, pondering about color, working to save up the money and choosing the perfect spot for that most permanent art project, wait.
Take a moment for your health. Remember that there are health risks associated with tattoos. To minimize them, it is important to be a conscious consumer.
It is well known that diseases, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS can be transmitted if unclean needles are used. Inks may also harbor viruses and bacteria if used on more than one person.
As bacterial infection could lead to a nasty scar or even death, watch the artist pour the ink or ask to see where they put the containers when they are finished with a tattoo.
All artists at Big Mojo's suggest removing the bandage within one to three hours to wash the tattoo gently with soap and water.
For three days after receiving a tattoo, use clean hands to apply a very small amount of ointment, such as triple antibiotic or Bacitracin.
For the fourth to fourteenth day afterward, apply small amounts of unscented lotion - not baby oil or Vaseline - six times daily. Tap or slap your scab - don't scratch it. Avoid sun exposure for two weeks and use SPF 30+ after that.
While healing, also avoid swimming, hot tubs, baths and over-application of ointment.
The stick-and-poke method, utilizing India ink and sewing needles to produce a permanent image, may sound like an appealing and light-on-the-wallet novelty. It is, but price isn't the most important factor.
Though homemade equipment produces a cheap tattoo, gambling with your skin could cost you hundred of dollars later in life, or your life itself.
"There are a lot of traditional ways of getting a tattoo that can be sterile. However, not all of our sterilization equipment is something you can pack up and take to a party. It's more likely that you'll have an issue with an at-home tattoo," said Gilliland.
Keep in mind that cleanliness shouldn't be the only deciding factor in where one gets tattooed. Always look at photographs of an artist's work before getting tattooed.
Observe whether or not the lines are clean and even, and if the colors are smooth and solid.
So be sure when you decide to get a tattoo, or your next tattoo that you do some research so you pick a clean and sterile shop to get it done at.
1. Stop in the tattoo parlor before setting up an appointment. This will provide a chance to discuss the specifics of your piece as well as a chance to scope out the facility.
2. Most tattoo artists will take every precaution to keep customers free of infection. With an open cut, there's always risk involved. The proper aftercare is equally as essential as with a safe procedure.
3. Look out for dirty surfaces in the shop or unwashed hands. Make sure the artist puts on new gloves for each new tattoo.
The gloves the artist wore for the last tattoo will bear traces of the last customer's plasma and blood.
4. Ask to see sterilization equipment, such as an autoclave, which uses heat and pressure to kill microbes and pathogens on equipment after each session. The sterilization packets used in the machine should change color to show sterilization.
5. Be sure to discuss proper tattoo or piercing care with the artist. It's important to ask any questions you may have.
Be the first to comment on this article!