Short answer: a good studio is clean, uses single-use consumables, explains the aftercare and does not rush you. You can check most of this in the first five minutes.
What to look at when you walk in
- A clean, tidy workplace: surfaces are wiped and disinfected, and the work area is organised.
- Preparation before the client arrives: in our studio the preparation starts an hour before the client, with cleaning and disinfection of everything needed for the session.
- Single-use consumables: ask whether needles and the other consumables are single-use.
- Gloves and protection: the artist works in gloves, and the equipment touched during the work is protected or disinfected.
The checklist health authorities give
Public health services publish a checklist that you can use in any studio:
- Reusable equipment is sterilised, in an autoclave, and the work area is cleaned and disinfected between clients.
- Needles, razors and other skin-piercing items are new, single-use and kept in sealed sterile packaging that is opened in front of you.
- The needle set or handpiece is changed between clients.
- The artist washes their hands at the start, at the end and after any break, and wears fresh single-use gloves, changing them if they touch anything other than your skin and the equipment.
- Your skin is cleaned and disinfected before it is pierced, and the ink is poured into single-use caps.
- Used needles go into a puncture-resistant sharps container.
- You get written aftercare instructions, and the studio is open to a follow-up if there is a problem.
Reused needles, visibly dirty equipment and needles dipped straight into an ink bottle are never acceptable. If the artist cannot answer yes to every point, choose another artist. The main risks named are skin infections and hepatitis, and some risk remains even in a good studio.
Questions you can ask
- Are the needles and consumables single-use?
- How is the workplace cleaned between clients?
- What aftercare instructions will I get?
- Can I see healed tattoos by the same artist?
A good artist answers these calmly and without being offended. If the answers are vague, that is information too.
Portfolio and communication
Look at the portfolio, and ask to see healed work as well as fresh photos. A good artist listens to your idea, tells you honestly what will and will not work at the size you want, and does not pressure you to decide on the spot.
Aftercare is part of hygiene
Every client of Gall Tattoo Studio receives the aftercare steps printed on paper, together with the products they need. Read them here: tattoo aftercare.
Next step
See the work in the portfolio, read how to choose a tattoo artist, or send your idea through the inquiry form. Questions about skin conditions or medication need advice from a doctor.
Sources for the checklist: Western Australia Department of Health and Alberta Health Services.